Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Centennial Gala April 8, 2016
Intercontinental Hotel
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.
The first Garden (Shakespeare Garden which became the British Garden) was established in April 1916 so 100 years are being celebrated all year. There are special events planned in the Gardens, the creation of a Centennial Plaza and One World Day on August 28, 2016.
A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ welcome the crowd and tell his own personal stories about growing up near the Gardens.
Dick Russ
Dick Russ then introduced Ken Kovach who led the National Anthem.
Ken Kovach
Singing the national anthem
CCGF President Sheila Murphy Crawford welcomed the crowd and gave some updates on the Gardens.
Sheila Murphy Crawford
President Crawford called up the CCGF Executive Board and asked the audience to join them in a toast to the 100th anniversary of the gardens - in their native language.
Sheila Murphy Crawford
Sláinte! Prost! Kong chien! Na zdraví! Santé! Cheers!
Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ introduce Pastor Caviness for the invocation. Since 1961, Reverend Emmitt Theophilus Caviness has served as Pastor of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland.
Reverend Emmitt Theophilus Caviness
After dinner, CCGF President Sheila Murphy Crawford introduced Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ who acknowledged some of the dignitaries in attendance such as Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Consul of Ireland from Chicago Orla McBreen.
Sheila Murphy Crawford
Dick Russ
CCGF Executive Board member Dan Hanson presented some of the proclamations received including from Mayor Frank Jackson, State Senator Tom Patton and Governor John Kasich. He then showed video tributes from Senator Rob Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown. Then a special letter from President Barack Obama from the White House was read and displayed.
Dan Hanson
Letter from President Barack Obama
US Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) sent this video message to show his support for the Gardens on their 100th anniversary and for their message of 'Peace through Mutual Understanding.'
Senator Rob Portman
US Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent this video message to show his support for the Gardens on their 100th anniversary and for their message of 'Peace through Mutual Understanding.'
Senator Sherrod Brown
Then Dick Russ introduced keynote speaker Chris Ronayne of University Circle Inc.
The keynote speech by Chris Ronayne of University Circle Inc. is divided into the following 4 videos (well worth your time viewing them all).
Part 1
Chris Ronayne
At the end of Part 2 of the keynote speech, Chris Ronayne presents a check to CCGF president Sheila Crawford.
Part 2 - Chris Ronayne and Sheila Crawford
Part 3
Conclusion (Part 4)
The evening continued with dancing to the music of Kevin Conwell and Footprints, socializing and the silent auction.
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