This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dignity Los Angeles planned a unique way to celebrate their chapter’s anniversary. It has long been the custom in Los Angeles to have a grand dinner and anniversary celebration every year in the month of October. Confronted with the challenge of not being able to physically gather as a community, the chapter planned an online event on Zoom on November 21st. Virtual party attendees received a party kit shipped to their home containing an assortment of delicious petit fours, rainbow-colored beads, party poppers, bingo cards, and more. The program was titled, “We Can’t Contain Our Joy”. A welcome message, prayers led by their clergy, a panel of speakers, and a slideshow with pictures collected from over the years were shared at the event. The life of long-time member and leader Michael Macchiarella, who had passed away just two weeks earlier, was celebrated with his spouse and family members present. Attending the online party as special guests were Marianne Duddy-Burke (DignityUSA Executive Director), Chris Pett (President), Bob Butts (Secretary), and Linda Roberts (Treasurer); all of whom shared messages of congratulations. Sarah Gilman, principal of the Garvanza Magnet School expressed her deep appreciation to the chapter for their generous contribution that provided gift cards to every student’s family. Ms. Gilman talked about how much Dignity Los Angeles’ ongoing partnership meant to this school, where over 90% of the students live in poverty. “The idea of the theme, ‘We Can’t Contain Our Joy’ was inspired by the feeling many of us have of being cooped up. In spite of being ‘contained’ at home, we are filled with joy because we have Dignity,” explained Jason Tveit, Chapter Liturgy Chair. “After many months of weekly Zoom Masses, it wasn’t too difficult to visualize a party in the same manner,” commented Michael Rademacher, Chapter President. “It’s been a real learning process.” Michael added, “We especially enjoyed having some of our members who have moved away be able to join the festivities.” The virtual event brought the community together, even with members who had moved out of the area. The evening concluded with a toast to the next fifty-one years of Dignity in Los Angeles and a prayer of thanksgiving. |