Abra
If you've never worked on a cruise ship, you don't know the bizarre nature of living your life "out at sea". The hours are constant (you're technically "on" 24/7), the ports of call are beautiful and the party never ends.
Abra spent two-and-a-half mostly glorious years with Carnival Cruise Lines. Once, while hosting a game of pool volleyball, she got pushed in the pool with all her clothes on. Understandably, this was an opportunity to be … let's say, "displeased". However, she turned it into a laugh by joining the game she was shoved into without missing a beat. It worked so well it became a scheduled (staged) event that always pleased the crowd.
Abra loved working at sea. And she was very good at it. So good, in fact, that she moved up from Kid Counselor to Assistant Cruise Director faster than a sunburn sets on a pasty passenger from Pennsylvania.
Great as the gig was, her sea legs only lasted so long. She yearned for more and thought she found it back in Minnesota where she worked for a large Jewish Non-Profit, working on fundraising and event planning. As fate would have it, the ships called again. They wanted her back. And this time it was for a World Cruise. Properly teased, she said yes. Two days before boarding, they called to say her world would now be only in the Caribbean. Nothing against the Caribbean, but that ship had already sailed for her.
With no job and nothing to lose, she packed up (what little she had) and headed west. It didn't take her long to land in Marina, where she now works with the Jewish Community Federation in The City.
With her incredible people and party skills, her fit with Denon & Doyle is hand in glove. We just hope one of those ships in the Marina doesn't need a pool games specialist any time soon.
GoTo Links:
"Just wanted to let you know how lucky you are to have Abra – she is awesome! She was the MC for our party October 29th and she did an unbelievable job. She was able to get all of the kids engaged and make all of them feel comfortable (including many awkward 13 year-old boys!). She got the non-dancers out on the dance floor and got kids and adults dancing together. She's also incredibly organized, and everything went off without a hitch. We very much appreciate that she was willing to take the time to come out and teach our kids a couple of dances before the event – that made it SO much better for them. She's a star!"
-Jeffrey Olgin, Marin Jewish Community Center, October 29, 2011
"I wanted to pass on Sophie and Maddy's comments, especially to Abra.
They thought Abra was amazing. They and their friends loved the games she played with them. Best of all, they said that if they were to do the party over again that they wouldn't change a thing and that they would definitely want Abra to be there."
-Mike and Melanie Brent, Temple Isaiah, January 22, 2011
"Just wanted to thank you and your team for such a great job. All our guests had a great time at the party and you guys were terrific."
-Diane Kahn, Servino Restaurant, January 15, 2011
"Abra was amazing! She was absolutely perfect for the group, keeping them engaged the entire evening. She even had my husband's number when she had him lead YMCA - it was hysterical! His comment was "whew that's a long song. I was running out of moves!". Truth be told, he has no moves."
-Robin Moses, Servino Restaurant, November 20, 2010
"Hi Abra, wow, how do we thank you for such an incredible evening? You and your team were awesome and our initial photos show just how much fun was had by all! I can't wait to have you guys at our younger son's Bar Mitzvah in two years! Again, thank you so much for everything and making the night so memorable! Enjoy the photos!"
-Jennifer Douglas, Granite Bay Golf Club, June 12, 2010
"We could not have wished for a more memorable event. Our guests were blown away by the presentation and interaction with the kids. I've never seen boys that age dance all night. It was a blast watching the kids. No one wanted the party to end.
Abra is AMAZING!!! I was impressed with her on the phone & meeting her in person was the icing on the cake. She did a phenomenal job as our MC & everyone loved her. Jon, Ari, Ben and Ranjani were fantastic! They were such a great addition to a spectacular event.
Our party ROCKED!! Sara had a beautiful day and we can't thank you enough for making it happen.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! You're the best!!
-Jean O'Donnell
and one from a guest...
Sara's Bat Mitzvah party was THE best party I have EVER been to. (Even better than my daughter's). Abra was AMAZING from start to finish. First, she dealt so skillfully and competently and compassionately with everything. She handled all the "bumps" in the road effortlessly. She managed to mediate what Sara wanted and what the adults thought was "appropriate". Her communications were timely and I felt completely confident every step of the way that she was in charge and it would be fabulous. But, I had no idea how fabulous it would be until I saw it. Every single kid was engaged, dancing and having the best time. Sara was soooo happy. The dancers and Abra kept everything moving and exciting and fun. It was the party of Sara's dreams and the best time of her life. A friend of mine called Sunday to say her daughter was there and told her mom it was the best night of her life. She is an 8th grader! She said all the kids were texting for 2 hours after the party about how fabulous it was. I have never seen boys so engaged dancing and having fun for the whole entire time. Even the adults were dancing. Bravo ABRA!!!!
-Sara's Bat Mitzvah, Jewish Community Center, January 16, 2010