Walk the Talk!
The 16th Annual, San Diego People First Conference held on May 13 and May 14, 2006 at Marriot Hotel in Mission Valley exceeded expectations. 375 individuals officially registered for the conference. Dinner was served for approximately 410 people. 12% of the attendees came from outside San Diego County. $3200 was spent in full or partial scholarships from money raised from A Day In The Country 2005.
Karen Gaffney gave an outstanding keynote address, "Imagine the Possibilites." The Health and Resource fair provided conference attendees a wealth of information. We had 10 workshops ranging from dating and relationships to Self-Directed Services. Michelle Marshall of Spa for Paws groomed the service dogs attending the conference. During freetime, the ladies received hairstyling and makeovers by Mary Kay Cosmetics. The Local Talent Show featured self-advocates showing off their singing, dancing and musical abiliites. Self-advocates had a splendid dinner that set the stage for the award ceremony. Many people were recognized for their contribution to self-advocacy. Linda Thompson was given the Life Time achievement award and Debbie Marshall received the Outstanding Service Award. Ned Roundtree and Jeremiah Woods of Play this Productions provided the lights and music for the Sweet 16 dance. Then on Sunday, the ARC Lexington Speakers Bureau delivered Stepping Out--a health, nutrition, and wellness presentation. The conference closed with a talent show and open mic. Through out the conference, Stacy Everson and her nursing students provided nursing support for conference attendees. Special thanks goes to Conference Planning Committee and the countless volunteers who made this event possible.
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