What do Doris Leventhal and the Great Lakes Region of EGA and Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers have in common?  Both were in Pittsburgh Sunday night October 4, 2009, celebrating their wins.  The Steelers beat the San Diego Chargers 38 to 28, and Doris Leventhal won the coveted Gold Thread Award for the Great Lakes Region of the Embroiderer's Guild of America. 

When Doris Leventhal and her entourage arrived at the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh her room was not ready.  Apparently the Steelers had also selected the Omni for their pre-game stay and had not left as early as hoped.  After  relaxing in the beautiful big lobby and enjoying coffee with other displaced seminar attendees, Doris and her entourage, which consisted of Corinne Clift and Gail Starks,  were able to settle into one of their rooms. 

Doris changed into a lovely ensemble for the evening of festivities.  She wore a black embroidered and sequined skirt and velvet top which she accented with her own creation of black and sparkling crystal necklace, bracelet, and earrings.  Her outfit  was completed by a yellow rose corsage given by Shirley Irwin-Myers. 

After a reception where Doris greeted friends, she entered the Grand Ball of the Omni for the opening banquet.  Over 500 EGA members were in attendance from throughout the United States and foreign countries.  Each region sat together and the conversation was lively.  The sharing of new ideas and the remembering of good times with old and new friends is one of the best gifts of EGA. 

Then it was time for the Gold Thread Awards.  When Doris's name was called there was loud applause from throughout the huge banquet hall.  All members of R.O.S.E. would have been so proud of her.  Through her many years in EGA Doris has touched the lives of so many members with her knowledge, willingness to share that knowledge and her warm and gracious personality.  Doris received a certificate and a beautiful long stemmed red rose. 

As Mike Swan, winner of the National Gold Thread Award Winner for EGA, said in her acceptance speech, "Thank you for allowing me to play all of these years."  Yes, being in EGA is a wonderful venue for playing and Doris Leventhal has enriched that play time for all of us with her dedication and enthusiasm for the game of needlework.  She is our EGA All Star! 

It was an elegant evening for a very elegant lady, Doris Leventhal. Thank you, Doris!