SECAUCUS, NJ – On April 22, 2012 the best pet grooming has to offer gathered for an exciting night of recognition, dinner and dancing in conjunction with Intergroom. The night began with a serene harp music reception and ended with the dance band Phenomenon playing an encore set until one o’clock in the morning. In between Chuck Simons, the founder of The Groomys, hosted a sit-down dinner where The Groomy Awards were presented to the recipients.
The 2012 Groomy Awards:
• Marea Tully was presented with the “Groom Team Spirit Award”.
• Cheryl Purcell was presented with the “Groom Team Spirit Award”.
• Olga Zabelinskaya was presented with “The Peggy Harris Humanitarian Award”.
• Al Davis was presented with the “Grooming Industry Vendors Excellence Award”.
• Frank Rowe was presented with the “Grooming Industry Vendors Excellence Award”.
• Sam Kohl was presented with the “Contribution to the Industry”.
• Mary Meeks was presented with the “Contribution to the Industry”.
• Teri DiMarino was presented with “The “Grooming Industry Professional of the Year” Groomy Award”.
• Todd Shelly was presented with “The “Grooming Show Producer of the Year” Groomy Award”.
• Ann Stafford was presented with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
• Sally J. Liddick was presented with “The Sally J. Liddick “Legends of Grooming” Groomy Award”.
• Gwen Shelly was presented with “The Sally J. Liddick “Legends of Grooming” Groomy Award”.
• Liz Paul was presented with “The Sally J. Liddick “Legends of Grooming” Groomy Award”.
Commemorative Plaques were awarded to the current Traveling Team of GroomTeam USA. They included: Lindsey Dicken, Michell Evans, Jennifer Lee, Irina Pinkusevich and Olga Zabelinskaya. The Board of Directors also received the same plaques; they are Marea Tully, Teresa Dreese and Suesan Watson. As a token of GroomTeam USA’s appreciation, plaques were also awarded to their Premium Sponsors, which included Andis, Wahl, Lambert Kay, Kenchi Shears and 44/20.
The Groomys is presented by “GIVE A GIFT”, which stands for Grooming Industry Vendors Excellence Association and the philanthropic arm, which is the Grooming Industry Foundation Trust. The foundation of “GIVE A GIFT” is to increase the awareness of professional groomers to the general public, to champion the grooming industry and the professional groomers through awards and recognition and to support the efforts of GroomTeam USA. “GIVE A GIFT” will also do its best to assist groomers in a time of need, through financial assistance and industry support.