Tenant Appreciation Day a Sweet Success
Huge happy crowds gathered in the lobbies of the 6464 and 6565 Sunset buildings on Thursday, August 24, 2011, for PCD’s 4th Annual Ice Cream Social Extravaganza. The Folb Family likes to think outside the box and four years ago they conceived of this annual affair as a way to show their appreciation for the great tenants in their buildings. It also provides a good excuse for people to say hello to old friends and get to know their newer neighbors.
The staff of ClevverMedia have their spoons up ready to dig in!
Everyone loves ice cream, and the 100 plus degree temperatures outside drew an even bigger crowd than usual. The old fashioned atmosphere of a small town Ice Cream Social took over the lobbies of both buildings, where festive red booths dispensed cups of Dandy Don’s handmade ice cream in many fabulous flavors. Long tables loaded with bowls of 15 various toppings came next, and everyone found their favorites among the nuts, sprinkles, gummy bears, etc. that were available. Dandy Don’s signature hot fudge sauce was also a huge hit as some sought to break the record for how high they could pile a sundae. Dandy Don’s boutique ice cream is in many restaurants, golf courses, and clubs in the Los Angeles area, including the Jonathan Club, and has been a part of the Tenant Appreciation Day tradition since it’s inception. Dandy Don himself hovered in his ice cream tie and red and white attire, reminiscing about the history of his product, and lending a ringmaster air to the festivities.
Melissa Shahin and Denise Cohen of Cardio Barre noted the irony of the event happening right outside their front door, but admitted that they and several of their clients had treated themselves to servings of what they labeled “non-guilt ice cream”, since they had all just finished their workouts. They proclaimed it the “best ice cream ever” and from their smiles it was a big hit.
The ladies of Cardio Barre enjoy their guilt-free confections.
Irwin Zucker of Promotion in Motion was there, introducing himself to everyone as the oldest tenant in the PCD buildings, having been a tenant since 1956. He is active in promoting writers and books and can regale you with anecdotal stories for hours. Irwin has attended all of these events, and was busy introducing himself to some of the newer tenants and greeting old acquaintances with his boundless energy.
Developing a synergy among the businesses in the PCD buildings is one part of the motivation behind these events. Brian Folb, just arrived from London, hurried back to attend what is one of his favorite events. “The safety drill / barbecue is a longer running affair, but this is my favorite and I wanted to be here” he remarked. He also wanted to attend to personally thank as many tenants as possible for their loyalty and long running tenancies. “Many building owners hand out a gift to their tenants at the holidays, but while we still do some of that I love that these events are so much more personal and involve the entire staffs of the tenants, who really seem to enjoy them” said Brian. His Dad, Stanley Folb, and the PCD staff, were also there partaking of the cool treats and saying hi to friends.
Heather Geltzer of Play Editorial was there with several smiling co-workers, and remarked “It’s always so nice when they do these things”. Stephanie Miller and Tom Moonsori of Night Vision Entertainment, plus a group of new tenants from The Tax Credit Company were also seen in line for ice cream. People were overheard saying things like “I’ve worked in this building for x number of years, funny that I’ve never met you”. This is part of what makes this event so unique, as it provides new business connections, the chance to make new friends, and exciting potential opportunities for the members of the PCD community. Plus what a great excuse to indulge in delicious ice cream on a hot summer day!
The staff of MyFDB enjoy a break from their busy day.
Amanda McAneney of MyFDB said the countdown to the Ice Cream Social began the moment she saw the poster in the elevator, and as the date approached the MyFDB office staff grew eager to “indulge in some ice cream madness”. As soon as the time approached they power walked to the elevators, chit chatting about what flavors they hoped would be there. So eager to be first in line, they actually arrived early and had to go back upstairs until the event began. When they arrived and saw the Dandy Don’s crew setting up the booth Amanda said she knew her “sweet tooth would have a day to remember”. After going for cookies and cream and just about every topping option available, she was faced with an empty cup, a slight brain freeze, and a very contented, if overly full, stomach.
The end of Tenant Appreciation Day each year also provides a special treat for the homeless in Hollywood. All the leftover ice cream is taken to Blessed Sacrament Church, where PCD’s Dirk Degraeve is Director of Social Services, and is donated to their long running Social Services program to feed those in need. Brian Folb and his family have long supported many outreach programs for the poor and homeless in Hollywood and this annual donation is just one more way they support the Hollywood Community. Special thanks go out to Grace Robles, Building Services Coordinator, Anthonette Respicio, Executive Leasing Coordinator, and Cristina Arrigo, Customer Service Liaison for arranging another fun filled event. The Folbs, the PCD staff, all the PCD tenants look forward eagerly to next year’s event!
- LQ
