In an interesting way, it's as if we've come full circle, as it was 10 years ago that my dear friend, George Sarofeen, first proposed hosting a Gene convention in his adopted hometown of Cincinnati. My first Gene convention, Tulsa's "Oil Baron's Ball" had wrapped only a couple of weeks before, and I was riding high with enthusiasm and awe for everything Gene -- including the talented "Gene Team" designer, George.
I can still hear the excitement in George's voice as he told me about the magnificent Netherland Plaza Hotel and ideas for his chosen theme, "Radio Days".
I, on the other hand, had my heart set on a "Derby Dreams" convention in Louisville -- my beloved husband, Danny's, hometown.
In the following
weeks, I became a big fan of Cincinnati and all that George proposed, but in
true gentleman style, he graciously conceded that Louisville would be the
perfect place for the 2003 convention -- as long as HE could host Gene's 10th
anniversary convention in Cincinnati!
Thus, George and I formed a fast friendship that would endure many ups and downs of life, including the passing of my dear Danny and the retirement of Gene.
And the 10th Anniversary Gene Convention? George again graciously conceded that I could organize that convention -- in my chosen city of Stamford Connecticut, Gene's "hometown" -- and that he would fill the role of convention costume designer. Working with George on the fashions for the "Decade of Dreams" convention was one of the highlights of my "Gene years" -- as well as a lifeline I so desperately needed after losing Danny only a few short weeks before -- and I silently vowed to one day repay George's kindness by making the Cincinnati convention he so desired actually happen.
I'm very grateful I could do that with "Sandra Stillwell Presents: Radio Days", complete with George's new associates, Horsman Dolls, and their muse, Vita, in attendance! It was especially neat to hear George's recollections and pictures from his illustrious history in doll fashion design and his bright future with Horsman.
Though there were changes from George's original ideas ten years ago, the basics still remained. I believe -- and am confident George would agree -- that "Radio Days" was everything he had envisioned, and more! Sold out in record time, it was an unbelievable success!
And now that our 2012 convention, "Sandra Stillwell Presents: Radio Days" has come to an end, I can't help but reflect on the many memories surrounding not only this convention, but also those throughout the past decade that have brought us to this point. Whether heartwarming or heartbreaking, happy or sad, laughter and tears -- they are all heartfelt reflections that have helped make me, personally, and "Sandra Stillwell Presents" what it is today. The constant thread throughout the years is the doll friends I've encountered and relationships built along the way -- people I am so grateful to have included in my life.
So now we have come full circle -- and kicked off the second decade of "Sandra Stillwell Presents" conventions in high style!
Before closing, I have to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who made our 2012 "Radio Days" convention the overwhelming success that it was!
To my core volunteer staff: There are simply no words to
express my gratitude and appreciation for all you do to help make conventions
the best they can be. Your valued friendships keep me uplifted and on track,
bringing immeasurable richness to my life. I could not -- and would not want to
-- do it without you. Some of my greatest blessings have come from knowing you
all, and I thank you for your trust, understanding, and support throughout the
years.
To everyone who made jewelry, sewed a bead, made a hat, dressed/undressed a doll, switched a head, stuffed a package, carried a box or any other of the multitude of convention duties: Thank you SO much for your time, efforts, and help! Your finishing touches truly helped make convention outstanding.
To everyone involved in producing our fabulous "Radio Days" souvenirs, fashions, and accessories: Thank you for your hard work and dedication to beautifully execute and bring my visions to "life". I am so very proud of all the wonderful fashions we created for this year's collection!
Especially to Dorinda Balanecki, Ken Young and George Sarofeen of the Horsman Doll Company: Thank you for being such an invaluable part of "Sandra Stillwell Presents: Radio Days". It was an honor to have you join us this year! We look forward to having you with us at conventions to come!!
Special Thanks to George for the "Radio Days" inspiration and your constant friendship throughout the years.
This year was also especially meaningful because, in addition to the treasured friends who grace us every year, we had several new guests and long missed friends with us in Cincinnati.
Most importantly -- to all of our "Radio Days" attendees:
My deepest thanks for all your efforts to join us for this 2012 "Sandra Stillwell Presents" convention! I know it takes long travel, much money, and other sacrifices to attend an event -- and your participation means the world to me! I am forever grateful for your support. Thanks, too, for my giant card and all your heartfelt sentiments -- I will cherish it always.
I'd also like to extend sincere thanks to the absentees and others who support convention through purchases -- your patronage helps make convention possible!
Each of you played a role in making "Radio Days" very special, indeed! I hope the sweet "melodies" of convention will continue to play in your hearts in remembrance of our wonderful time together in Cincinnati!
And finally, much appreciation to everyone for you enthusiasm for this years "Radio Days" collection. It means more than I can express.
Photos of all the "Radio Days" fashions and a recap of the festivities have been uploaded below-- along with information about any available fashions on the Sales page. Please visit often for updates!
Stay tuned for upcoming news about our 2013 "Sandra Stillwell Presents" convention -- plans are already underway for another FUN event!!
I hope to see you all next year!
Sincerely,
Sandra
