L to R: NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi, President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine, Vice President Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine Service, Treasurer Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car, Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drives, Director Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach, Secretary Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine, and Director Larry White of Maine Limousine
The New England Livery Association (NELA) held its annual Chauffeur Appreciation Day on June 6. The yearly event has been part of the association for more than two decades and sees the board of directors and members volunteering to prepare lunches for the chauffeurs who serve as the public faces of luxury ground transportation operations throughout New England.
Held at the Logan International Airport Limo Pool, NELA transformed the lot into the place to be to grab some grub, win some prizes, check out some entertainment, and be recognized for all the work that chauffeurs do. The long-running day of gratitude served up free meals of hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and sausages by the hundreds—and with all the fixin’s—to busy chauffeurs as they make airports runs to and from New England’s largest airport.
Larry White of Maine Limousine
Officers and members of NELA came out to work the food stations and booths, but the event would not be possible without the year-after-year dedication to chairing the event from NELA Vice President Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine Service. In addition to Benson, her brother Carl Varney is always instrumental in hauling the wooden “store-front” they had built for the event years ago, as well as the grills, picking up most of the food to be prepared, and then cooking all day long. Supporting Benson on the Chauffeur Appreciation Day committee, and working hard all day and the weeks leading up to the event, were NELA Director Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Secretary Brittni Kirk of All Points Limo, Treasurer Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car, and Director Larry White of Maine Limousine. Others who were there to make the event a success serving food, running the raffle tables, and ensuring that the day runs smoothly were Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drives, Deb Rourke of Avery Insurance, Steve Crispo of Research Underwriters, Denis Sema of Prestige Livery, and Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach.
Longtime volunteer Carl Varney of L.A. Limousine Service
More than two dozen sponsors helped make this year’s Chauffeur Appreciation Day possible. Platinum and Gold Sponsors included Above All Transportation/Maine Limousine, Dav El/BostonCoach, Commonwealth Worldwide, Great Bay Limousine, LTI Worldwide Limousine, Metro West Car Service, Pro Limo, RMA Worldwide, and United Private Car, while Avery Insurance served as the Entertainment Sponsor. Silver Sponsors included All Points Limousine, AOT Global, Carey Boston, DPV Transportation, Freedom Assets Inc., L.A. Limousine Service, TBR Global Chauffeuring, and Waverley Insurance Agency.
NELA Vice President Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine Service with Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management
DJ Nick Lamberti, who has become a regular at NELA events, served as the MC and spun tunes throughout the day. Deb Rourke of Avery Insurance managed the raffle table, which included a giveaway of Red Sox tickets provided by Above All Transportation/Maine Limousine and Waverley Insurance.
The NELA stated that they are grateful to Mike Hadley, assistant director of transportation operations at Massport’s Logan Airport, who they credit for making the event possible at the airport every year, in addition to supporting their needs throughout the day.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[06.11.24]