2019 Annual Corporate Meeting and Luncheon
Saturday, January 26, 2019 | 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Theme: People, Purpose, Passion: A Living Legacy of Success
ALPI’s 2019 Annual Corporate Meeting and Luncheon was held on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This year’s meeting marked 51 years of the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. providing services to socially and economically disadvantaged children and families throughout the State of Florida. Over 400 Corporate partners, Board members and guests attended ALPI’s largest annual event. The theme for this year’s event was: “People, Purpose, Passion: A Living Legacy of Success.”
Mistress of Ceremonies for this year’s luncheon was Stacy Campbell-Domineck, ALPI Board Vice Chairperson and President/CEO of CareerSource Polk, Lakeland, FL. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by the National Anthem, as performed by Christian Ryan. The Welcome and Occasion message was delivered by Sheila Dixon of Sanford, FL (ALPI Board Member). Words of Inspiration were shared by the Reverend Vernon McQueen of Sanford, FL (ALPI Board Member), followed immediately by the message from the ALPI Board Chairperson, William Holt of Vero Beach, FL. A lovely musical performance was given by Christine Wilson of ALPI’s Frostproof Child Development Center in Frostproof, FL. ALPI’s Board Leadership and Community Service Awards were presented by the new ALPI Chief Executive Officer, Arlene Dobison. Immediately following the awards presentation, the 2019 ALPI Board of Directors was installed by Jonathan Thiele, Esq. (ALPI Board Counsel). Event guests were recognized by Annette Jones of Sanford, FL (ALPI Board Member), followed by the presentation of the ALPI Board Governance Support and Leadership Awards by William Holt. ALPI Board Member Patricia Gamble (Lakeland, FL) recognized all event program participants. Immediately following the lunch portion of the event, Josephine Howard (ALPI Board Secretary), proceeded to recite an edited version of Maya Angelou’s award-winning poem, “Phenomenal Woman” for the purpose of preparing the audience for the keynote speaker, whose message focused on the retirement of a truly phenomenal woman. The keynote speaker offered a beautifully constructed slide show presentation discussing world-famous, phenomenal women, with the last (but not least) woman being Deloris Johnson, former ALPI Chief Executive Officer.
Whatever would we do if we could not reflect on our history?
To some: Our people, purpose and passion may still be a Magnificent Mystery.
But we cannot and we will not continue to keep this rare jewel concealed.
I submit to you, the sophisticated steward behind the curtain has got to be revealed.
Revelation, in a manner that is most befitting for such an occasion.
Now that I think about it, this jewel MUST be of the female persuasion.
A woman of elegance, a woman of style, her sophistication and professionalism has made this past 30 years worthwhile.
The sheer essence of this Magnificent Mystery will leave you wanting more and more.
But we’ll have to savor the times we’ve shared. After all, that’s what this moment is for.
Thereafter, a poem was read by Marjorie Gaskin (ALPI Board Member), followed by a presentation by Stacy Campbell-Domineck entitled “You DO Know Her”, which recognized some of the amazing accomplishments of Ms. Johnson’s tenure as Chief Executive Officer. Spoken Word was skillfully performed by Sophia Harris (ALPI staff member). A “Reminiscent Moment” was an emotional and touching personal tribute by Barbara Wright, a 40+ year friend of Ms. Johnson. A “Moment of Appreciation” was a presentation of gifts from friend and former staff who worked with Ms. Johnson. A special Proclamation and Presentation from the Board was presented by William Holt, which was followed by Ms. Johnson’s closing remarks, “I am deeply touched by all the kindness and appreciation shown to me here today. Words cannot express my sincere gratitude. It has been a pleasure and a joy to serve The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. for 30 years!”
The event was indeed “An Afternoon of Elegance”, with guests in their glittery finest… gowns and tuxedos that transformed the event into an Oscar-worthy setting. The momentous occasion was both an eclectic and enthralling experience … a fitting tribute and bon-voyage to a truly “Magnificent Woman”. It was quite clear that everyone present was saying their personal farewell to something that was indeed very special. Yet, at the same time, the atmosphere was charged with a certain sense of all the wonderful possibilities that lay ahead under ALPI’s new leadership.
The very well attended program was concluded with an extended standing ovation, complete with thunderous applause, emotional goodbyes and many tears of joy.