Held in the magical mansion that was the home of Las Vegas’ most legendary entertainer, the Liberace Mansion was an elegant, interesting, and beautiful setting for our 2019 Awards Banquet. Members entered on a Red Carpet, were served a glass of Champagne, posed for their individual photos, and had open access to this incredible home, filled with artifacts and memorabilia from Liberace himself, including 12 unique pianos. The Ballroom was impeccably decorated with roses, ornate dinnerware, Candelabras at every table, and personal seating by the staff for a plated 3-course dinner. During the meal, we were entertained by a 3-piece trio of piano, guitar, and voice. After dinner, Mike Borders served as our Master of Ceremonies for our Awards Presentation. Following the awards, for the entertainment section of the evening, we were treated to a wonderful, authentic performance by a tribute artist portraying Liberace himself, complete with outlandish costume, rings, hair, perfect teeth, and, just like Liberace himself, oozing with charm and humor. Joking with the audience, playing the piano, and recalling the history of Liberace’s life through his music, it was a fitting end to a wonderful evening.
The awards for 2019 began with the Special Awards category, recognizing the efforts of club members who truly embrace the concepts of camaraderie, selfless volunteer work, friendship, and fun for all:
- Most Participation of Events: Bonnie Corbett
- Most Active Overall Member: Ken Rees
- Special Recognition for Charity Events: “Christmas Kettle,” Brenda and Jimmy Cavallo.
- Best Invitational Event: “National Corvette Museum Run,” Sandra Hart
- Best Promotional Flyer: “Vette-Together at the Winery,” Robert and Jan Humphrey.
- Most Active Non-Member: Michael Hart. (We are all waiting to see his new C8 Corvette and become an active member in 2020!)
- Most Active New Members: 2 couples were recognized:
- Cecil and Marlene Cunningham, who attended 19 events this year, even though they joined the Club in April. Despite being “newcomers,” they jumped right in, with Cecil volunteering to be the 2020 Storekeeper, and Marlene taking over 2020 Sunshine.
- Robert and Jan Humphrey. Participating in 14 LVCA events, plus organizing a few of their own, last year they also helped with the 45th Anniversary Dinner and she put together the most beautiful baskets for the door prizes. He has taken over the NewsVetter and she has helped Marsha with delivering raffle gifts. They have always helped the club in their expertise, planned runs and charity events in any way they can.
- Longest Standing Active Members: Jenny and Larry Leard. They are Charter Members, with 47 years of service to LVCA.
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Lennard Grodzinsky, for his tireless efforts and literally hundreds of personal hours getting our new web site up and running on the New Club Express platform.
- Most Members Recruited: Lin and Roy Hoernke
- Sponsorship Recognition Award: Findlay Chevrolet. This is the 9th year that Findlay Chevrolet has been our Sponsor …. Since 2011. Findlay Chevrolet has graciously agreed to be our Sponsor for 2020 and we are very excited and happy to continue our relationship with all the folks at Findlay Chevrolet. An additional award was given to Slim Stephens. Slim has always been there for us and has been available at every club meeting to answer all our questions and/or just to say hello.
- Racer's Edge: For the 2019 MTT Autocross Jerry Cline was the champion and Ken Rees the runner up. In the 2019 ET Bracket Drags Pat Russell was the champion and Ken Rees the runner up.
Following the Special Awards were the annual awards for Community Service and Longevity.
Gino & Scarlett Montoya presented the Community Service Awards for members participating in the 12 charity events we held in 2019. These events were:
- Laps for Charity-- Child Haven
- Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – St. Baldrick’s Foundation
- NORC Ely Volunteers
- Road Run -Boulder City
- NCM Meet and Great
- Mt Charleston Run – Fire Fighters
- Silver State Volunteers
- Street Teens Donations
- Temple Bar Run
- Findlay Thanksgiving Car Show
- Adopt a Kettle- Salvation Army
- Suitcase Drive- Child Haven
LVCA Longevity Pins were presented by Kathy Clapp:
This year, there were 6 new Mossyback Inductees: Brenda Cavallo, Jimmy Cavallo, Steve Dana, Cindy Fuller, Skip Kelley, and Bill Thomas. The Mossyback Oath was administered by Larry Leard, the “Mossiest” of Mossybacks.
This year’s Banquet Committee was recognized: Lin and Roy Hoernke, Donna Mergele, Irene Duis, Sandra and Mike Hart, & Dawn and Jim Gregorio.
Following the Awards, we held the official 2019 - 2020 E-Board Transition. The 2019 and 2020 E-Boards were introduced, followed by comments from both Presidents, and concluded with the Passing of the Gavel.
After the Gavel was passed, Roy Hoernke came forward and presented Benita with a new Bowling Ball to replace the one that was lost in 2018. Just after the presentation, the Bowling Ball was promptly stolen again!