Valentine's Day Celebration

VIP Industries recently celebrated Valentine's Day with their annual dinner and dance on Friday, February 25th. The party was held at the Fruitland facility located on US Highway 61 in Jackson, Missouri. Over 175 employees with developmental disabilities and staff from the Cape Girardeau, Fruitland, and Marble Hill plants attended the daytime celebration.

The Valentine's dance is one of two dances which VIP hosts for their staff and employees every year. It is an opportunity for everyone to unwind and interact with each other outside of the daily routine of work. It is proven that these types of events promote social interaction and community participation which some individuals may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. It's a way to learn, have fun, and socialize.

VIP Industries provided the transportation from the respective plants and homes, to the Fruitland location so that everyone could enjoy the party together. The production floor, which is normally set up with individual work tables for each employee, was transformed into a red, white, and pink wonderland. Streamers and lights draped decoratively on the walls, vases of roses were intermingled on the tables, and balloons surrounded the dance floor.

Lively music from current artists was provided by a local DJ which inspired everyone to dance. Snacks were provided, along with a home-cooked meal prepared by some of the VIP staff members. A local business donated additional treats which were shared with the employees to take home and enjoy.

After the noon meal, there was more dancing. Some participated in group dancing, line dancing, and there were even a couple of break-dancers. Once the balloons were released on the floor, there was a mad scramble to keep the balloons in the air while still keeping up with the music.

The dancing was briefly interrupted by the crowning of this year's Kings and Queens. Each year, the managers at each plant submit their nominations as to who should be their plant's royal couple. This year's royal couples included: Becky Landgraff and Joshua Loukonen (Fruitland), Lisa Berryhill and Steve Campbell (Cape Girardeau), and Katrina Haase and Samuel Siemers (Marble Hill). The women were each presented with a rose bouquet and a tiara; the men were each presented with boutonnieres and crowns.

The dancing continued until it was time to transport everyone back to their respective homes. There were lots of smiles on the tired faces of the individuals as they headed home that afternoon. Some were already talking about the next dance and the kinds of surprises in store for them. It was a wonderful event filled with good music, great food, and a wonderful group of friends.