Community Women Vital Voices in association with E-Central Credit Union hosted Community Celebration for Gerald Freeny, 2019 Tournament of Roses president, was a resounding success. The event which took place on Sunday, September 9, 2018 celebrated Mr. Freeny’s achievements and him becoming the first African American president in the Tournament of Roses 123 year history. It was a historic occasion for members of the community to enjoy.
Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek; Vice Mayor John J. Kennedy; City Councilmen Tyron Hampton; and Andy Wilson, Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Judy Chu, State Senator Steve Bradford, State Assemblymen Chris Holden, Mike Gibson and Reggie Jones Sawyer; Hon. Linda Wah, PCC Board of Trustees; Jonathan Veitch, president Occidental College; Dr. Terrence Roberts, Little Rock Nine; Dr. Soray Coley, president, Cal Poly Pomona; and Danny Bakewell, Sr., owner of The Bakewell Company, were among the host of dignitaries and community leaders who honored Mr. Freeny at E-Central Credit Union Pasadena headquarters. Over 300 community-minded individuals were in attendance and enjoyed scrumptious food, jazz music performed by Nolan Shaheed Quintet and the Pasadena Symphony, Violinists.
Trina Freeny, wife of Gerald Freeny, accepted a Special Award from Mark A. Garmus, E-Central Credit Union Chairman of the Board. She also received Congressional Certificates, California State and Assembly proclamations and many other accolades on behalf of her husband. Mr. Freeny did not attend the event due to illness.
“E-Central was delighted to partner with Community Women Vital Voices in honoring Mr. Freeny’s many years of service and volunteerism,” said Michael Theodore, President/CEO E-Central Credit Union. “We sincerely appreciated participating in this historic event,” he added.
Chaired by Ron Carter and Lena Kennedy, as well as many Community Co-Hosts, the event brought together several diverse groups from the Pasadena and Los Angeles County communities. It also signaled the progress the Tournament of Roses has made in its leadership ranks in recent history.
