Annual Meeting 2011
Business and pleasure mingled at this year’s Annual Meeting which took place at the beautiful Franklin Hills Country Club on June 22nd. IVC Detroit Vice President Matthew Kasle once again did us the honor of hosting the event, which he calls a “wrap party” for the fiscal year. Members and friends of IVC Detroit socialized over cocktails before the business portion of the evening as well as during dinner.
This was an occasion to celebrate the many successes of the year and to plan for the future. Some highlights of the year were the 2011 Gala, the World Music Celebration, the wine tasting at the Lark and our many cultural events, not to mention successful programming for more than 120 international visitors! IVC Treasurer Colette Sirhal added that this year the budget deficit was decreased due to the successful World Music Celebration along with Gala proceeds- a significant accomplishment at a time when many non-profits are struggling.
Another achievement was manifest in one of our new guests. A goal of our ongoing Strategic Plan is to make IVC Detroit more visible in the community with our new website. Invited guest Rhiannon Lewis, an international relations and political science major at Wayne State, discovered IVC by typing “international-detroit” into Google!
After the election of Officers & Directors we were pleased to welcome Dan Milan to our Board of Directors. He is a financial Advisor for AXA Advisors, LLC and the Principal and Founder of Estate Planning Strategies and Implementation Law Firm at the Law Office of Daniel J. Milan, PLLC. IVC recognized Faris Alami, Fouad Ashkar, Connie Hogan and Sue & Bill Ahlstrom for their service and promotion of IVC.
Attendees came from a wide variety of communities, and this year we welcomed new IVC Detroit Business Member Miller Canfield with representing attorney Tim Andersson. New IVC Detroit members are Ken & Kristin Enborg introduced to IVC by Connie Hogan.
Written by: Tessa Huttenlocher, Intern
IVC Detroit 39th Anniversary Gala
International Visitors Council of Detroit (IVC Detroit) celebrated its 39th Anniversary at a Gala Friday night June 10th honoring Michigan Supreme Court Justices (past & present) for their support of citizen diplomacy.
Gala Sponsors included: General Motors, Dickinson Wright, Miller Canfield, Plunkett Cooney, DTE Energy, Lorna & Nick Abraham, Sue & Paul Nine, Erick Reickert & Lady Susan Willis Reickert.
IVC Detroit President Dr. Fern Espino welcomed special US Department of State dignitaries from Ghana invoking a Blessing. Co Chairs Colette Sirhal & Barb Browne recognized Chief Justice Robert Young, Justice Mary Beth Kelly, Justice Stephen Markman and former Justice Maura Corrigan (now Director of the Department of Health & Human Services appointed by Governor Rick Snyder) with a plaque that will hang in Lansing in the Michigan Hall of Justice. Bonnie Brennan, Senior VP of Sotheby’s New York served as Auctioneer for the 2nd year encouraging bidding on a Comerica Suite for a Detroit Tigers Game and several other premier items.
The Gala was a stellar event that included Lebanon’s Acting Consul General Hussam Diab & Oscar winning producer Sue Marx among the attendees. Simone Vitale’s band & singers provided musical entertainment and guests enjoyed a solo by IVC veteran supporter Dr. Yvan Silva. The weather didn’t cooperate so guests enjoyed cocktails & appetizers on the beautiful porch of the Little Club in Grosse Pointe Farms overlooking Lake St. Clair. Dinner tables were decked with navy/yellow & white Spring flowers that were enhanced with international flags.
IVC Detroit Gala Update
IVC Detroit’s Gala is only two days away! Make your reservations today!
IVC Detroit is excited to welcome 12 delegates from Ghana at our Gala this Friday, June 10th. The participants are invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State participating in an International Visitor Leadership Program focused on “Local Government Administration & Public-Private Partnership in the U.S.”, for a 4-day visit to Detroit.
The Gala honoring Michigan Supreme Court Justices (Past & Present) at a private club in Grosse Pointe overlooking Lake St. Clair, will feature cocktails on the Verandah, Dinner & Dancing to Simone Vitale’s Band, a brief honoring ceremony and a fabulous auction by auctioneer Bonnie Brennan of Sotheby’s New York.
Premium Auction items include: Katy Perry Concert Tickets, Tony Bennett Concert Tickets, a Suite at Comerica Park, a Persian Rug, and a “Fabulous Evening Package” including Summer Cruise Tickets on the Ovation Yacht, a Lark Restaurant Gift Certificate and a Townsend Hotel Stay, plus various other items!
IVC Detroit 2011 Annual Gala only one week away
IVC Detroit’s June 10th Gala is only one week away !!! Make your reservations today !!! Ticket information can be found on the IVC Detroit website.
Plans are well underway for the Tribute honoring Michigan Supreme Court Justices at a private club in Grosse Pointe overlooking Lake St. Clair. Several Justices (present & past) will be attending the Gala. Cocktails on the Verandah, Dinner & Dancing to Simone Vitale’s Band and a brief honoring ceremony will be part of the festivities.
Planning Chairs: Colette Sirhal & Barb Browne assisted by Sue & Paul Nine, Lorna & Nick Abraham, Connie Hogan, Dennis Archer, Justice Maura Corrigan, Ellena Gatzaros, Anne & Brian Green have secured Gala Sponsorships and Auction items.
Bonnie Brennan of Sotheby’s New York has again volunteered her auctioneering skills.
Spring Wine Tasting at the Lark
“Fabulous” was the word Ed Bartley used to describe IVC Detroit’s Spring wine tasting at The Lark Restaurant. Marilyn & Ed Bartley came from Grosse Pointe-across town- to enjoy the beautiful Spring night on the Lark’s patio chatting with friends from metro Detroit hailing from all parts of the city & suburbs. Scott Brills thanked Co Chair Connie Hogan who spearheaded the SOLD OUT event along with IVC Board Member Jonathan Swift. Connie chose Monday May 9th along with Kay Wilson & Adrian Lark as the date for the wine tasting hoping that the herb gardens and patio would be open for the guests. The weather cooperated and Adrian shared that it was the official opening of the Lark’s patio. Everyone enjoyed the guitar music entertainment by Terry Stevenson with a bit of sing a long and dancing. Sally Gerak from Birmingham/Bloomfield The Paper was covering the event. Gail Fisher from HOUR Magazine joined the festivities. Most of all attendees enjoyed the outstanding wine selection and Lark appetizers. Voted most popular hors d’oeuvres were the marinated lamb kebobs and lobster bites along with the key lime desserts and triangle pecans. Didier Blanc Fume de Pouilly 2008 won the top choice for the white wine selection while a Napa 2006 Alpha Omega was the popular red selection. Wine sales were robust. IVC was happy to welcome new & veteran supporters. IVC promoted the upcoming Gala on June 10th honoring Michigan Supreme Court Judges. A fabulous certificate from The Lark Restaurant will be included in the Auction offerings.
