Imagine Bermuda Honours ‘Hospitality Heroes’
On the evening of Thursday, May 7th, Imagine Bermuda held a Pot Luck Supper at Cathedral Hall, honouring those residents highlighted as ‘Hospitality Heroes & Champions’ during the month of April.
“This gathering was appropriate in the circumstances, since Pot Luck is an icon of local heritage, an example of the tradition of hospitality amongst families, neighbours and the wider community,” Imagine Bermuda said.
From left – Brian Brangman – bus driver; Gene Steede; Alex Scott; Sandy Butterfield; Ann Smith Gordon; Kim Thompson – Mirrors; Jaja Millett – Royal Bermuda Yacht Club; Patricia Robinson – Fairmont Southampton – Spa; John Swan; Izola & Gerald Harvey
“Providing the ‘pots’ of food for these ‘guests of honour’ were a variety of residents, including the Minister of Tourism Shawn Crockwell; former -Minister of Community & Culture Dale Butler; Presiding Elder of the A.M.E Churches of Bermuda Rev Betty Furbert-Woolridge; President of the 7th Day Adventist Churches Pastor Ken Manders; amongst a number of others who joined in this act of appreciation.
“This was the second occasion celebrating these 25 honourees. The first was on April 25th as guests at a reception at Hamilton Princess and Beach Club, hosted by the Bermuda Hospitality Institute [BHI], along with a number of residents completing hospitality training courses.
“It is worth noting that of that number, eight of the honourees have not been able to make either event; which speaks to just how active these honourees are in our community.
“Two of those unable to attend were Anne Mello and Eugene Dean. Anne is well known for her pivotal role in the End-to-End Walk, the largest event of its kind in the Island. For more than two decades, Anne has been the quarterback, annually bringing together a diverse crowd of thousands of residents, who are prepared to take on the challenge, which raises so much for worthy causes.
“Eugene Dean’s signature slogan is Unity in the Community. He puts his words into action, as he recently demonstrated at Dockyard a few weeks ago. When some of us were discussing the ‘loss’ of the Agricultural Exhibition, Eugene took that occasion and instead pulled a group together to provide a variety of activities at Dockyard for family fun – totally free of charge.
“Anne and Eugene demonstrate the spirit that exists across our island by a number of residents; a spirit of bringing people together, a spirit of hospitality.
“Imagine Bermuda has already begun a conversation with the BHI to continue our involvement on an annual basis, to broaden the implication for Hospitality Month, beyond the Visitor Industry aspect. We believe that galvanizing a movement across the entire community can promote a renaissance of hospitality, thus sustaining future generations in our Island.”
