Every year, for the last 19 years, members of our industry get together to celebrate the holidays.
In that time, SITE SoCal (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) has raised more than $2 million for local grassroots charities. You can only imagine the outrageous packages auctioned off at a travel industry event!
This year’s venue was the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton. We all dressed up and showed up in fine style. In 40 days, it’ll be swarming with Golden Globes’ celebrities, but last night, it was filled with beautiful people from my fabulous industry!
Lots of famous people have probably occupied room 602 at the Beverly Hilton, but last night, the most beautiful people of all cavorted on the bed in that room! (from left) Whitney Chen, Howard Wise, Ellen Gruetzmacher, Gabriel Haigazian and Marilyn Murphy (Just in case you’re wondering, we did NOT sleep together!)
I remember the humble beginnings of this event, nearly two decades ago, when there were about 40 people in the room. They were trying to reach their goal (a modest $1,000 as I recall) and were just short of their target. The M.C. was urging people to bid on the last auction item – a fruit basket. It was going for $20, then $25 – he was pleading for people to go just a little higher … so I shot my hand in the air and shouted, “$100!”
Best fruit I ever ate!
A few more pics . . .
I had been asked to judge the table centerpieces. Couldn’t resist the urge to pose with a crown from a Game of Thrones themed-table.
Table hosts went all-out to impress the judges and outdo each other!
What’s a Hollywood party without a drag queen?
These two brothers, Eric and Kevin Edmunds, representing Palace Resorts, make an unforgettable fashion statement every year.
The event represents a milestone for me. Last year at this time, I was six months into my cancer battle. The event, held in Laguna Beach, was a struggle, as I was at my lowest level of energy. I was extremely weak, and all I wanted to do was take a hot bath in my hotel room.
This year, I’m back – and couldn’t be healthier or happier! (Or more grateful!) My team – and friends from this industry – were great medicine.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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10 Comments
Julie Franz December 1, 2017 at 8:30am
These were fun pictures! I am so grateful you are doing so great and could enjoy this night to the max! I can’t imagine a better boss to work for! I love your team!
Marilyn December 1, 2017 at 11:05am
I love my team, too! Hope you’re feeling better, Julie!
Jane Halsey December 1, 2017 at 8:50am
So fun to see your photos and a few others on Facebook of this amazing event. One little correction on behalf of Rich Wise who created this event of so many years ago. The first year of the live travel auction (the year the children from Tijuana sang) there were 75 people and amazingly they raised $30,000 for the orphanage in Tijuana. Penny Wing was a big part of that buying more than one large travel package. Maybe you were thinking of the Holiday event at La Costa they year before with Sandy Amorde?
Marilyn December 1, 2017 at 11:04am
I think it was at a hotel in LA somewhere. There were less than about 50 people there, and it may have been the first or second year … a fledgling event. I belive the travel auction items came later … as the event grew and grew and grew. It’s always a great event. You were missed, Jane!
Patricia Karabatsos December 1, 2017 at 8:54am
Looks like a bcc really fun evening. You look great…so happy and healthy 😊👏
Kathleen Barry December 1, 2017 at 9:18am
Congrats abd happy holidays to everyone!
Karen Belyan December 1, 2017 at 9:27am
You look fabulous as well as your whole team. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Happy New Year!
Donna & Brian December 1, 2017 at 10:48am
It’s been quite a journey for you and we can feel the hope, strength and love in your words Marilyn. It’s wonderful to see these pictures and feel the excitement you have for traveling and being a part of your travel industry.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season to you and all the staff at CTP.
PS
Which table won the centerpiece award?
Marilyn December 1, 2017 at 11:01am
Hi Donna & Brian,
The lighting was so bad, it was hard to get good photos of the winners. Lots of contenders – and anything over 24″ high was ineligible (which knocked out a lot of wildly creative tablescapes!). The winner for best representative of a brand went to the Vail Resorts table (beautiful snowy and furry decor). Best holiday decor went to Preferred Hotel group (simply beautiful and tasteful florals). And the Special Award went to the Game of Thrones-themed table, sponsored by Loews Hotels.
Felice December 2, 2017 at 1:06am
You look vibrant and exhilarated! Congrats.
Happy Holidays!