The award was presented at ESTA's Annual Dinner on 19 November by executive director Lori Rubinstein who spoke about the breadth of Rick's volunteer activities. His past efforts include serving two terms as a dealer director, chairing the Technical Education Committee, and chairing the committee that created The ESTA Foundation. Rick currently serves as Chair of ESTA's Member Recognition and Awards Committee, as Vice Chair of The ESTA Foundation, and as Chair of the Behind the Scenes Committee.
Lori Rubinstein spoke about the respect Rick has garnered from his colleagues and from the Association's staff for his thoughtfulness, his practicality, the passion that motivates his volunteerism, and the pleasure he is to work with. She also thanked his employers Vivian and George Gill of Stage Equipment and Lighting for their support of his volunteer activities.
In referring to his work on behalf of Behind the Scenes, Rubinstein commented, "I do not think I am speaking out of turn when I say that I believe Rick's greatest and most rewarding experience has been his involvement with Behind the Scenes. As the Chair of the Committee he has been deeply involved in every single aspect of the program. He has been tireless and most importantly, he has brought his own unique, quiet wisdom, thoughtfulness, and compassion to every task."
She concluded: "Tonight's winner is unusual in that he has had a positive impact not only on our businesses and our work lives, but also on our personal lives, enabling us for the first time to truly come together as a community to care for each other. Rick's legacy will last for a very long time."
The Eva Swan Award is presented to a member who has put forth exceptional efforts in time, expertise and personal resources on behalf of ESTA; been instrumental in shaping and promoting the strategic direction of the Association; made major contributions to the realization of the mission, goals and objectives; and enhanced the value of membership for all.
(Jim Evans)
