As many of you know, as the event organizer of the Convoy, I prefer staying in the background of this event. However, in February, I attended the Worldwide Days Inn Conference in Las Vegas, and at this event I received a very special award and wanted to share the news with you.

My staff at the Days Inn Gettysburg had nominated me for the "Cecil B. Day Community Service Award." This award is given to the person or hotel that most exemplifies Mr. Day, the founder of Day's Inn's commitment to the communities they are in. This award would not have been possible without the hundreds of volunteers, drivers, and wish families that are involved in the Convoy, so to each of you I share this honor with you.

When the nominations for the awards were announced, they gave a brief history of our event and the other nominees - and all were very deserving of this honor. I was very surprised and thought I would be able to calmly accept this honor - however, as I was making my way to the stage to accept the award, they began toshow slides of the Convoy and wish children, which is all it took for the tears to begin. As I turned around to face the crowd of over 2,000 Days Inn General Managers and owners, I was met by a standing ovation. I then told Joe Kane, the President of Days Inn, that this was not for me, but rather for the kids. He went on to announce this to the crowd and said that is why Sherri is receiving this award. She doesn't do it for herself, but rather for the kids.

This was truly the highlight of my career in the hospitality industry, and I will tell you, as the story of the Convoy and money everyone has raised was shared, there was not a dry eye in the room. Everyone was moved by what we have accomplished through this event.

So, to each of you I thank you for sharing in the Power of a Wish - this truly showed just how powerful our event is.

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