There were bell-bottoms, Afro wigs, platform shoes, and peace signs aplenty throughout the 10th floor ballrooms of The Livestock Exchange Building on Thursday, March 5th. The occasion was the 2015 edition of SCCC’s Grand Giveaway. After last night’s event, I have come to the conclusion that no business entity probably has more fun than the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. May I elaborate? Thanks; here goes.
Around 360 Sarpy Chamber members began arriving at about 5 pm and upon entering, found themselves in a bit of a time machine that took us all back to the 1970’s, complete with tie-dyes, funky wigs and moustaches with everyone enjoying and participating in the fun-loving spirit of the event.
As 1970’s-era hipsters strolled and sipped punch, they got to examine a ballroom full of great prizes, from big TVs to tents to all manner of services, tickets and other items to bid on in the silent auction. There were also raffles for gift certificates, tickets to Husker Games, etc. Following cocktail hour, everyone then crossed the hallway to the other ballroom, where we all enjoyed a luscious Brandeis-catered meal with wine from Soaring Wings Vineyard. But the best was yet to come.
Martie Cordaro pic courtesy Rachel George of The Bellevue Leader
After dinner, Emcees Shawn Williams of Bounce U, and Omaha Storm Chasers’ Martie Cordaro ascended to the stage with a pair of Shure wireless mics and began the auction. Between their wigs, leisure suits and funky shades, Sarpy County Chamber members raised the roof and the funds needed to operate the Sarpy Chamber. Shawn and Martie themselves bid on several items too, and it was fun to watch them coax and cajole each other and their fellow members into higher and higher bids.
The climax of the evening followed shortly after the auction concluded, as SCCC board members, in period garb, got down with their bad selves doing some cheesy yet charming choreography to that 70’s disco anthem, the Village People’s “YMCA”. The audience got into the moment, making the “Y”, “M”, “C” & “A” moves with the dancers; quite a sight to behold!
Midwest Sound and Lighting was proud to be the A/V sponsor of the event. Though the Livestock Exchange Building Ballroom is a big, reverberant hall, folks way in the back heard everything nice and clearly, thanks to the single pair of truly amazing JBL VRX-932 speakers we put on stands in the front corners of the ballroom.
The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is to be congratulated on another very enjoyable evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising. I can’t wait to see what they cook up for next year’s Grand Giveaway. The Sarpy Super Slammin’ Disco will be hard to top!
Your 70’s throwback pal,
John Rogers, Midwest Sound & Lighting