NASBA Center For Public Trust 
Ethics Matters
Q1 2024
In past years, we have purchased items at NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) Fundraisers and have always enjoyed the items we have “won.” The NCAA Men’s Final Four was great, and our stay at the Hermitage in Nashville was a memorable experience. However, our trip over New Year’s Eve in Times Square at the New York Marriott Marquis far exceeded all of our expectations!
We arrived in the Big Apple at about 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, and were able to check into our room, which was large with a nice seating area. The accommodations were just the start. The itinerary that came with the trip was the real thrill.
The party on December 31 started at 6:30 p.m. in the JW Suite, located on the 43rd floor of the hotel. We had the opportunity to meet the general manager of the hotel for cocktails and appetizers and had our picture taken in our “dress up” apparel. We were provided information for how the evening would flow and at 7:45 p.m., we made our way through the back of the hotel and down the staff elevators. They didn’t want other guests to see our group going down to Times Square. Upon arrival, we were met by a number of New York City Police officers, who led us through the crowd to an area where we could take pictures. It was such a wonderful experience!
We were then taken back to the hotel and taken to the hotel’s M Club to enjoy a buffet style dinner featuring plenty of good food. However, the most interesting item was a huge bowl of crab claws and shrimp accompanied by a variety of sauces. At approximately 11:15 p.m., we made our way back downstairs to the street level to witness the famous ball drop.
The crowd was so excited, as both Rodney and I were. Entertainment included live performances by Neil Diamond and others. The crowd was electric and at 11:59 p.m., the countdown started, and the confetti fell from the roof tops of the buildings. At 12:00 a.m., the ball hit the bottom and the year changed from 2023 to 2024. A new year was before us.
I was able to go live for a short time on Facebook and our family got to see us in the crowd. What a wonderful experience, a wonderful way to support the CPT, and a fantastic memory for Rodney and me!
Janice L. Gray
CPT Supporter and NASBA Past Chair