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| ATC’s Valerie Ward & Bay 7 win the NACE President’s Award for Continued Support for the Triangle NACE Chapter (left) & Ward herself wins the 2011 Spirit of NACE Award. |
American Tobacco and ATC Public Relations & Events Manager Valerie Ward recently received honors for special events in Bay 7 and commitment to the work of Triangle National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). The 2011 NACE awards ceremony took place on Tuesday evening, February 7, 2012, at Brier Creek Country Club.
Ward and American Tobacco won the 2011 President’s Award for Continued Support of the Triangle NACE Chapter for a unique idea they used to help the organization.
“Historically, we have donated Bay 7 for the NACE/Interfaith Food Shuttle Fundraiser,” said Ward. “This year, instead of creating an event on behalf of a non profit and donating those proceeds, we are following another model that other Chapters around the country are using.”
She continued.
“In this model, Triangle NACE donates their time and resources to take an existing non-profit fundraiser that is struggling to the next level,” explained Ward. “In exchange for a fee, we focus on the things we do best…theme, entertainment, décor, food, etc. while the non-profit focuses on marketing, sponsorship and ticket sales. It’s a win-win for both organizations by providing both with funds for their philanthropic and educational work. Our chosen non-profit in 2012 is the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program’s (DCPSP) and their fundraiser ‘The Big Wig Out’.
“Proceeds from ‘The Big Wig Out’ benefit the DCPSP’s Self-Image Program,” said Ward. “The DCPSP provides wigs, hats, turbans, and other self-image items to patients with cancer free of charge. The event will be held in Bay 7 in October.”
Ward herself received a special honor at the NACE ceremony. She won the 2011 Spirit of NACE Award, given each year to an NACE member by NACE member who “best exemplifies the true meaning of a star performer.”
The Spirit of NACE Award is given for serving on Triangle NACE boards or committees, volunteerism and humanitarianism in their community (industry and/or personal), and mentoring and passion for the catering profession.
Ward belongs to the local NACE chapter in is serving as Co-Chair of Membership for 2012.
Ward is humble about her multiple award wins with American Tobacco.
“American Tobacco has a top notch events team to include Jesica Averhart and Tex Law,” she said. “It’s the team effort that helps me to manage and be part of many of the most successful and talked about events in the Triangle.”
Thanks to ATC’s Valerie Ward for these capcom photos..
