Ellafest℠Program

Sickle Cell Ambassador and Master of Ceremony James Brown

- Welcome & Prayer – Tom Bennett, EMBSCA Board

- National Anthem – Hunter Colangelo

- Lift Every Voice- all

- Governor’s Proclamation read by Bobby Maass, EMBSCA Board

- Dinner and Musical Guest “Seven One Nine” (45 mins)

- Sickle Cell Updates- Dr. Hassell

- Introduction and Acknowledgement of Board and volunteers

- Presentation of EMBSCA research donation by EMBSCA Board, Tina Maass

Tribute to Nancy Fielder (Year in review slideshow), Kathy Winder Acknowledgement of Sponsors (10 mins)

Second half

- Offering Tom Bennett, EMBSCA Board

- Silent Auction – Kathy Winder, EMBSCA Board and volunteers

- Special presentation, EMBSCA President Tina Maass and VP Sheree Thomas

- Closing Prayer- Charles Swinton

- Closing Remarks- Tina Maass

- Musical and Dancing “Seven One Nine”

The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn ‘s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Lift Every Voice And Sing

By James Weldon Johnson

Lift every voice and sing.

‘Till Earth and Heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty:

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the listening skies.

Let it resound, loud as the rolling sea, Sing a song full of the faith that the dark Past has taught us’

Sing a song full of the hope that the presence Has brought us;

Facing the rising sun of a new day begun, Let us march on ‘til victory is won.

President’s Welcome

Good afternoon, family and friends,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Ella Mae Bransom Sickle Cell Musical and Banquet.

In the few years as the president of this wonderful organization, we have been on a constant mission to bring us back to a pillar in the community. Not only to be seen but to continue to strive to make Sickle Cell a thing of the past.

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all of our clients, families, friends and new members. You are the life blood of this organization.

I want to thank all the healthcare professionals that take care of our clients and keep us educated on all new developments in the Sickle Cell community. Our Colorado Springs clients are so grateful that our UC Health/ Memorial North Hospital is now doing blood exchanges. This eliminates the need to travel to Denver on a monthly basis.

I would like to thank all who purchased tables, raffle tickets and supporters of the silent auction. Without you we would not be able to succeed in our mission to support our Sickle Cell clients. We also would like to thank you for your continued support throughout the year with the Blood Drive, outings and just overall support. With a little help we can hopefully make someone’s day a little better. I would like to invite everyone to continue to learn, educate and share all information about Sickle Cell with any and all who listen. I try to encourage as many people as I can by sharing my experiences as a Sickle Cell patient and letting them know that no one can stop you but you. And last and certainly not least, I want to thank the awesome Board that makes this all possible. The ones who gives of their time and all the hard work. From the bottom of my heart, I want to Thank You. Always remember and never forget:

“A set back is just a set up for a comeback.”

God Bless Tina Maass www.ellamae.org

Sickle Cell Ambassador and Master of Ceremony James Brown

James is originally from Hartsville, South Carolina. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and worked as a Command and Control Specialist. He’s served in several states in the U.S. including Texas, Ohio, Florida and Louisiana. He also served in Germany and Turkey. He found himself in Colorado Springs stationed at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Base with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). James retired after 20 years of honorable service.

James is a graduate of the Columbia School of Broadcasting, Hollywood, California and Pikes Peak Community College where he received an Associates Degree in Broadcasting. He then attended the Colorado State University-Pueblo where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. James is currently working on his Meteorology Degree through Mississippi State University.

He has worked in radio for more than 25 years. In his spare time, James enjoys photography and has a DJ service.

He is married, and has a daughter and a rabbit named Cinnamon.

Fun Facts

Favorite Movie: Airplane

Favorite Celebrities: Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock

Favorite TV Shows: My Name is Earl and Everybody Hates Chris

Favorite Classic TV Shows: Three's Company, Police Squad

Favorite Song: Unchained Melody, I Like The Way You Move (Outcast)

Favorite Musician: James Brown "The God Father of Soul"

Favorite Snack Peanut Butter-N-Jelly

Favorite Animal My Rabbit Cinnamon

Favorite Vacation Spot: Columbus, Ohio