Written by Denise Gary
Photographs © Robert Gary and Steven Gary
Who can resist Mr. and Ms. PAC-MAN? When our friends at Bookmans Entertainment Exchange offered to throw KNTR a party to celebrate the opening of our new office, we knew it was time to light up the Geek Arch again! It cheerfully welcomed the many supporters who came to celebrate with us, including author Janette Rallison, whom we greeted . . .
. . . and then escorted underneath the glorious archway into the party room.
Chairman James Blasingame and Debbie Brown helped me receive our guests.
Lori Whipple presented the party on behalf of Bookmans.
Lori made sure there was no shortage of delicious things to eat and drink, supplied by the wonderful Bookmans Mesa Cafe.
Of course, Lori did not forget to bring the all-important Dr Pepper, as there can be no KNTR party without the magical drink!
Music was provided by Bonnie Lou Coleman, a classical guitar master whose playing brightened the evening in the most beautiful way.
It was a pleasure to see our volunteers and supporters enjoying the evening.
Joy Leveen and I enjoyed several laughs reminiscing about the KNTR HIKRZ Jamboree.
My reenactment of PJ Haarsma exclaiming “Heroes Us All” at the top of Pass Mountain may have been a bit over the top!
Brandy Kuschel enjoyed a delectable Bookmans chocolate chip cookie. (Yummy!)
Phoenix Comicon Programming Director Joe Boudrie was able to show his wife Fredie his handiwork, as he had helped put together the KNTR furniture when we first moved into the office.
KNTR volunteers Nacole Vickery and Carl Wagner enjoyed the company of friends.
Gemini investigated the conference room.
It was a rare treat to have so many volunteers and supporters together in one room, so I took to the floor to express my thanks to those who were present.
Bonnie Lou was applauded for providing such excellent entertainment during the evening.
Thanking Debbie Brown for her many years of service to KNTR proved difficult, as tears rendered me speechless.
There were hugs.
There was laughter.
Of course, everyone got to see our new banner proudly hanging over our work place.
We thank Robert Gary and Steve Gary for being our photographers throughout the evening.
KNTR Creative Director Robert Gary
Steve Gary
James, Debb, and I are so grateful to all of the folks who came to help us celebrate this exciting milestone in the life of Kids Need to Read. Thanks so much, Lori and Bookmans, for giving us all such a wonderful evening to remember!
