Friday night, the sun was still shining for Bobbie Gifford as people started to show up at the Glen Magna mansion for the annual Champagne Gala, the traditional kickoff to Family Festival. Always a successful and fun event, this one was even more special because it was going to be Bobbie’s night to shine with a smile that was as bright as the sun in the sky. The one thing missing was seeing Bobbie in her usual spot greeting guests as they walked through the pathway from the parking lot and across the lush green grass toward the festivities on the lawn. But, the indomitable Bobbie Gifford wouldn’t miss the gala even though she had to be in a wheel chair, the one major concession to the debilitating illness that had her hospitalized and then in rehab for half a year. There she was, with the same contagious smile, though tinged with tears at times at seeing so many friends and admirers who were there just to honor this remarkable lady. Gifford was being recognized that night with the Baron Mayer award for all she has done for this community and the people in it. Trudy Cullen, Baron Mayer award chairwoman, could barely utter her words of introduction and praise without breaking down with emotion. She highlighted how Bobbie has a special way of getting people to do anything for her as people in the audience smiled at their own memories. Who hasn’t been approached with her encouraging words and cajoling “Honey,” making you feel you have to sa ...
Anytime
Friday night, the sun was still shining for Bobbie Gifford as people started to show up at the Glen Magna mansion for the annual Champagne Gala, the traditional kickoff to Family Festival. Always a successful and fun event, this one was even more special because it was going to be Bobbie’s night to shine with a smile that was as bright as the sun in the sky. The one thing missing was seeing Bobbie in her usual spot greeting guests as they walked through the pathway from the parking lot and across the lush green grass toward the festivities on the lawn. But, the indomitable Bobbie Gifford wouldn’t miss the gala even though she had to be in a wheel chair, the one major concession to the debilitating illness that had her hospitalized and then in rehab for half a year. There she was, with the same contagious smile, though tinged with tears at times at seeing so many friends and admirers who were there just to honor this remarkable lady. Gifford was being recognized that night with the Baron Mayer award for all she has done for this community and the people in it. Trudy Cullen, Baron Mayer award chairwoman, could barely utter her words of introduction and praise without breaking down with emotion. She highlighted how Bobbie has a special way of getting people to do anything for her as people in the audience smiled at their own memories. Who hasn’t been approached with her encouraging words and cajoling “Honey,” making you feel you have to sa ...