See you at the MAC 2011 Welcome Reception!
Be sure to arrive in Richmond in time for the special 2011 MAC Welcome Reception to be held Monday, October 10, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the historic Virginia capitol building designed by Thomas Jefferson. The reception will be held just three blocks away from the Omni Richmond Hotel. Join us for food, beverages, networking, and tours of this magnificent facility which now includes a 104.5 million dollar visitor center with special exhibits and a gift shop which will be open for your shopping pleasure.
One of the fun traditions at MAC is the donning of pearls for a group photo at the annual meeting. This year we return to Richmond where the tradition first started in 1995. Before that annual meeting, M.J. Tooey asked in an e-mail about the appropriate attire for the reception at the elegant Jefferson Hotel. The response, according to our local fashion consultant, was “to take your cue from the surroundings (in other words, M.J., your pearls would definitely be appropriate for the Jefferson!).”
When the reception took place in the elegant Rotunda of the Jefferson, many MAC members made their entrance down the Grand Staircase adorned in their pearl necklaces and a new tradition was born. Since that time, the Pearl Girls have appeared annually and have been photographed with dignitaries such as First Lady Hilary Clinton and in historic locations such as the Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington and the old P&LE Railroad Station Grand Concourse Staircase in Pittsburgh. We even have a few pictures of some brave (or maybe envious) male MAC members in pearls.
What does it take to be a Pearl Girl? Simply show up at the opening reception with your favorite set of pearls (real or faux, we’ll never know!) and join your fellow MAC members when it’s time for the official Pearl Girl photograph.
So pack your pearls, girls (and guys, too)!! See you at the Welcome Reception in Richmond with pearls.