Our Bright Spot shines on Genaro and the one word to describe him:
"Classy! Genaro is one of the most guy you will ever meet," said Mayor Malik Evans.
A classy guy- graciously honored by the community last night for his 50 years at the Genesee Valley Club.
"Hospitable- he's Rochester's most welcoming guy," said George Conboy of Brighton Securities.
Genaro's story is truly an inspiration. Born and raised in the Philippines- his architect dad's connections brought him to Rochester.
"He sent me here to learn the hotel business and everything," said Genaro Felix, Maître d'hôtel of the Genesee Valley Club.
a 28-year-old waiter at the Old Treadway Inn across the street from the Valley Club offered him a job.
"I was nervous and everything- so I declined the job- and the manager who sponsored me to come to this country enticed me to work here at the club "said Genaro.
But learn he did- a job that has made him:
"Irreplaceable - absolutely irreplaceable," said Mike Smith, a member of the Genesee Valley Club.
"Gentleman, a real gentleman, a class act," said Don Jeffries, CEO of Visit Rochester.
A class act- a Maitra De known for his endless collection of tuxedos - prominently on display last night.
"Yes I have a lot of tuxedo- one for summer and one for the spring, and one for the winter," said Genaro. "So every time we have a wedding the bride expects me to change eight or 10 times."
An accommodating smile that show his:
"Spirit- he's got a spirit when you're around him when you're around people that are with him," said Sheriff Todd Baxter.
"Welcoming, he's welcomed me to the club, he's welcomed me to Rochester and he helps you connect the dots," said State Senator Jeremy Cooney.
"One word is friend - because you could be from Rochester or California, you meet Genaro Felix for the very first time, he is your friend for life," said Bob Duffy from the Chamber of Commerce.
"One word- friendship- love Genaro's friendship through the many many years- two words? Ambassador for the community," said Ken Pink, Member of the Genesee Valley Club.
An ambassador for our community - a Bright Spot for half a century who gets the last word:
"I love it, I love the people- they're all my family- and I love Rochester!"