It was 1966 and the Temptations had one of their hottest songs ever, Ain't Too Proud to Beg. "If I have to beg and plead for your sympathy, I don't mind, cause you mean that much to me." Well I am not to proud to ask the MBEs and corporate members who we have supported over the years to support us by purchasing a table, a ticket, or simply making a donation to our 40th Anniversary Awards Gala on Saturday, April 11 at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center. This year we are particularly fortunate to have as special guests and speakers, the Honorable Governor Charlie Baker from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Joset Wright-Lacy, President and CEO of the NMSDC. I am also proud to announce that President and CEO from the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council, Cassandra Dorrington will be joining us as well. But we have over 550 guest signed up for the event which surpasses our very successful Gala we held in Boston two years ago. We would love to have you as a guest as well. So I ain't too proud to beg, come out - have some fun - meet some great business contacts - promote your business - and support the organization that fights for your success. We need your support.
I could very easily have left this column completed with the one paragraph above, but there is something even more important than simply asking for your support. This will be my final And Finally. This column has been a 14-year story. I think about the story the Gala might provide in your personal and business narrative. We write the story of our lives, our struggles and our triumphs, in the relationships we build. This coming Saturday night will be the end of the story for me at the GNEMSDC as the President and CEO. No matter how many or how few people actually attend the Gala; no matter how little or how much money the Gala makes for the GNEMSDC, my story ends well because of the people like you. I have had the honor of serving you these past 14 years. Fourteen years from now, people will most likely have forgotten much of what we accomplished during this past 14 years, but for those of you who have run this race next to me, you too have quite a story. Against great odds, you have overcome obstacles that would make most shrink in fear. You have demonstrated great courage and humanity. You have brought great honor and joy to many. Some may forget, but I will never forget. Thank you.
