September 22, 2005

The event was coordinated by AVCS Auxiliary President and 1997 Snowball Chair Tish Allen, who joined, from left, 1993 Snowball Chair Donna Dawson Schwartz, Beth Proudfoot, and 1989 Snowball Chair Judi Dissly.

Pat Dando returned home for good last week, saying goodbye to Sacramento and a prestigious position in Governor Schwarzenegger’s office, but not without capturing a rare gift for Rocki—a commendation from the governor himself. Dando started her new job as president and CEO of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

Master of Ceremony Bob Coelho, left, and current Board Chair Steve Kitrosser led the room in a toast to AVCS, a thriving ship after 25 years and to Rocki Kramer, its sails.

Councilwoman Nancy Pyle (right) presented Rocki with a commendation from the city.

Bittersweet bash

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Champagne glasses clinked, birthday cake was served, speeches flowed, and tears were shed as nearly 200 people gathered on Sunday to tip their glasses in celebration and in a tender farewell to Almaden Valley Counseling Service Executive Director Rocki Kramer.

The dining room at Almaden Country Club was filled to capacity, with those whose lives have been touched by the AVCS—not hard to do if you consider the fact that a great majority of Almaden residents have either been counselors, trainees, supervisors, board members, or sought counseling at AVCS at some point during the past 25 years. It was certainly cause to reflect and celebrate, especially when past board chairs dating back to year one attended the landmark event and added a fourth element—a reunion—to the list already celebrating two anniversaries, a retirement, and a birthday, all in one night.

But the main item on the agenda was to bid farewell to the agency’s matriarch Kramer. It was a grand send off that included trips down memory lane and commendations from both the City Council and Governor Schwarzenegger himself—all that and a birthday too. What more could a girl want?

Even though Kramer has stepped down after 16 years as executive director, the ink is still drying on a recent check she made payable to AVCS, her dues as its newest auxiliary member—which still leaves plenty of time for “a long, well-deserved happy retirement filled with grandkids, tennis, swimming, and traveling,” words that echo the wishes expressed by her husband David in the tribute books at each place setting.

Not very comfortable in the spotlight, Rocki shifted in her seat; made sure other deserving members received their nods, and laughed through the tears. When finally “allowed” to venture from her seat to the microphone, the tide shifted and true to form, she took charge and was soon handing out gifts and thank yous to supporters.

Maybe that’s why no one would allow her near the podium until everyone else had an opportunity to speak about their leader. They know her well.

She’s also pleased with the outcome of the farewell party turned fundraiser, which brought in $25,000 and will net the agency with a nearly $15,000 going away gift, compliments of the consummate fundraising guru.

“I’m all about raising money to keep this going,” she adds. “This way I can leave on a high note and leave the agency with some money in my honor. That’s my legacy.”