by Dan Spoone
Dan Dillon sang a remarkable rendition of the song “On the Other Side” during the opening session of the 2014 ACB conference and convention in Las Vegas, Nev. The song honored his wife Brenda Dillon, former second vice president of ACB who passed away last July, and announced the beginning of the ACB Angels Memorial tribute program. This new program is an opportunity for the ACB family to recognize members and guide dogs who have passed away and left a lasting memory in our hearts. The Angels program will create a permanent tribute page on ACB.org for each honoree. It will include a picture and personalized biography. In addition, there will be an ACB Wall of Angels created. This wall will be a portable permanent structure that will be displayed at each conference and convention and hold an individual plaque (in raised print and braille) for each honoree.
Brenda Dillon became the first of the Angels, and Dan’s song inspired others to honor their loved ones. Margarine Beaman honored her husband Robert “Bob” W. Beaman. Marlaina Lieberg remembered her seven guide dogs who served her over 50 years: Scamp, Reba, Vista, Dewey, Bea, Patch, and Madeline. Dan and Leslie Spoone honored Leslie’s sister, Anita Stone, who was a member of the Nevada host committee, and Norman Culver stepped up to recognize Alabama member Charles “Charlie” Carroll. In total, $5,000 was raised during the opening ceremony for ACB in support of the Angels Memorial tribute program.
For more program information and registration, visit the Donate Now page on ACB.org and click the link for Angels Memorial tribute program. The Angels program requires a minimum donation of $500 and can be made by an individual, family, group or affiliate. Alternatively, you can contact the ACB Minneapolis office at (612) 332-3242.
What a wonderful way to honor the memory of these members of the ACB family! Thanks, Dan, for your inspiration.
─ Dan Spoone