Valentine’s Date Night

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAN MACKULAK, SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR

We had another sell-out with 45 attendees, who enjoyed a wonderful time with old and new friends, in honor of Cynthia Giacchetti. Cynthia hosted this event every year for 6 years at the Arizona Culinary Institute. This event was a sell-out every year, involving great food and conversation, and Cynthia always made sure everyone always knew to dress up and to wear red apparel for Date Night. I have taken over the tradition of hosting this event to honor my dear friend.

Check out all the photos from the event at: azpcaphotos.smugmug.com/AZPCA-Social-Events/Valentines-Date-Night-2022/

I would also like to share some of the dinner’s welcome speech:

“Thank you all for coming tonight to the 7th Annual Valentine’s Date Night. This tradition was started by a long-time friend and member of AZPCA, Cynthia Giacchetti. I also want to thank Chef Robert and Chef Janet for having us, along with all the students, who prepared our meal and are hosting us tonight.

I especially want to thank Michael, her husband, for sharing his wife with us and the club for so many years… We met Cyn and Michael over 15 years ago, we did AXs and DEs with her, Porsches and Pancakes, Weekend Tours to California, Las Vegas, Alpine and Balloon Festivals, Sunday Drives; you name it, she attended these all. Cynthia also championed Ladies Drives around town, she was my Flight 26 registrar for 105 cars and 150 people at the banquet, and continued being registrar for years to come. She was Co-Social Chair with me for 5 years, doing Holiday Parties and Progressive Dinners and Anniversary Parties, and “just-cause” parties! When Cyn arrived, everyone knew her, and you knew the party could start.”

When Nicola, Cynthia’s daughter, heard we were having this event this year, she sent the following message:

“I’m so glad you reached out and so happy you’re continuing the Valentine’s Date Night. Cyn would be so pleased! I looked at all the photos from the events. My Mom just had a way of making everything special and making everybody feel special. She lived for that and everyone loved her. And if they didn’t, to heck with them! She loved spending time with you and Jer and I’m glad you were her friend. I miss her so much.”

And that’s the memory of Cynthia I wanted to leave with you all, whether you knew her or not. She was a special lady, a true Porsche Enthusiast, and volunteer and proponent for girls to be just as tough as guys on the track, and a person that never said no, if anyone in the club asked her to help. “Cheers to Cyn!”

Next year’s Valentine’s Date Night is already on ACI’s books as the Thursday before Valentine’s Day (2/9/2023). Make sure you mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on this wonderful night.