2019 Event Recap
A Green Gala
St. Patrick’s Day came early for guests of MIRA’s 103 Annual Trade Dinner and Ball. The Irish theme resonated throughout the night starting with photos of green backgrounds and board members wearing green bow ties. Many attendees showed some green with their attire as well. Guests strolled into cocktail hour listening to the tunes of a Celtic Irish Band sponsored by Republic National Distribution Company.
The cocktail hour included hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and a silent auction of sports memorabilia by Bruce Mugerian Show Promotions. As Penna’s staff closed off the last section of the hall, guests moved into the dining area. The short program included welcoming remarks from Auday Arabo, President and CEO, the National Anthem sung by Michael Cavin, Sales Manager, RNDC of Michigan, Invocation by State Representative and former MIRA board member Joe Bellino, passing of the gavel from Phil Kassa to Paul Elhindi and a special video tribute to longtime board member Al Chittaro. The Video can be seen on MIRA’s Facebook page.
Many members commented and shared what they liked most about the gala in the ATM section on page 6. One of the things everyone seems to love is all the activities of the night. This year they included a cappuccino station that featured stylish and sophisticated gourmet coffee and hot beverages with or without alcohol that was sponsored by Oscar W. Larson Co. The cigar patio featured premium cigars available after dinner in a heated outdoor patio which was sponsored by Value Wholesale. The cupcake bar included specialty deserts sponsored by Sherwood Food Distributors. The green-screen photos captured the guests on-site digitally and offered a printed copy to guests to take home which was sponsored by Kroger., The ice cream station offered Ashby’s Sterling ice cream in a variety of flavors sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy Co. The Las Vegas gaming enabled the top three chip leaders to win prices. This was sponsored by D&B Grocers Wholesale & Distributors. The National Coney Island coney-dog station offered the perfect late-night snack sponsored by Monster Energy. The potato chip display featured bags of chips sponsored by Frito Lay. The step & repeat photo allowed guests to feel like a star as they stepped onto the red carpet to pose for a photo that they took home. This was sponsored by Faygo Beverages. The wine and cheese bar and table wines featured a variety of domestic and imported cheeses with flat breads and crackers sponsored by Great Lakes Wine and Spirits.
“We want to extend a special thank you to everyone attending this event,” said Auday Arabo, MIRA’s President and CEO. “It’s the one time of the year that we come together as an association to celebrate our hard work and commitment to the industry.”