On October 2, 2003, we celebrated our 95th anniversary with a dinner and silent auction at the Italian Community Center. We were delighted to be joined by WKTI/WTMJ-4 personality Gino Salomone who served as our emcee, and keynote speaker, actress/philanthropist, Marlo Thomas. With more than 200 people in attendance we were treated to an empowering evening.

In celebration of our past, present and future, two guest speakers explained what Rosalie Manor meant to them. Guila Parker, a former resident and past Board member, shared her memories of the agency. "As a scared, pregnant teenager 20 years ago, what I remember most about Rosalie Manor were two special staff people. Sr. Annette and Shirley gave me comfort at a time I needed it most." Our case managers continue to provide assistance and comfort to families in need. Tyree Tucker, a student at Milwaukee School of Languages and a Para Professional in the FUPTP program was our second speaker. Tyree explained that he has received many leadership opportunities at Rosalie Manor to which he would not otherwise have been exposed.

Rosalie Manor would not exist without the support of the community members, and we paid tribute to a few by honoring them with the Rosalie Jette Spirit Award and the Agency Support Award. The Rosalie Jette Sprit Award is named in honor of Rosalie Manor's foundress, and is given to individuals who exemplify Rosalie's compassion, kindness and mercy. While there are many deserving individuals, one who stands out is Alyce Katayama. Alyce began her affiliation with Rosalie Manor in 1971 when she became the lawyer for Elmbrook Memorial Hospital and Rosalie Manor. Over the years, Alyce has seen Rosalie through many changes including new executive directors and transfers of sponsorship. In addition to Alyce's work affiliation, Alyce and her family are proponents of the services Rosalie Manor provides. They are avid supporters, not only of our agency, but committed to the greater good of the Milwaukee Community.

The Agency Support Award is given to an individual or organization who not only supports the mission of Rosalie Manor, but who exemplifies it. For the past five years, the law firm of Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, SC have been a part of our family. Our connection began when we were paired in the Giving Tree Program (businesses purchase holiday gifts for families served through non-profits). Since that time, Reinhart staff have purchased thousands of holiday gifts including Easter baskets and Halloween treats, provided layette items, and donated career clothing. The firm has also donated computers and sold a cookbook with proceeds benefiting the agency. We greatly appreciate all the firm's staff and their support. A special thank you goes to the tireless efforts of Ellen Persik, who coordinates this philanthropy.

The highlight of the evening was keynote speaker, Marlo Thomas, who delighted us with her stories, wit, and charm. The topic of her presentation was also the title of her book "The Right Words at the Right Time," a collection of stories from notable men and women who describe a time in their life when someone said the right words at the right time. Marlo was happy to share the words that inspired her.

Marlo's words came from her father, Danny Thomas, a renown actor and comedian. When she was 17 years old, Marlo was cast in a theater production and was devastated that the reviewers continually compared her to her father. Distraught, she went to her father and told him she didn't want to be a Thomas anymore. He replied, "I raised a thoroughbred and they run their own race. They don't look at other horses." As a gentle reminder of his words, he sent her a box, and inside were a pair of horse blinders, with a card that read, "Run your own race, baby." "To this day, I've been able to cut to the chase by asking myself, am I running my race or someone else's?"

She also talked about St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "My father founded it in 1962 because he made a promise when he prayed to St. Jude, patron of the hopeless causes, asking for guidance." He received so much guidance that to fulfill his promise, he built a shrine to help true hopeless causes - catastrophically ill children. Proceeds of her book, "Right Words at the Right Time" benefit the hospital. Marlo was an inspirational speaker, and the audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.

The evening was truly a success. We appreciate the support the community has given Rosalie Manor in the past, and we look forward to the next 95 years!