Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/605448
82 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org 82 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org T his year's George Heller Memorial Award set a new high bar, as a record four gold cards were presented to members and staff who have gone above and beyond in service to the union. The gold card ceremony capped a night of celebration that included the American Scene Awards and revelry at the Gala Under the Stars on the Warner Bros. backlot on Oct. 2. The Heller awards came as a surprise to all the recipients, including President Ken Howard, who was honored for his six years as president, as well as being instrumental in guiding the merger. Howard took the opportunity to offer a special thanks to former Executive Vice President Ned Vaughn for encouraging him to get involved and serve as president: "It's by far the most important thing I've done in my life and we have really accomplished great things so far," Howard said. When he received his gold card, Miami Local member Dave Corey reflected on the theme of the convention. "I would like to add an 'E' to 'Educate, Engage and Empower,' and perhaps the word 'Embrace' might, for tonight, just be thrown in there," Corey said. "I embrace every one of you and will continue to do so for the rest of my life." Corey was elected to the Miami Local Board in 1983 and has served as a delegate to every AFTRA national convention since 1993. Once National Executive Director David White got over the surprise announcement that he was among the honorees, he offered a rousing acceptance speech and predicted that SAG-AFTRA's best days lay ahead. "I am here first and foremost because of the members of this union for whom I work … and I am here because of our staff," White said. "I believe this with all of my heart: We are destined to be the most powerful union on the face of this earth." Honoree Mathis Dunn, SAG-AFTRA's associate national executive director, has served union members for more than 30 years as a staff member with AFTRA and now SAG-AFTRA. He has worked at the local and national levels and participated in negotiations in every major area the union covers. "I never really thought I would have the honor of being recognized by a group of people who volunteer endless hours, dedicate their free time to so many, and work so hard," Dunn said. "To get the recognition from the members who employ me … I am so deeply moved and honored to stand before this group and say, 'Thank you for my career.'" GALA GLISTENS WITH GOLD "It's by far the most important thing I've done in my life and we have really accomplished great things so far." — Ken Howard The George Heller gold card recipients were, from left, SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard, Miami Local member Dave Corey, National Executive Director David White and Associate National Executive Director Mathis Dunn. MATT PETIT X4