Stan Lee Handprint Ceremony at the Chinese Theatre (Part Two)
THE ARRIVAL
Upon arrival at the Chinese Theatre, investors/members were recognizing each other, and there were introductions and hugs all around. Some of us had already met in person (Leesha, Ramona), but others I'd only talked to online for the past year in the Facebook group, or worked closely with in the Legion M Forums. When I saw Matan, Michelle, Shao, Anthony, Terri P, and others, it was like we had already known each other for a long time, because we have! The Legion M community truly feels like family. We all connected right away like long lost friends.
Artist Rob Prior was on stage doing live art before the ceremony began. Then it was time, and excitement filled the air.
Being in the audience at the Chinese Theatre and watching Legion M co-founder Paul Scanlan kick off the ceremony was astounding! We, as a company, have come so far in little over a year. It certainly was a proud moment. We all listened with pride as filmmaker/director/actor Kevin Smith, Marvel Cinematic Universe president and producer Kevin Feige, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Clark Gregg, and comicbook artist Todd McFarlane each took the stage to share their tribute to Stan. Guardians of the Galaxy writer/director James Gunn was there and so was Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols – both in the audience with me!
I live-streamed the ceremony so my friends on Facebook could watch along with me. My parents and son were watching the broadcast Live on Yahoo at home.
I kept looking around and doing my best to take it all in. I felt special and honored to be there to watch the event in person. Not many people can say they have done that, and I wasn't going to take it for granted.
After the ceremony, Legion M investors walked around the stage area taking photos. I jumped at the chance to get up on stage for a photo op with Legion M execs Jeff, Paul, Terri L, Damian, David, Eric, Michael, and fellow investors Leesha, Terri P, and Shaun. Such an amazing group of people that I admire!
Stan's fresh handprints, footprints, and signature were being processed by the cement worker, so we took the opportunity to take some photos with it. It was such a unique treat to be on the other side of the ropes, watching all of this take place. The Legion M banner around the bottom of the stage displayed names of investors that contributed to the event. I was blown away to find my name. What an honor!
Kevin Smith was still out by the stage and we were fortunate enough to meet him and have a picture taken. He is such a nice guy (thank you Shaun Colquhoun for getting me up there with Kevin).
For those that don't know me, I get really sick in the sun. I had an early morning flight in, rushed to the hotel, rushed to the Chinese Theatre, and stood in the sun during the ceremony. I hadn't eaten or drank anything all day. It was a hot 80 degrees for me there in Hollywood. After all the fun, I immediately began to feel sick from the heat and thought I was going to pass out. I latched onto my best friend, Joe, and begged him to take me somewhere so I could down ice water.
It was busy there on Hollywood Blvd, and we ended up in Hooters of all places. Haha! I stayed in there for about an hour in the air conditioning, drinking ice water and eating a little, until I felt somewhat more human. My Legion M friends were messaging me to come inside the Chinese Theatre to start helping with swag bags for the Houseparty and also help setup at the Stark Mansion! I wanted to go help and be involved as much as possible, but I was just so out of it. I knew I had to go lay down or I would be too sick for that night's party. That is the one thing I regret about the whole trip, not being able to help setup for the big event! Let me tell you, the setup crew did an amazing job!
After much rest, I started getting ready. I was on my way to Stan the Man's party and I was destined to make memories of a lifetime!
