Pro Football Hall of Fame Nominees Honored at Luncheon
By BILL BELLENCOOPERSTOWN
This past Friday, July 11, the Kingfisher Tower Room at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown was bustling with activity. A crowd of roughly 40 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered upon invitation by Army veteran and football enthusiast Andy Hugos to attend this unique ceremony commemorating the nomination of Homer Jones and Jack Kemp to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The second luncheon of a now-annual tradition, this celebration was used to highlight the careers of both men, their impact on their families and people across the nation, and the importance such mentor figures have on individuals.
Hugos worked with a closely knit team to put on this event. By his side the whole way was Georgia Meeter, designated cohost of the luncheon. The pair looked to bolster the effort for Jones’ and Kemp’s nominations by employing Patricia Slater’s artistic specialties to create tribute paintings of each player—the same pictures featured in nearly all of the event’s marketing.
