What is it about winning prizes that makes grown men and women transform into giddy kids? At Tidewater Women’s Meet-and-Greet last Thursday at the d’ART Center, I had assembled an impressive array of door prizes to give away to my guests: two gift certificates for a 90-minute massage at Wells Therapeutics, two $100 gift certificates for dinner at Aberdeen Barn, two pairs of tickets to Lyric Opera’s Carmen, and three yummy one-pound boxes of Royal Chocolate.

As our guests lined up holding their ticket stubs in hand, I called out numbers, and winners practically shouted for joy as their numbers were called. Not everyone won a prize, unfortunately, but everyone enjoyed the thrilling suspense.

This was our first Meet-and-Greet in a while, a chance for Peter and me—along with TW’s sales staff: Ronnie, Kittie, and Lynne-Hope—to enjoy face time with our loyal advertisers. TW writers were also invited, but only Dr. Jim Carraway showed up, dapper and springlike in his seersucker jacket. It was great to see all the advertisers who showed up as well. Check out the photo gallery and see who was there!

Guests browsed through the d’ART Center’s galleries and enjoyed viewing some fabulous local art. Others enjoyed the spread of hors d’oeuvres—smoked salmon, crab dip, cheese and crackers, veggies, chips and hummus, and my personal favorite—peanut M&Ms. Wine and conversation flowed, and everyone remarked on what a nice gathering it was.

In fact, I got the best prize of all: knowing that everyone who came to TW’s Meet-and-Greet enjoyed being together, sharing ideas, and making new friends. We’ll plan another event soon. Hope to see you there!

P.S. My thanks to D’Arcy Weiss, d’ART Center’s marketing director, for her help in making the event happen.