Photos from the ACM Gala Dinner, October 1st 2011
The American Club of Madrid was proud to hold its Annual Dia de la Hispanidad Columbus Day Annual Gala celebrating the club’s 59th year on October 1 at the Intercontinental Hotel. This year’s special award was to the Mayor of Madrid, the Honorary Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon. With over 150 guests, the evening started off with a reception with the US Ambassador and his family. The US and Spanish Marines presented the Color guard, and Maria Rodriguez, a world renowned opera singer sang the Star Spangled Banner.
After a lavish dinner there was an awards ceremony, where Plaques for Corporate Service Community Awards were presented to long standing corporate members, El Corte Ingles and Clarins Paris for their fine contribution to the community and the club over the years.. These awards were received by Isabel Dixon for the El Corte Ingles and Isabelle Picou on behalf of Clarins Paris. The Club’s President, Michael Di Santo, was presented with the President’s Award for his two years of service as Club president.
This was followed by a raffle emceed by board members Jim Dodson and Marta Sanchez-Biezma with remarks and jokes to keep the drawings moving along and lively. Prizes included transatlantic business class tickets for two by Iberia, American Airlines and Air Europa, gift certificates form El Corte Ingles, a fantastic food basket from Taste of America, a Blackberry, and food certificates from Hard Rock Cafe and Todo Mexico. The Raffle continued with 3 prizes from Paramount Pictures consisting of DVD and Blu-Ray sets of their current movies; Two annual passes from Gold Corporate Member Warner Brothers Park presented by Alejandro Alcalá; A large luxury Pack of Clarins cosmetics preented by Isabelle Picou-VP Marketing Clarins, España. An additional surprise was a four day weekend at the Gran Melia Resort on the island of Tennerife, which was won by member Dan Nagala. The Raffle was a great success for the club whereby over 700 tickets were sold. Guns & Butter were ready on stage at 23:30 for Country & Western Line dancing, Rock, and as ever, good music. The bar was open and attended by many until 1:30am. Another successful Gala event for the American Club of Madrid!
