the dish
offering awesome culinary options by lauren baugh
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hen I first started my position as Executive Director in August of 2019, I was thrust into planning events. I sought out mentors, and I am so thankful for all of them, one company in particular. Karen and Mike Gavala, who co-own G3 catering, offered help with every detail, not just catering, for our regular lunches. When it came time to plan a 200-plus person gala, I figured I would just kind of know what to do. I learned that was not the best approach. While many of those involved in the Bar helped me, they were busy with lawyering. I had so many deadlines to meet, and Karen came to help. She kindly offered to meet with me in person and show me things I had
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a hard time seeing myself. I am a visual learner and have great creative vision, but the ideas come to me when I am on site. Karen and Mike continue to offer this to me for each event. We either meet in person, email a zillion times (this is because I often have many random thoughts, questions and, of course, ideas) or chat on the phone. They always offer constructive ideas to help solve any problems I may not see. While planning this year’s gala, which is a huge undertaking, I knew the venue (the Edison Ford Winter Estates) and the theme. With this event being outside for the first time since I joined the team here at the LCBA, I had a vision and no idea how to execute it. Without hesitation, Karen offered to meet me at the EdisonFord Estates and help.
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Karen and I met with Lindsey, the Events Coordinator, and Karen walked the site with me. Together, we planned the bar area (did you know G3 has a liquor license and can provide a FULL bar for your event?!), the cocktail reception, the dinner service, the table layout and even where the band should be placed. After that meeting, I left with a vision of what, where and how, as well as with a few meal options to please even the pickiest eater. Each event I have with G3, I always have some sort of crazy idea, and they are always able to help me execute the idea in a cost-effective, sensible and logical way. Recently, I met with them to take a tour of the Burroughs Home and Gardens. They have taken over the responsibilities of
