Fred Nelson - One Very Special Person

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vinvac

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2010
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486
Location
Dubuque IA
It was my priviledge and honor to be invited this weekend to a very special event in Chicago. The new Center on Halsted was dedicated to the community. The Center on Halsted is dedicated to serving Chicago's gay, lesbian, bisexual and trangender community. (LGTB)

VCCC webmaster and club member Fred Nelson helped to play an important role in making all of this happen. He was very much unaware that he would be honored at this event. Fred's partner Edward S. Gould also played an important role by leaving a charitable trust fund to help makes this vision happen. Fred's partner passed on November 8, 1996, but Fred has in many ways helped to make this dream become a reality.

Fred arranged to have a limo pick us up and take us to the event. I had no idea how moving this would be. It still brings tears to my eyes when I hear all of the wonderful things about the center and those that made this dream come to life. There was not a dry eye at our table as a video was played talking about the accomplishments of Ed and as friends of Fred spoke of his unending efforts and behind the scenes work to help Chicago's LGTB community.

Fred, I can not Thank You enough for inviting me and letting me be a part of this special event. Your generousity is overwhelming....

Members of the VCCC and AW that were able to attend were Charlie W., Tanyia v, Greg N, Jeff P., Mike B, Terry L, and new VCCC club member Mike Buffington and then share in some great vacuum fun for the rest of the weekend. Gregg Nunn was able to help Jeff Parker move some vintage washing machines and to help with the set up of those machines. I had to leave early for another committment, but I am sure they are all down stairs having fun with vacuums.

I am posting some pictures of Friday nights event. First picture is Fred receiving a gift from the folks at the Center On Halsted. Again Fred, Thanks for your wonderful gift of Friendship and your desire to see this world and your community become a better place.

Morgan

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Congratulations Fred, on reciept of such a wonderful honor. What a blessing it is for those less fortunate to have such a kind benefactor.
 
Congratulations to all involved!

I am thrilled that Chicago is again a leader in promoting equitibility and care for everyone - including the LGBT community.
With resources like Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago House, Center on Halsted (among others)- the support available to the LGBT community in Chicago is astounding.
I've long been associated with both Howard Brown and Chicago House. The ultimate satisfaction is seeing (and arranging) for people to USE the resources when they really had the need. In the past I've seen Howard Brown and Chicago House reach out with their services with the intent of inclusion rather than exclusion - their services go to the LGBT community and BEYOND. Everybody wins.
I'm sure that the Center on Halsted will reach out to the LGBT and beyond as well. It's a great resource. I'm very proud of everyone who helped bring it to reality.
 
I would like to echo

Morgan's sentiment, I had NO idea the reach or depth of Ed and Fred's generosity, nor of their past accomplishments. Morgan was right tears flowed as we watch our "Ida" on Friday night. Even hard-nosed Helen shed tears too!
I am just so proud of Fred, its an honor and privelege to call him my friend!
The whole evening was amazing, from the Tuxedos to the limo ride to Boystown, the beautiful new Center on Halstead building, the ballroom, the excellent food, Billie Jean King, and entertainment by the original broadway cast of "Rent" and singer Betty Buckley.
I have a ton of pictures from the weekend I will post later today once I get home.
Fred, from Michael and I both, thanks for everything this weekend, it was an event neither of us will ever forget.

Also B.O.L.O. for another thread on another forum, Michael and I are now the happy owners of a set of Maytag 806's!
 
and now...

some views of Chicago...this one looking south-east from the 3rd floor lounge of the Center on Halstead

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fred

i just want to thank you for a wonderful time!!! i had a blast. it is always a PLEASURE being with all of you and FRED made this night happen for all of us!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I enjoyed everyone coming over to my home on Saturday as well. I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and will come again!! All of the pictures were FANTASTIC!!!! there is ONE picture that sticks out in my mind however!!!! This picture is of the ONE the ONLY H E L E N L A W S O N !!!! She is FABULOUS you know!!!! Wherever did you get that hair honey??? LOL LOL

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HOOVER1060

could it be??? is it possible?? is the the twin sister of the one and only??? H E L E N L A W S O N ???? IS IT????

AGNES???????????????????????

W O W !!!!!!

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badata

my posts have been coming up under hoover 1060's name....sorry!!!! i'll try to correct it!!

thanks..
michael

(badata)
 
Just got home a while ago - what an amazing weekend!!

The Center on Halsted is a GLBT service organization that serves the Chicago-land community. The gala was celebrating the grand opening of their newly finished home on Halsted Street - and a beautiful new home it is! The whole weekend was just a blast and I was honored to be a part of the fun and share in the overwhelming pride that all of felt when Fred was honored for his service and dedication to this cause.

Thank you again, Fred for everything - memories for a lifetime!!

http://www.centeronhalsted.org/home.cfm
 
I just got back to Florida tonight as well. There is really very little that I can add to what has already been posted. There wasn't a dry eye at our table as the award was being presented to Fred. What Ed started and Fred has continued is truly amazing. I feel so very blessed to have been able to be there and share this very special evening with Fred.
 
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