Blue Gardenia Ball Speech 2013 by the President of Cancer Support Services, Gloria Antonia Hinds
Dr. Theresa Laurent and Mr Barry Tudor, members of the Board of Directors, Representatives of Corporate Barbados, The Executive Council of Cancer Support services, fellow volunteers, specially invited guest, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening.
It is my distinct honour to welcome you to our Blue Gardenia Ball. This evening is one of significance for Cancer Support Services, as this is the first Dinner and ball being hosted by the organisation.
Pause with me for a moment and think of a clear blue sky on a lovely sunny day, somewhere on a luxury cruise liner, with an orchestra playing on the deck. The blue sky and the fresh breeze coming off the ocean speak of an ambiance full of relaxation and enjoyment. As you sit in this ball room it is our intention that you have an experience that equals or surpasses the one that we just visualised together. As you interact here this evening with this company of great individuals whether dancing or humming along to the sweet sounds of the Royal Barbados Police Band or sharing over the delicious meal that has been prepared, may this inaugural ball be a memorable one.
As you glance at the centre of your table you will see that there is a name of a blue flower. At this point I would like to highlight a few.
Forget me not- we trust that at the end of this night you would have had such an enjoyable time, that you will remember us and join us at another event.
Periwinkle blue- signifies the beginning of friendship. May this evening be the beginning of a lasting connection with the Cancer Support Services family and may you also meet someone here who becomes a good friend.
Blue Iris is the expression of Faith, wisdom and hope. May you experience more of these in your life.
The Blue Gardenia is an accurate description of you as a people this evening. You are lovely.
John F. Kennedy said “we must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives” so I end on a note of gratitude which is the expression of the Hydrangea flower. Je vous remerice , Muchas gracias, thank you for being here. Tonight I stand to be the voice of my organisation, the patients of ward C12 the Ward that we have adopted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the many other patients and their families who will benefit from the funds raised from this Dinner and Ball. Your support of this fundraising dinner and ball helps us to live out our motto “Hands to share and hearts to care. Help us to help others” and also to fulfil our mission, to be committed through a Spirit of Volunteerism to the care of persons with cancer and to bring comfort and support to the affected relatives and dependants.
When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. Maya Angelou.
Ladies and gentlemen, once again I thank you and please have an enjoyable evening.
Speech by the President of Cancer Support Services
Gloria Antonia Hinds
