A Truly Enchanted Evening

Each December, Close To My Heart celebrates the holiday season with an annual employee party. While each party has similar ingredients: great food, awesome entertainment, and lots of holiday cheer, there is a tone unique to each one. If I had to use one word to describe last night’s event, it would be GRATITUDE.

As I presented our 5-, 10-, and 15-year employee longevity recognition awards (a first for our holiday party), emotion nearly overwhelmed me. As each celebrated employee came to the stage, I thought of their individual contributions and unique talents and most of all, their unwavering commitment to make Close To My Heart great. With each passing year, we have more and more employees who reach these milestones (you can see the photo of them beginning to take the stage); this year, we had several in the 15-year category, including my dear husband David. Sheena Searls, Senior Director of Consultant Services also reached 15 years—shown here with 17-year veteran, VP Monica Wihongi.

We were also treated to an incredible show by the BYU performing group “Living Legends.” This diverse cast performs native dance and songs from Polynesia, Native America, and Latin America. We saw the classic Native American “fancy dance” and hoop dance, Mexican hat dance, plus some pretty fierce Maori war chants accompanied by dazzling poi ball dancers.

Overall, it was a truly enchanted evening. We’ve had a wonderful year of opportunity, challenge, and teamwork at Close To My Heart and this annual event is just one more reminder of why I feel so grateful to do what I do!