Awards and Accolades

Walk of Fame/ Letters of Appreciation/ Our Favorite Charities/ Cissie's Art

WALK OF FAME AWARD

On Friday, April 9^th, 1999, Sh-Boom was the recipient of the first ever, Meramec Alumni Walk of Fame award at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. The Meramec Alumni Walk of Fame was created as a site to recognize successful former college students.

Sh-Boom credits Meramec and its music department with playing a key role in fostering the development of the band. The band officially performed as Sh-Boom for the first time in 1981 on the college campus.

The festivities began on a cloudy and chilly spring evening when the eight guests of honor arrived in a bright red 1957 Chevy stretch limousine. As Sh-Boom walked the length of the red carpet to the presentation tent they were welcomed by representatives of the college, family members, friends, and loyal Sh-Boom fans.

Participating in the ceremony were esteemed members of the Meramec music faculty, college dignitaries, and administrative staff. Three of the music faculty, Ms. Frances Gillett, Dr. Robert Howard, and Dr. Ronald Stilwell each spoke during the ceremonies. They talked about their memories of the individual band members as music students, as well as Sh-Boom in its infancy in the early 1980’s.

After the plaque was unveiled, Sh-Boom received individual trophies commemorating the evening and paused for pictures with college dignitaries and fans.

Then Sh-Boom band members and Meramec graduates, Rob Miller, Dave Caito, and Brad James each spoke and thanked the college, faculty, and award committee for the honor, and reminisced about their years at Meramec. Sh-Boom also thanked the many loyal fans for their support, and recognized the bands former musicians including recently retired singer and Sh-Boom co-founder, Rick Johnson. The ceremony was followed by an outdoor reception with beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Following the reception, Sh-Boom performed for a sock hop in the college gymnasium. Proceeds from the dance benefited the Alumni Scholarship Foundation.

To view the Walk of Fame plaque in person, go to the Visitor’s Parking Circle on the south side of the campus at 11333 Big Bend Blvd. in Kirkwood, MO (in west St. Louis County). The plaque came be found near the flagpole on the steps leading from the parking area onto the campus. To find out more about the Meramec Alumni Walk of Fame call (314)984-7551.

Letters of Appreciation

Laurie A. Medley
Midwest BankCentre, Inc.

Dear Sh-Boom:

Thank you all for a fun session at the Lake last week for our Engineering Strategy Session.  We had a fantastic time hopping and rocking to the sound of Sh-Boom.  In appreciation, THIS BUD'S FOR YOU!!

Barry Beracha
Anheuser-Busch Companies 

Dear Sh-Boom:

I would like to thank each of you for your fabulous performance at our annual company employee appreciation dinner & dance.  It really didn't matter if you were in diapers or old enough to remember the original hits, Sh-Boom took you back in time and made you feel as if you were there.  Our young AND older employees enjoyed your show immensely.  I have organized and booked bands now for 10 years and I can truly say the Sh-Boom was the best we've ever had.  You are truly talented showmen and musicians.  It was a pleasure working with you.

Mark Kaiser
St. Louis West 70  

Dear Sh-Boom:

On behalf of the Mexican Relief Concerts Committee I want to thank you for participating in our benefit concerts at Westport .  The benevolence project was a success.  We will have about $6,000 to give the Mexican victims.  We are greatly indebted to you.

Wayne Carson
Clayton Community Church

Dear Sh-Boom:

It's been over a month since the party and I'm still getting feedback on Sh-Boom.  Needless to say, the event was a great success and Sh-Boom was part of a great evening.

Michael J. Woken
Wolken Real Estate Advisor's, Inc.

 Dear Sh-Boom:

It is with very great pleasure that I write to you to thank you for your tremendous performance during the event last Friday at the Belle-Clair Exposition Hall.  It is obvious from the crowd that you attract quite a following.  Between our members attending the dance and your following, we will be able to help some kids in need.  My best to all of you and your continued success, and my sincerest thanks again to a bunch of very talented gentlemen. 

Peter C. Matson
Illinois Elks/Crippled Children's Corp.

Dear Sh-Boom,

I just wanted to give a Big Thanks to you and the entire Sh-Boom music group that performed for the patients and families here in the Olson Family Garden last evening. Having some concern about the weather forecasted for last night, the evening turned out fantastic for all who listened to your ensemble of familiar tunes of the past.

Activities and performances like this can make such a difference to the patients and families when experiencing the stress and concerns they have with a child in the hospital. Our goal in the garden is to make a difference in their lives if just for a few moments.

Sincerely,
Gary Wangler
Olson Family Garden
St. Louis Children's Hospital

Dear Sh-Boom,

Thank you so much for your gift of time at the American Cancer Society's Tri-County Support Group Thanksgiving celebration. Everyone had such a good time and your music brought a lot of smiles and memories to the cancer survivors and their families.

Sincerely, The American Cancer Society

Dear Sh-Boom,

The Christmas season is a special time that is filled with joy and holiday events.  These times can be difficult for our hospitalized patients and their families.  Your outstanding performance helped make our patients' and families' holiday much brighter!  We appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity very much.  Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year to you and yours.  Again, thanks for thinking of the patients at SSM Cardinal Glennon CHildren's Hospital.

The Child Life Staff of SSM Cardinal Glennon CHildren's Hospital

Dear Sh-Boom,

Thanks so much for making our Feb. 1st fundraiser such a success.  Your performance was outstanding and we raised enough money that we would like to try it again next year.  Because of you, some teachers will get grants for their classrooms and some students will get scholorships to help pay for college.

The Lindbergh School District Foundation

Dear Sh-Boom,

On Behalf of the Scleroderma Foundation & Parentin Family, we would like to thank you for all your help. Because of your generosity, our event was a success. If thanks could be measured with stars, the skies were brighter than ever for Janice that night. We will be sending the Scleroderma Foundation a check for $8,000. The band was great as always.

Sincerely, Mrs. Helen Parentin & Family

Hey guys, thank you so much for your generosity to help make Faith Lutheran Church's open house a success. The day was a huge success and much of that was due to your big name, draw, energy, and support. Words can't express our appreciation.

Pastor John Brunette

Dear Sh-Boom,

Thanks again for agreeing to play for our fundraiser next year. Everyone on the planning committee was very impressed with your group’s versatility and we are exited to have you join us for our... event next year.
Historically… the band typically scores lower in the surveys we send to guests than any other aspect of the event. This year, 90% of the guests thought the band was excellent. Among the comments we received were the following:

• “This was the best band ever---have them back!”
• “We like the combination of good music for dancing and their entertainment.”
• “We loved Sh-Boom! Instead of going home at 10 p.m., we stayed and danced until 12:30 a.m.”

Thank you,
Pekin Hospital Foundation
Pekin, IL 

Dear Sh-Boom,

Please tell the guys what a fantastic performance they gave at our son's wedding.  So many people commented on how much they enoyed the entertainment and music.  Lots of folks said it was the best wedding they ever went to and they gave the band credit.  EVERYONE enjoyed themselves.  The band was great!!!  I might add that my favorites include the Blues Brothers and Elvis.  I also especially liked the Hot Hot Hot number.  It really got the crowd moving.

Once again, we really had a great time.  I never saw a wedding where so many people were on the dance floor.  Thank you again for playing at the wedding.

The Steinnerd Family

Dear Sh-Boom,

Sh-Boom rocks!  In the last nineteen years, we have never had so many compliments concerning entertainment at our golf event.  You were so nice to work with and I appreciate your help.  I will definitely keep Sh-Boom in mind for our future entertainment needs and also recommend you to our business associates.  Please tell your entire band and crew thank you; we enjoyed the show.

Sincerely,
Madison Mutual Insurance Company

The Sh-Boom vocalist performed the National Anthem for Governor George W. Bush as well as U.S. senators Kit Bond and John Ashcroft on November 2, 2000 at the St. Charles Family Arena. Over 5000 supporters showed up for the event where Sh-Boom kicked off the festivities by singing 2 songs acappella. We are still awaiting our invitation to sing the National Anthem for the St. Louis Rams.

Sh-Boom's favorite charities

Since 1983, Sh-Boom has donated a portion, or in some cases all, of their fee in support of the following organizations

NOTE: Names of individuals & families are withheld in consideration of their privacy.

The Art of Cissie Dorenkamp

As a long time Sh-boom fan, Cissy has been providing her own
style of Sh-boom artwork to the band in print on buttons and on T-shirts.