A full room of 35 Arcadia Chamber Mixer attendees at the Courtyard by Marriott in Monrovia grooved and grubbed in true holiday-themed enthusiasm just a few days before Valentine’s Day on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. Under the coordinated mood lighting, red cloaked tables, and encouraging music provided from DJ John Villa of Dance Syndicate Entertainment, guests piled their plates from the inspired buffet spread of a cheese plate, coconut shrimp, chicken 
satay, stuffed mushrooms, spinach empanadas, and mashed potato bar. The desserts of mini cupcakes and brownies paired sweetly with the assortments of wine, cocktails, and soft drinks for guests to enjoy as they greeted one another with toothy smiles, exchanged stories from their week, and passed along business cards.
Tara Gadsby and raffle prize winner David Diaz
Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick recognized the respective Ambassadors, members, and attendees with introductions, especially acknowledging Courtyard by Marriott Director of Sales and Marketing Tara Gadsby for the hospitable event arranged for the evening. Raffle prizes were graciously presented by Tara and by Annette Ousterhout of Jan’s Towing for all participating guests. Tara contributed a complimentary dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant to David Diaz of Bike San Gabriel Valley. Annette fixed a gift bag packed with Jan’s Towing merchandise and a Starbucks gift card for Peter Amundson who is running for Arcadia City Council.
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The Courtyard by Marriott, located conveniently near the I-210 Foothill Freeway, is expertly within minutes of the Santa Anita Race Track and local restaurants. By putting “more play in your stay” the hotel boasts a great staff and offers redesigned guest rooms and lobbies easily accessible to their Bistro and outside fire pits.
