The event planning itself was not without its challenges, with two major hurricanes within weeks of each other and the luncheons. We even thought briefly about rescheduling. But our members inspire us to dig a little deeper when it’s required. It was an opportunity to flex a few more of our values: flexibility, stamina, optimism, and perseverance. If members like Connie Mulligan and Joshua Posada (member testimonials), Brent Jephson and Aaron Williams (co-emcees) were willing to bravely share their personal stories on stage, we were determined to rise to meet them. Special thanks to our generous Academy at Glengary sponsor, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and congratulations to our Academy Award winner, Stewie Bitterman, for his role as Ambassador Extraordinaire. We are, and will always be, stronger together.