Mentoring is what keeps CUMAR Marble & Granite growing strong for eight generations so far; therefore it is no wonder that ”Thank Your Mentor Day” was such a special occasion for them. Ivo and his team of talented employees worked together to shine light on this occasion by hosting a memorable reception in the showroom of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams of Boston’s Back Bay. Among the aforementioned CUMAR’s dedicated circle is Dawn Carroll, who founded the national mentoring initiative, the Over My Shoulder Foundation, with Grammy Award winner Patti Austin.

The evening was filled with giving and receiving, and sharing of mentoring stories under a humming halo. Longtime mentors and speakers for the evening were welcomed onto the stage by CUMAR’s general manager, Dave Connor. Magic 106.7 Candy O’Terry‘s “…you give what you get” speech and Newton attorney Rick Dyer‘s breakthrough stories, captured the night with their inspiring words. Other prominent leaders from the music, legal, and design business communities including Jon Butcher, Charlie Farren, and Robin Lane were also present to celebrate and raise awareness of the impact of mentoring.

Patti Austin, a newcomer to the design industry and a musical legend, capped the evening by giving a special $10,000 scholarship to her mentee, Santana Roberts, as a broad token of thanks to all her new and former mentors; in fact, it was a touching surprise moment to all the attendees. Santana Roberts continues to push for her dream of becoming a singer with the strong support of her struggling middle class family and over five years of instruction under the wing of Patti Austin.

In Santana’s own words:

“A couple weeks ago I was invited to “­­­­­­­­­­­Thank you Mentor Day” hosted at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Boston, Massachusetts.  I was asked to thank and introduce my mentor, Patti Austin.  I was excited to reunite with her once again and to share some time together. On January 25, 2012 I attended this much-anticipated event.  I walked in the building and stood before ornate modern furniture, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a room full of people who shared similar interests in making a difference.  There were designers and musicians and mentors and mentees.  The Over My Shoulder Foundation’s goal is to promote mentoring cross-generationally.  Watching everybody mingle, I realized that age is but a number, and mingling is just another word for sharing.  Halfway through the event, mingling was paused and the attention was focused on the speakers.  I was given the opportunity to be one of them.  Listening to the amazing stories they told really inspired me.  Suppressing my stage fright, I delivered my story of being mentored by Patti Austin and how she has motivated me throughout the years.  I finished my speech by introducing her transitioning into her side of the story.  Standing beside her made everything that has happened to me actually feel real in that moment.  Suddenly, she presented me with $10,000 towards Berklee!  I stood there, motionless as I began to cry tears of pure joy and gratefulness.”

With immense satisfaction and purpose for this event, CUMAR eagerly await their upcoming spring event on Designing the Next Generation with the message of  ” helping those who need a helping hand”. “We created the MIDDIE awards to recognize design professionals who share their time, expertise and wisdom with upcoming generations of designers. It is through a personal commitment and focus on others that the magic occurs”, said Connor, “We are putting forth the challenge and call for nominations for the 2012 MIDDIES today!”