The IPBA has a tradition of honoring our hard-working volunteers. The following awards were made at the Annual Meeting during our 2024 Annual Convention:
Shining Star: Monica Magnani
This individual has been a beacon of light, guiding us through the realms of knowledge and creativity. With unwavering commitment and boundless enthusiasm, she has embraced every opportunity to share her expertise and ignite our collective passion for perfume bottle collecting. She has graced our stages with captivating presentations, enlightening us with her insights, and enriching our understanding of this fascinating art form. Her contributions to the Perfume Bottle Quarterly have captivated readers and inspired fellow collectors around the globe.
Not content with resting on her laurels, she has embraced the digital age, creating a vibrant Facebook Interactive group for collectors of non-commercial perfume bottles, providing a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share, and learn. She also pioneered the establishment of our fourth International Chapter, Italia, Portugal, and Espana (IPE), bringing together collectors from across continents and fostering connections that transcend borders.
Last fall, she helped to orchestrate a remarkable tour of Italy, offering our members an unforgettable journey through the heart of perfume bottle history. And in a historic moment, she orchestrated the inaugural meeting of the IPE Chapter in the grandeur of the Correr Museum, uniting collectors in a shared celebration of our passion.
But perhaps what truly sets her apart is her generosity of spirit and willingness to share her knowledge with others. She embodies the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration that defines our community, enriching our lives with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor and admiration that I present the Shining Star Award to a remarkable individual whose contributions have illuminated our path and inspired us all.
Please join me in congratulating Monica Magnani for her extraordinary work and her enduring commitment to the International Perfume Bottle Association. Monica, your light shines brightly among us, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.
Shining Star: Paula Walker
It is my great honor to present a Shining Star award to an individual whose passion and expertise have dazzled our world of vintage perfume bottles. Our Shining Star not only has great knowledge but has generously shared it with all of us, via numerous presentations, emails, articles, meetings, and talks. It is rare to find someone so dedicated to preserving the cultural significance of these artifacts, ensuring that they are not just relics of the past but living examples of the artistry and craftsmanship of bygone eras.
Today, we celebrate not only the depth of knowledge but also the generosity of spirit that our awardee embodies. She has turned a personal passion into a shared journey for countless others, fostering a community that cherishes the beauty of vintage Czech perfume bottles. Her meticulous research and enthusiasm have not only educated but inspired many Czech collectors, transforming the bottles from mere objects into dazzling and unique pieces of art created by glass masters. Congratulations to Paula Walker on receiving the Shining Star Award!
Paula, your dedication, your generosity, and your genuine love for what you do is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for being the shining star that lights up our world of vintage perfume bottles.
Shining Star: Shari Hopper
Ladies and gentlemen, Today, as we gather to celebrate excellence within our community, it gives me immense pleasure to present the Shining Star award to someone who embodies the very essence of dedication, commitment, and resilience, since our earliest days.
They have not only served on the Board of Directors with distinction but has also lent their expertise and passion to numerous projects and initiatives. Their written contributions to the PBQ have been nothing short of exceptional, enlightening us with their insights and knowledge, and enriching our appreciation of these Glorious Perfume Bottles. Their unwavering support and active involvement in the IPBA sets them apart. Whenever called upon, they have stepped up to the plate with grace and enthusiasm, sharing their expertise through presentations and workshops.
What truly sets them apart, is their perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite facing the devastation of fire not once, but twice, she has risen from the ashes like a phoenix, undeterred in her resolve to continue her journey in the world of glass blowing.
It is my privilege and my honor to present the Shining Star award to none other than Shari Hopper. Shari, your contributions to the IPBA and the glass blowing community at large are immeasurable, and tonight, we celebrate you as a true shining star. Congratulations!
Honors of the Association: Don Orban and Jon Allmandinger
Today, we celebrate unwavering commitment, quiet strength, and intense wisdom. For many years, you have been pillars of support, embodying the true spirit of service and camaraderie. You have been steadfast allies, offering guidance and support. Your words, though few, leave a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege of listening. You may not seek the spotlight, but your actions speak volumes. Your willingness to lend a helping hand, without hesitation or expectation of recognition, whether at Convention, or with a project, speaks to the essence of your character.
Together, you two gentlemen form a dynamic duo, each complementing the other’s strengths and talents. Your collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to the IPBA and to the PBQ, have elevated our organization and enriched our lives in ways we never thought possible.
To our dear friends Don Orban and Jon Allmandinger, thank you for your boundless creativity and unwavering dedication and support of the IPBA. You have our deepest gratitude.
Jon, you are a master of creativity and innovation. As the owner of your own advertising agency, you have carved a niche in the competitive world of marketing. Your talents are as diverse as they are impressive. From designing and laying out our quarterly magazine to creating logos and graphics for various projects, your artistic touch has enriched our PBQ and our Organization. Your knowledge of Social Media has helped our Board bring attention to, and awareness of the IPBA.
Don, you are a true steward of history and beauty. As a historic preservation planner, you have dedicated your career to safeguarding our architectural heritage. Your keen eye for detail, ensures that the stories and pictures of perfume bottles of our past are preserved in our PBQ’s for generations to come. You served as Publications Chair on the Board of Directors during our most trying time with the Covid epidemic. You did not talk much during our Board Meetings, but when you did – we listened. Your decision to stay on for a 3rd term, to keep continuity on the Board and to the Organization, helped keep the IPBA moving forward. And I thank you.
You both have brought magic to the PBQ, transforming each issue into a work of art, inviting readers to delve into the depths of culture and history. We celebrate you both with the deepest admiration and gratitude. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
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