Sara's Soiree: Sara Clair captures 72nd Kettle Award
Confectionery leaders hobknob at premier industry event.
An opportune time for a selfi e: Sara Clair shares the Kettle Award with son Pierson IV (far left), husband Pierson (behind Sara), Kettle Committee Member Bill Copeland (white dinner jacket) and daughter Elizabeth.
The 72nd Candy Industry Kettle Award waits proudly on a table prior to the commencement of activities as Committee Chairman Robert Bono welcomes nominees and industry members to the reception.
The 72nd Candy Industry Kettle Award waits proudly on a table prior to the commencement of activities as Committee Chairman Robert Bono welcomes nominees and industry members to the reception.
Steven Genzoli of Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. and his wife, Karen.
Kirk Vashaw, ceo of Spangler Candy Co. and his wife, Sarah.
Shawn Askinosie, founder and ceo of Askinosie Chocolate Co. and his wife, Caron.
Kettle Committee Member Katherine Clark, along with the National Confectionery Association’s Larry Wilson, listen to Committee Chairman Robert Dono share an anecdote about travel.
The Union League’s Main Room begins to fill with guests for the beginning of the Kettle Awards reception.
Kettle Award Committee Members Jim Bourne, Denise Lansing, Mark Lozano and Ray Cote are ready to welcome guests as they enter the Main Room for the night’s program.
2015 Kettle Award Recipient Michael Rosenberg chats with Kirk Vashaw of Spangler Candy Co. and Mitchell Goetze, president of Goetze’s Candy Co.
Kettle Award Recipient Jim McGovern (2001) swaps stories with fellow recipient Jack Zachary (1996).
The 2017 Kettle Awards Committee poses for a formal photo before the event. A complete list of committee members is available on www.KettleAwards.com.
The rain was coming down hard. Traffic was horrific. And it was hard to find the buses. But they came. Candy Industry’s 72nd Kettle Awards reception continued to be the premiere event of the U.S. confectionery industry and a powerful draw.
Besides, what are a few raindrops and traffic angst — most urban dwellers should be familiar with that experience — when compared to seeing the who’s who in the sweetest of industries? As always, the Main Dining Room at the Union League Club once again impressed all with its stately grandeur.
And then there were the nominees: Shawn Askinosie, founder and ceo of Askinosie Chocolate; Sara Clair, director of product development from Brown & Haley; Steve Genzoli, v.p of quality assurance and research and develeopment from Ghirardelli Chocolate Co.; and Kirk Vashaw, ceo from Spangler Candy Co. Each one of them epitomized what leadership and service stand for in the industry.
As Robert Dono, confectionery manager for Bosch and this year’s Kettle Committee chairman, explained, “Each of our nominees can be proud of their distinguished service and track records of success. However, only one will be chosen as this year’s award recipient.”
And so it was. A hush came over the crowd as Kettle Committee Secretary, Dave Madison from Carle & Montanari/OPM, brought the suitcase carrying the envelope to Chairman Dono.
“This year’s recipient is…Sara Clair,” he announced. Clair’s face glowed with delight, surprise and amazement, almost matching the color of her red dress. It was a momentous occasion in the annals of the Kettle Awards, since this marks only the second time that a husband-and-wife team has captured the prize. It’s also the third time a woman has been selected.
Clair’s glow now matched that of the actual kettle.
See also: Method and moxie key for 72nd Kettle Award winner Sara Clair
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