The holly was stored away this year and the palm trees were hauled into the shop for Christmas in Paradise. Members and partners gathered by the hundreds to take part in an annual tradition at ABC and come together to celebrate the joy of the season.
“Our members work really hard throughout the year and by December, we know they’re looking forward to celebrating the holiday season, but also their accomplishments through-out the year,” said ABC president and CEO Keith Ledbetter. “We look forward to hosting our members every December for this Christmas party and it means so much to us to see this shop filled. Eight years ago, our Christmas party was hosted in the lobby at the front of the office. I’ve watched it grow over the years into a spectacular gathering of merit shop contractors, and it sets the season off on the right foot.”
Several ABC members really got into the holiday spirit with their generous donations to Toys for Tots, giving kids in Oakland County something to open Christmas morning. All toys received filled five Toys for Tots boxes and will go to dozens of families.
“I love that our chapter collects toys to give back. This is a cause I have long supported and I know my dad has too. It’s incredible to see the donations pour in during the party,” said Jeff Campbell, vice president at Campbell Industrial Contractors. “People may see this as a simple gesture, but it really makes an impact in communities.”
The doors opened at 4 p.m. on December 7 to the tropical wonderland and it didn’t take long for the shop to fill up. The party featured a favorite of last year’s Christmas in Vegas – Lorio Ross Entertainment brought back the casino games for everyone to play, win chips and convert their winnings into raffle tickets for a shot at winning one of the six baskets. In addition, the night included a fully stocked “tiki” bar, limbo, hula dancing and a pig roast. Truly transporting anyone to the tropics for Christmas.
“I have been with ABC a long time and have been here to witness the growth and connections formed over the years. This is something I look forward to every year. I love getting to catch up and have fun with the people I do business with,” said Dominic Maltese, owner of D.J. Maltese Construction Corporation. “Just an amazing night all around.”
As 2023 comes to a close, the staff at ABC would like to express the gratitude we have to serve you, our members, each day. We know 2023 threw some curveballs and had waves of uncertainty, but we are charging ahead in 2024 to defend the merit shop.
For those begging the question “how can we top this year’s party,” fear not. Save the date for December 5, 2024 for a Christmas party that will sure to have you saying Feliz Navidad!
