by Jack Rein
On August the 27th, 6Beds leaders and members gathered at the Embassy Suites Waterfront Hotel in Burlingame to celebrate the culmination of 2 years of hard work and the successful political and operational establishment of the organization as a force in the RCFE and ARF community.
Led by Gina Wasdyke and Olivia DeAnda – who headed the organizational committee of volunteers – 6Beds members and 6Beds VC members met during the day to discuss the Wage and Hour Guide for Residential Care Facilities. Presenters included opening remarks by Board Member, Dr. Ron Simpson, followed by Board Member, George Kutnerian, who delivered an illuminating presentation on 6Beds policy and legislative updates. Representatives from the DOL and the DDS gave us their insights on issues relating to personnel and regulatory changes that affect RCFE and ARF operators.
The day conference and the evening gala was attended by more than 500 care homeowners and vendors. The evening gala enjoyed a festive and well-earned evening of dinner, music and dancing in the elegant setting of the hotel’s Ambassador Ballroom.
Highlights of the party included awards to more than 15 outstanding members who have provided incredible service over many decades to the cause of providing personalized, loving care to thousands of residents.
Our 2016 Caregiver of the Year Award was presented with tremendous applause to Flordeliza Pascua for a lifetime of service to the elderly and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness. We cannot begin to express our gratitude to Flordeliza for her incredible dedication and perseverance. The award was one of the highlights of the night!
Other honorees included Eufemia Romero Abaya, Lucy Romero Nicario and Elvira Romero in recognition of more than 50 years of service to the frail and the elderly and adults with developmental disabilities.
Our 30 Year Honorees were Greg and Diana Hernandez (ARF-DD) and Carmelita Pineda (ARF-MI). Other 30 Year Service Awards were presented to Fernando and Lorna Farol, Ovanes and Nazeli Kutnerian and Patrick and Carole Nobis (RCFE).
The city was well represented and plaques of appreciation were presented by San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener, Daly City Vice-Mayor David Canepa and Daly City Council Mike Guingona. Other political luminaries included Assembly Member Kevin Mullin, who provided Certificate of Recognition to Honorees.
The keynote speaker at the gala was former California State Assemblyman Robert Wesley Naylor, one of the key members of 6Beds successful and ground-breaking lobbying effort in Sacramento. His upbeat message was a simple one: The RCFE and ARF communities are growing, getting stronger, and the future is extremely bright.
Keynote speaker – Robert Naylor (6Beds Lead Lobbyist)
Special thanks for this informative day and fabulous night has to go to the Event Committee: Lillie Mauricio, Olivia DeAnda, Angelita Marinda, Dorie Paniza, Menchu Montilla, Ines Otbo, Nestor Uy, Imelda Eusebio, Leni Lacap and Gina Wasdyke. Thanks for all of the hard work, persistence and expertise!
Ferdie Ebio, 6Beds Chief of IT and Multimedia, immortalized the entire day with video and pictures, and they can be seen here.
There is so much to be thankful for and so much work left to do. The “deep breath” that we all took on August 27th showed us the value of intelligent, persistent effort. 6Beds, Inc., now stands as one of the premiere RCFE and ARF organizations in the Western Unites States, due in no small part, to the daily striving for excellence from our Board of Directors, our 6Beds officers, our key position officers, our area leaders and, most importantly, the excellence of our unparalleled members!
In photo — 6Beds, Inc., Board of Directors and officers L-R Olivia de Anda, George Kutnerian, Jack Rein, Cinty Minnery, Ines Otbo, Roxanne Gould (6Beds Lobbyist), Gina Wasdyke, Ron Simpson, Robert Naylor (Keynote speaker)
Bravo! Thank you! Together, we are looking forward to a great future!