Things got a little ugly at the 2022 ARA of Maryland Holiday Social.
Rental operators from across Maryland were invited to grab their most unattractive festive sweater to mingle with co-workers and fellow rental professionals at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Md., on Dec. 4, 2022.
Attendees soaked in the festive atmosphere — ugly sweaters and all — and enjoyed dinner and drinks while being serenaded by a live guitarist. Door prizes also were on the agenda: a 55-in. TV, a Yeti cooler and a $100 gas card.
“We had a great time. The ARA of Maryland crew did a great job putting this event together. There were wonderful prizes of which Party Palace won a whopping five — five out of eight in our crew won something, as well as my grandson, Bentley, getting 30 packs of Reese’s Cups. I don’t think he fell asleep until 11:30 p.m.,” says Dave Reedy, owner, Party Palace Rentals, Forest Hill, Md.
Several ARA of Maryland holiday party attendees went home with prizes
“Santa Reggie” (also known as Reggie Eda, co-owner, Oxon Hill Rentals, Fort Washington, Md., and ARA of Maryland vice president) once again made an appearance at the party to award a prize to the wearer of the evening’s ugliest sweater: The honor went to Joe Drzewiezcki of ABC Rental Center, Rosedale, Md.
“It is always fun when we bring together family, friends and colleagues in the great industry of ours to spread some holiday cheer during this time of the year,” Eda says. “Our family from Party Palace took home the main door prizes, with Vera receiving the Yeti Cooler and Austin receiving the 55-in. TV. The wonderful Meg and her lovely daughters of ABC Rentals created some wonderful gift baskets to give away, which everyone enjoyed. Santa Reggie was also a nice addition. Thank you to our generous Sponsors and everyone who came out to enjoy and support our Holiday Social.”
“My favorite part of our holiday party is always Santa Reggie — especially this year, when he promised that whoever won the TV, he would come over and watch it with them!” says Jeffrey Sleight, COO, Elite Tents and Events, Sykesville, Md., with a laugh.