Alliance reports on fantastic meeting in Anaheim

By Ellen Portnoy, Alliance President

What a fantastic meeting the Alliance and the ACAAI had in Anaheim! I am honored to have been installed as the President of the Alliance, taking over from the capable leadership of Rebecca Goldberg. Her guidance and experience have been invaluable to the Alliance.

Congratulations to all the new officers who will be serving the Alliance this year (clockwise from left): Margaret Quel, president-elect; Lelia Sublett, treasurer; Judy Fineman, secretary; and myself, president. New board members are Charlotte Meadows, Barbara Weber and Patricia Rodriguez.

As always, the help of all the volunteers is greatly appreciated. Lelia co-chaired the Hospitality Committee and when her co-chair (Jenny Commins) could not attend, Marilyn Bielory stepped up and was available to help every day. Thanks to both of them for creating a warm atmosphere at the front table, welcoming all our guests! Marilyn has agreed to be co-chair next year.

This year members and their families learned so much about the history of Anaheim and its art. Who knew that Anaheim started with vineyards, then oranges, then to Disneyland?

However, the most important talk was presented by Chef Bruno, who told us about his work feeding children who live in dire conditions in hotel rooms. The stories of his efforts to provide over 2,500 meals each week and to put families back into apartments or homes were inspiring!

Our ever energetic and creative duo, Barbara Finegold and Jeanne Zitt were amazing with their focus on our Photography Competition to support the Foundation. Nearly $2,000 was raised by the 88 entries in the contest. Everyone was able to view the great photos in the Registration Area.

The proud winners were:
- Family and Pets Category: 1. Thomas Smith, MD, FACAAI, “Peace in the Blue Bonnets;” 2. Juan Carlos Zambrano, MD, FACAAI; and 3. Dana Wallace, MD, FACAAI.
- Vacation Memories Category: 1. Stanley Fineman, MD, MBA, FACAAI, “Galapagos Blue-Footed Booby;” 2. Thomas Smith, MD, FACAAI “Painted Wooden Butterflies at Market in Belize;” and 3. James Sublett, MD, FACAAI.
- Seven others received honorable mention.

Thanks so much to Barbara and Jeanne for chairing this event and creating a new tradition for the College and Alliance that we hope will continue for years.

Jeanne and Barbara also teamed up to co-chair the International Reception, which was once again a wonderful way to welcome our international guests.

I had a great time watching Becky run around to all of the events, speaking as needed at the FIT Bowl, Opening Ceremony, International Reception, Women in Allergy Luncheon and more. But then on Sunday, I became president at our annual business meeting. We took a short walk to the Tiffany Room at the Sheraton Hotel, where we were serenaded by a wonderful barbershop quartet. The luncheon was lovely and the weather cooperated for some outside visiting!