God Jul to SACC 2013 Interns …

… You made our Yule happy! 

• 

  SACC-SF/SV 2H2013 interns: Michaela Setterwall, Jonna Augustsson, Martyna Studniarska and Carl-Henrik Sandén. (c) Ted Olsson, SACC-SF/SV

• SACC-SF/SV’s annual Lucia Luncheon was enjoyed by well more than a hundred members and guests. Held on Thursday, December 12 atop the Fairmont, guests enjoyed spectacular views. Chef Pelle’s delicious Julbord and the complimentary food and drink of almost a dozen purveyors were assembled by the interns. This year the rice pudding and pepparkakor were accompanied by Martin’s delicious and unique Geijer’s Glögg (see Nordstjernan ad). There are always many cooks in an event of this size, but a lion’s share goes to yet another superb team of SACC interns: Jonna Augustsson, Carl-Henrik Sandén, Michaela Setterwall and Martyna Studniarska.
  They prepared for this during their entire half-year term, although they initially had to plan our annual crayfish party when they first arrived during the summer. Everyone not only had their fill of food and drink but of conviviality as well. It was the first of a number of successes, which not merely tested them but also bonded them.
  One of them was familiar with cold calling in rounding up sponsors, donors and attendees, but by the end they all had gained experience in this American skill, which they could not have exercised as much at home. Each of them led various teams but all of them supported one another, becoming fast friends in the process.
  Other successes followed, each of which had its own demands but none as demanding as one of the annual events. While experiencing the difference between U.S. and Swedish business cultures, they gained more confidence. The annual golf tournament with the Australian Chamber of Commerce, held at San Francisco’s stunning Presidio Golf Course, was fun, though Swedes were outnumbered by Aussies.
  Throughout their tenure, the interns increased the number of members and the profitability of our events. Of course others also contributed to these successes; however, the burden always falls upon the interns. This year as before Lotta Byström was the fairy godmother who guided the interns to produce our cherished Lucia pageant, thanks greatly to friends they recruited.
  Chairwoman Charlotte Danielsson welcomed the guests by offering them a membership deal they couldn’t refuse, by which we gained yet another half dozen members. She introduced some of our donors and MC Ted Olsson engaged guests with a snapsvisa, quieted them with the Lucia legend before the choral entertainment, and encouraged guests to buy many raffle tickets and to keep checking their bids during the silent auction. SAS’s round trip to Sweden and BoConcept’s Imola chair headed the ticket sales, but hotel stays at Sheraton Stockholm, delicious meals at San Francisco’s Four Seasons and Swedish Pläj restaurants, as well as ballet, symphony and revue tickets all gathered many bids as did Monika Knutssons’s gilded lace pendant.
  The guests and board of SACC-SF/SV thoroughly appreciate the dedication and results of our interns. Thanks to you—Martyna, Carl-Henrik, Jonna and Michaela—for each contributing to the continuing success of our chamber. We wish each of you many personal achievements, as you return to finish your studies in Sweden and throughout your careers. We hope that you, too, have left your heart in San Francisco and look forward to your return.

• Ted Olsson
  San Francisco