Daughters Day, a longstanding holiday tradition for our club, unfolded in full Yuletide glory this week.
As is custom, the daughters control the proceedings. So President Bobby Reed called the meeting to order and immediately handed the gavel to the day’s president Ella Keefer, Loyola Chicago sophomore and daughter of PEN Paul Keefer.
President Ella applauded Elfrena Foord for beautiful holiday piano music during the wine reception, and she acknowledged photographer John Swentowsky. She thanked greeter Kayla Abbott, granddaughter of Bill Proffit, and saluted the day’s sergeants-at-arms, Jamie Furlong and her twin sister Noelle. The duo circulated around the room to introduce the many guests in attendance.
Seven-year-old Mila Reed (daughter of President Bobby) led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem was performed by Rachel Lee (daughter-in-law of Clayton Lee). Alisa Shubb (daughter of Judge Bill Shubb) delivered a Thought for the Day on the value of good traditions – like Daughters Day.
President Ella awarded prizes to a few daughters of distinction – a pair who traveled furthest to attend the luncheon (Barcelona youngsters Clara and Maria McVeigh, granddaughters of PP Dan McVeigh); the one who has attended the most Daughters Day events (Dr. Harold Strauch’s daughter Kim Briggs, who first attended back in 1968), and the youngest daughter in attendance, three-year-old Emma, great-granddaughter of Kiefie Breuer.
Five youth performers from McKeever Irish School of Dance wowed the crowd with a selection of jigs and reels, culminating in a traditional Irish dance holiday number. The youngest dancer, just a tot, bore an endearing resemblance to Cindy Lou Who, who was no more than two!
Then it was time for Yuletide singing, karaoke-style. Shirlee Tully, PE Kerry Wood and PP Kevin Smith-Fagan backed featured singer Rachel Dee Minyard in a spirited version of All I Want for Christmas is You, and then the foursome coaxed the room into joining in some caroling.
A raffle drawing made prize winners of several folks including Kathe Nathan, Rachel Dee Minyard, Rhonda Poppen, Ted White, PP Walter Dahl, Mary McVeigh, and Sulaf al-Ajeeli.
The star of the season, Santa Claus himself, made a surprise entrance!, and Santa led the group in song as he spread holiday cheer.
In drawing the gathering to a close, President Ella thanked the many contributors to the day’s success, in particular organizers Justino Santana and Megan Laurie, PEN Paul Keefer, and club administrator LaToya Wong.
Club luncheons resume on January 7, 2025!
Thank you to our Photographers for the day, owner of Swentowsky Photography, John Swentowsky, and Virginia Wade.
