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“Getting to Know Sue Clifton, Dooney & Bourke”: A...

From Prom Go-ers to Food Lovers!

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I sure had a whirlwind of a Friday, but I wouldn't have changed it for the world!

My alarm went off in the middle of the night, I entered the doors at QVC before the sun came up and and was on the air at 9am for a three-hour shift. I sold DreamShaper swimwear, which I absolutely love, followed by two hours of Diamonique (a girl’s best-kept secret and friend). Then it was off to meetings and a little prep work for the week ahead.

When everything was wrapped up at work, I dashed home and arrived just in time to put out food and drinks and set the tables to accommodate 10 senior prom couples and their parents. My son, Ryan had a smile from ear to ear as he and his friends talked, laughed and laughed some more!

I; however, was a little nervous ….. nervous about taking pictures. It had been pouring for most of the day and was still misting when the kids began to arrive. Now, we’re talking 20 teenagers dressed to the nines in tuxedos, gowns and high-heeled shoes. I silently prayed it would stop raining! Isn’t there a song about raining on prom night?

All I could think about is how fantastic all of the kids looked and how much time and effort went into this day ….. not to mention the waiting and anticipation. A few of the girls even spent hours in the salon getting their hair perfectly coiffed. So, I silently prayed a little more and just as we were getting ready to take pictures indoors, the skies cleared, the clouds disappeared, it stopped raining and the most beautiful sun I had ever seen made a grand appearance. The kids were giddy and we all went outside and took pictures on the grass. Thank you, God for answering my prayers!

This is our son, Ryan, and his prom date, Angela!

Then it was a quick change of clothes and back to QVC for me. I left a house full of guests and Mark on KP duty.

I met my friend, Carolyn Gracie, my Social Partner, Erika and Tom at the Main entrance at Studio Park. Tom is one of our Security Guards who graciously acted as our driver for the evening, and by the way, he did a marvelous job taking care of the three of us! We were off to the Westin Hotel in Wilmington, Delaware for QVC’s Mid-Atlantic Wine and Dine event. It was an all-weekend event for our guests, but the three of us were joining the rest of the crew for the two-hour “mixer” reception.

This is my friend and Social Partner, Erika

We allotted ourselves one hour to get there, but with Friday's rush hour, we ended up arriving at the hotel 20 minutes after expected. (Our guests were extremely understanding and thrilled to see us nonetheless, as we were them!) We met up with our friends and in we went!

From left to right:

Carolyn Gracie, David Venable, Mary DeAngelis, Mary Beth Roe

We were greeted by nearly 100 fans and an amazing staff at the Westin. David's prosciutto wrapped asparagus was served along with several other dishes and crudites and cheese atopped tables at the front of the room.

I wish I could say I was able to meet and speak with each one of our guests, but unfortunately, there just never seems to be enough time. Between the four of us mingling throughout the room though, I think we did pretty well, all in all.

What a small world! These lovely ladies flew all the way from my home state of Minnesota to spend the weekend with QVC.

SuperFan, Jan from Richmond Virginia and Mary DeAngelis.

Jan is one dedicated fan of QVC!! She traveled by Amtrak from Richmond, Virginia to Wilmington, Delaware solo as her QVC friends were unable to join her. What should have been a 4-hour trip for Jan, turned out to be a nine hour trip. She arrived at the reception just in time to introduce herself and meet everyone. We were so thrilled she made it in time. Jan and Erika texted each other after the event ended on Sunday and Jan wrote the weekend "couldn't have been better!"

My new friend, Pearl

How could I ever forget this lovely lady's name being that I am such a lover of Honora Pearls?! Pearl has a soft and velvety voice and was excited for the opportunity to attend the event!

One of our guests asked me to sign her personal kitchen apron and I was honored to oblige.

I wish I could remember what this couple and I were talking about as I seem quite surprised! : )

Fran and Walter from Staten Island, NY

This couple stole everyone's heart. Friday was their 38th wedding anniversary and Walter surprised Fran with the last two VIP tickets for their weekend celebration. Walter joked, "the key to a happy and long marriage is giving your wife unlimited access to QVC and the credit card!"

Me, Mary DeAngelis, Carolyn Gracie and David Venable

Ashley, Michelle and Kelly - QVC Tour and Event Planners

This event and many others could never happen without the expertise, generosity and kindness of these three ladies. They handled everything from booking the hotel, creating icebreaker games, choosing the menu and talent and everything inbetween. I even heard one of them shoveled out a tour bus door that was stuck in a pothole or something like that. Whatever it was and whatever it is ....... these women get the job done every time AND with a smile and class. Thank you, Ashley, Michelle and Kelly for such a great evening.

The three amigas also facilitated the icebreaker game. It consisted of trivia questions and the participants either held up a thumbs up or a thumbs down sign indicating true or false. The teams were broken down by colors and in the end we had one winner from each color group. All of those winners received a George Foreman Grill .... perfect for foodies!

Then, to pick the grand prize winner, the contestants performed their personalized version of David Venable's "happy dance". All of the contestants were such terrific sports and danced up a storm while the room broke out in laughter! Boy, I wish I had that on video! It was so much fun!