Indianapolis, IN — Minorities in Hospitality celebrated their 20th anniversary yesterday evening at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Indianapolis. Although the organization has been around for a while, this was only its 3rd Annual Awards Gala. Members, supporters, and sponsors gathered together to acknowledge certain individuals for their outstanding success and service within the hospitality field.
Minorities in Hospitality (MIH) are an Indianapolis based organization that was recently established as a nonprofit in June. The group has been serving business professionals in the hospitality field for 20 years as they aspire, “to inspire excellence in hospitality through industry leadership, business connections, and community partnerships.” Receiving their nonprofit status allows them to expand not only nationally, but globally, and they plan to do so.
Patrice Bey, the Vice President of the organization, spoke with the Ball Out about what it means to her to be a part of Minorities in Hospitality as it continues to grow.
The evening started off with friendly greetings, warm conversations, and specialty cocktails provided by Republic National Spirits. All the men looked handsome in their suits and ties, and the ladies looked fabulous in their long gowns and nicely done hair. Hollis Thomas, an MIH Board Member and a member for over a decade, gave the opening remarks and blessed the food. We all enjoyed a three-course meal and then proceeded onto the award ceremony.
Hosts Tony Lamont and his wife Cathy Holloway Hill, guided us throughout the night as they beautifully acknowledged the winners of six special awards. Chelsea Khan received the High School Award for her passion for the hospitality industry, involvement in MIH, and vast improvement in school. Susie Urai accepted the Supplier Award for hosting the gala at the Hilton. Larry Williams Jr. received the Philanthropic Award for his success in the hospitality field. David Campbell won the Concierge Award, and Mie-Young Reed accepted the Founder’s Award. Ms. Tonya Callahan was surprised by MIH when she was awarded the President’s Award for her involvement in the organization.
We ended the evening with pictures and dancing. The smiles on everyone’s face lit up the room. Members sat and reminisced on how far the organization has come since its start in 1998 and discussed their hopes for the future!
One member new to MIH, Nickiya Brown, shared her thoughts with the Ball Out on attending her first gala and being a member.
In the words of Ms. Tonya, “MIH is going global, baby!”
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