Another year, another spirit filled day in Norfolk!

Thousands of  hospitality workers were honored at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center on the downtown Norfolk waterfront on May 8, 2012.

Its all part of National Travel and Tourism Week.

Stephanie Harris, Bruce Rader, Tom Schaad and I, along with O-D-U Football coach Bobby Wilder, judged the most spirited organizations.

Visit Norfolk and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation organized the event to honor the best hospitality associates in the mermaid city.

Once again, the band and cheerleaders from
Booker T. Washington High School entertained us.

Erin Filarecki from Visit Norfolk told us: “We have over 7,000 employees in the travel and tourism industry.This is there special day to honor them…everything that they do behind the scenes that visitors don’t necessarily see.”

But something was clearly missing this year, lawyer and philanthropist, Peter Decker, Jr.

“Uncle Pete” as he was affectionately known by many passed away in February.He had served as emcee of this event for several years.  This year’s event served as a special tribute to him. A special video highlighted his contributions to the rally over the years.

His three sons- Pete, Paul, and Phil took over those duties.
The Downtown Norfolk Council won for most spirited small group.

The Norfolk Airport Hilton won for large group.  They wrote and performed special songs in memory of Uncle Pete.  That caused many of us to tear up.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Admissions: Gay Jones, Norfolk Scope

Assistant: Mary Ellen Fournier Virginia Arts Festival

Audio Visual: Mike Villare with Ted Constant Convocation Center

Banquets: Sheneda Latham-Hollis with Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Norfolk

Bartender & Overall Winner: Joe Allen with Norfolk Airport Hilton

Corporate Liaison: Rita Super with Norfolk Southern Corp.

Docent: Hunt Lewis with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Driver: Mark Lett with Orange Peel Transportation

Front Desk: Cheryl Mathis with Residence Inn by Marriott – Norfolk Airport

Hostess: Tierra Jones with Shula’s 347 Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Housekeeper Aimee Vidal with Navy Gateway Inns & Suites

Maintenance (co-winners): Orlando Baskfield with Navy Lodge Norfolk
Red Harris with Quality Inn Norfolk Naval Station

Mascot: Rip Tide (Bill Caruso) Norfolk Tides Baseball Club

Parking Attendant: Bee Sutton with MacArthur Center

Public Service Ambassador: Dave Walker with Downtown Norfolk

Reservations: Sabrina Thomas Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

Retail: Patricia Dunn Nauticus

Server: Chris John with Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse

Tour Operator: Amanda Wells with Norfolk Botanical Garden

Valet: Yar Khan with Norfolk Plaza Hotel

Volunteer: Carolyn Papafil with The Norfolk Grille

Zoo Ambassador: Chai and Thai with Virginia Zoological Park

For more pictures, check out The Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation’s Facebook page.

Today, we said goodbye to Peter Decker, Jr., Norfolk’s biggest cheerleader. He lost his four year battle with cancer on February 3. There’s no way to list all of the wonderful things he did during his 76 years on earth.

Those of us who knew him well- and even those who just knew him in passing- affectionately called him Uncle Pete.Uncle Pete and his family have been friends with my family for years- way back when my mom was a television hostess on WTAR-TV. When I moved back to the area 11 years ago, I ran into  Uncle Pete at various community service events, sporting events,  his law office, the coffee shop or various restaurants. I always got a kiss on both cheeks and a big hug and an “Love ya, kid!”. This is a blog from my last event I did with Uncle Pete, the Champions of Hospitality Rally in May, 2011 honoring downtown Norfolk service employees.  Last year’s event actually honored Uncle Pete.

We had these neat fans with his picture on them and we cheered and waved for him!   I last saw Uncle Pete during the holidays. I took my mom out to dinner in downtown Norfolk. He and his wife Bess and another couple were walking down Granby Street. I ran out to flag them down. He came in, gave us hugs and kisses, chatted, then tried to pay our bill (it was too late, I had already paid).

That’s the type of guy he was. Genuinely concerned… always positive… always a symbol of love and light. That’s why thousands crammed into the Norfolk Waterside Marriott to share their stories about Uncle Pete, listen to tributes and watch pictures of his life flash across the big screens. One of the most touching moments- when his son Paul sang a few lines from Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” to his mom, Bess, Pete’s wife of nearly 50 years. (That was his dad’s request)

Uncle Pete was a perfect example of what we should all try to be:  peaceful, loving, accepting- even with those who make peace, love, and acceptance difficult.  Uncle Pete will be missed by many, but his spirit and legacy will live on through many!