I do not often take time to simply bask in the goodness of a thing, but it is unavoidable now.  We are exactly a week removed from the occasion of our fourteenth annual World-Premiere Gala and, oh my, was it a fine one!  A host of  friends gathered around our Foundation to applaud the young people we selected to receive accolades as winners of a (Florida) GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE  for 2010, and to hear the launch of the work commissioned in conjunction with this year’s competition. (You may see and hear much of the celebration via our website.)  Here, I want to say special words in thanksgiving to some persons who made that night a joyous one for me.

After much prodding my new friend Dr. Uzee Brown accepted the challenge to make a contribution to our collection of arranged spirituals, and it was his treatment of Didn’t It Rain that took center stage on last Saturday.  I (along with every other gala attendee)  am glad that –  like the biblical youngster Samuel – he at last had the good sense to answer a persistent call from an unrelenting source .  Uzee, your arrangement rocks!  Donovan Singletary had forgotten that some four years ago I alerted him to our interest in his then nascent bass-baritone voice. Donovan, I am thankful that your gift grew and blossomed into such a worthy instrument for recital.  Roland Carter showed us why the term ‘masterful’ should be saved and used only sparingly in connection with piano playing.  I love you much, Roland.  Maestro Christopher Wilkins honored our winning students Samone Hicks and Xavier Durden with his own very fine piano accompaniment during their performances. Chris, you did me proud.

Portofino Bay Hotel Catering Director Bonnie Garfield showed yet again why her hotel has a reputation for unsurpassed quality in the arena of banquet hospitality.  In their capable hands, our gala experience was nothing short of elegant from beginning to close. Bonnie, I hope we have many another year at your fine establishment!

Our Board Chairman Craig Bethel was the driving force behind the fundraising for this year’s gala who, along with colleagues Brian Butler, Rawn Williams, Junie Monroe, Joseph Cleveland, Jacqueline Benton, Donald Slaughter, Marcia Hope Goodwin, Lucas Boyce, Cal Ledbetter,  Deede Sharpe, Harold Mills and S. Allister Fisher, achieved record-breaking results in a most difficult climate.  Board members and Craig, I thank you for your faithfulness and dedication to the cause.

I often refer to our agency staff personnel as a ‘Mission Excellence Team’, and my coworkers Darin Whyland, Tai Oney, and Celia Cole daily prove how aptly the title fits.  For this year’s gala they — along with our intern Edward Washington II – acquitted themselves admirably.  Darin, Tai, Celia and Edward, thank you for making me shine!

There are angels standing in the wings of every gala weekend.  This year’s  flock of silent partners included Roy and Connie Brand, Mitchell and Swantje Levin, Steve and Kathy Miller, Marquita Lister and Andrew Coomes.  I count our agency more than lucky to have friends of your caliber.

Lastly, a word of reassurance concerning my health.  The initial phase of treatment for the cancer proceeded as expected, with the disease showing signs of being halted in its march. We will start a course of radiation therapy soon, and there is good prospect for positive results to continue.  My health remains stable, and my functionality is high.  Please remain thoughful of me.  I promise to remain careful of my status and responsive to my doctors!

In earnest,

Rudi Cleare