Winter 2014 ASTEC Comet Newsletter Winter 2014 | страница 2

2 The ASTEC Comet Winter 2014 Door-Opener Awards Gala A Huge Success by any Measure (From left) Governor Bill Anoatubby, Becky Switzer, Dr. Freda Deskin, Mary Mélon and Pete Delaney The sold-out Door-Opener Awards Gala on September 19 netted The ASTEC Fund, Inc. more than $100,000 and was deemed a huge success. Co-chairs Lou Kerr and William G. Paul, Esq. bestowed Door-Opener awards on Governor Bill Anoatubby, Pete Delaney, Mary Mélon, and Becky Switzer, as 320 guests looked upon. Prior to ascending the stage to receive their award, honorees were introduced by Dick Pryor, deputy director and managing editor of OETA. His remarks were followed by short and inspiring individual videos of each honoree. The event’s lead sponsors included The Chickasaw Nation, IBC Bank, and Pitsco, Inc. Presenting sponsors included The Boldt Company, Kimray, Inc., and Williams, Box, Forshee & Bullard, P.C. Sponsors’ representatives helped Ms. Kerr and Mr. Paul present awards. Reflecting on the event, Dr. Freda Deskin, founder and CEO of ASTEC, Inc. states: “The ASTEC Charter Schools family remains very grateful for the turnout and financial support for this first-time event. There are so many people to thank including volunteers, table sponsors, silent auction donors and our hard-working staff. They established an annual celebration of public education and an important vehicle for honoring those persons who have helped open doors for others in our society.” Please, mark your calendars for next year’s event. The second annual Door-Opener Awards Gala will be held Thursday, September 4, 2014 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City. “Be an opener of doors for such as come after thee.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson