Klaas and I were talking one day

A Field of Dreams
Last December I was chatting on-line with my old friend and colleague from the mid 1970’s, Klaas Vander horst. We first met while we both worked at Tradition New York and have kept in touch ever since. We were reminiscing about the good old days of the International Money Market and were asking each other about some long lost friends. At one point during our conversation I said, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could get everyone back together for one big party?”
Although I wasn’t serious, Klaas responded without hesitation, “Why don’t we give it a try?”
When I questioned how we’d go about accomplishing such a monumental task?
He answered,” build it and they will come, like in the movie, A Field of Dreams.”
He went on to explain that if we put together a once in a lifetime first-class event, word will spread and eventually our old friends and colleagues will assemble. I liked the concept but especially loved the reference to the movie “A Field of Dreams.” It’s a story about old friends reuniting once more for a chance to express their appreciation and affection towards one another. So, we decided to make the theme for the reunion “ A Field of Dreams”.
The first thing we did was to summon a couple of other mutual lifelong Money Market friends, Jim Unsworth and Jimmy Sellitti, to help us organize the project. They both felt that this was a great idea and were more than willing to help. As it turned out, we were very lucky to have them join the committee. Jim Unsworth and his son Ben took on the job of designing the Internet aspect (blog, e-mail invitation, w/links) of the project. Jimmy Sellitti opened up an account for us at North Fork Bank to manage the finances. Klaas took on the responsibility of choosing the reception location and dinner plans. His son Bjorn is an internationally recognized chef (rated two stars on the Michelin guide) and has agreed to help us with the menu selection. I’ve been busy with writing assignments, tracking down former money market colleagues and keeping the invitation list information current.
We all agreed that if we were going to organize this event, we should do it with style. We could have a more modest party for less cost but we felt that a first-class gala affair would better suite the occasion. Most of us have not been together for decades, so why not make it an evening to remember? We factored in a slight monetary cushion for the entrance price because we didn’t want to get caught short of funds. Any money left after expenses, we plan to donate to a non-denominational legitimate charity.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to attend this reunion, you’re in for a treat. During the entire five-hour event, there will be a premium liquor and wine, open bar. The cocktail reception will feature six different delicious types of hot and cold butler passed hors d’oeuvers. There will be two different types of stationary (excellent quality) food platters. Prior to dinner there will be a champagne toast. Dinner will include a gourmet appetizer, a salad, and two choices of fabulous entrees, coffee and a delectable dessert.
As mentioned in the invitation, at some point during the reunion we want to have a brief eulogy for the money market victims of 9/11. Every one of us knew someone from our close-knit business community who perished that day. I always felt that the office workers who died on 9/11 were never fully appreciated or recognized for their lose. The firemen and police officers have always been praised for their role and sacrifice. However, the white-collar workers (who were just as vital to running the city) have been largely overlooked in my opinion.
I hope you all take the opportunity to attend the reunion. A chance like this may never come again. The theme ‘A Field of Dreams’ is very appropriate for so many reasons but perhaps film critic Brian Weber put it best in his movie review:
“It’s also for people who’ve experienced loss and want, just for a few minutes, to dream of regaining what was lost- of having the chance to say what you’ve always wanted but didn’t.”
Gene Quinn