I didn't see inspiration on the menu!

Hey everyone,

Cara and I recently had the pleasure of being invited back By WakeMed to shoot the Society of 1961 Appreciation Gala at North Ridge Country Club in Raleigh. This year's guest speaker was Tom Brokaw.

To honor the history and tradition of WakeMed, which opened in 1961, the Society of 1961 was established to recognize donors who contribute at the $1,250 level or above on an annual basis. Each year, the Foundation Board of Directors and WakeMed administration select a specific expansion project or an enhancement to a specific area of care for financial support from the Foundation’s annual fund proceeds.

Through the years, the Foundation has been honored to host evenings with notable public figures, including First Lady Barbara Bush, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Walter Cronkite, Cokie and Steve Roberts, Bob Newhart, Bob Costas, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Cal Ripken, Jr., Tim Russert, George Stephanopoulos and the late Christopher Reeve.

f8 Photo Studios has covered two of these events and we couldn't be any more delighted with the honor of being around these iconic figures.

For me it was interesting enough to hear Tom talk about his experiences in his life with profound meaning and depth. His new book called “Boom!” orchestrates a baby-boom epiphany. It stages a virtual reunion of America’s Class of 1968, accompanied by a full spectrum of opinions about the impact of that pivotal year.

Although I was still a twinkle in my mothers wine glass, I do understand all the changes that the late 60's brought with it.

From the death of JFK and Dr. Martin Luther King to the text page happenings of the Watergate scandal.

I think I speak for my generation when I say we where affected by these changes directly as we were the generation that fueled the 80's and 90's.We were the ones that turned the Vietnam conflict into a daily ritual on the playgrounds. As most kids when they are young we act out what we know and we knew about the conflicts directly from our parents and the pages of our history books.

Its the direct dialog of these happenings that Tom touches base on.

Personally, it was just great to see another man that shares the Passion for fly fishing, Montana and the strength of family.

Congratulations on your new Granddaughter Tom and thanks for the Photo!

You can read the review of his latest book Here