Thank you, Tonya!

[becozy]

Tonya,

I only introduced myself to you briefly, Sat night right before you had to leave with Gerry.

I'm the one who assembled the gift book and card to go along with Gerry's new "Man Bag'!

Thanks for all the time, care and love you put into coordinating all the people to work behind-the-scenes

with our Dr. Em (Dayna) and Nurse Jenni (Jennifer St. Giles).

Hugs to you for attending the B&G screening with Gerry's giddy gals; for sending Jeremy who was a sweety to film us, and for answering some of our questions.

Oh, and yes, thanks for bringing your Special Friend :: to present the Butler Awards!

Kindest regards,

Barbara

[stagewomanjen]

Tonya -

Hello woman! You're amazing!

(As if you didn't know we thought that already....)

Though we all didn't get a chance to have a meet-and-greet with you (and that would have been CRAZY, we know...way too many people to meet one at a time, especially since you're not used to being the center of attention), I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate your time and effort in coming out to see us more than we can express. It's not often that we get insight into our man G as a man instead of Gerry, the actor. But when the opportunities arise, they're precious to us. Sure, his personality is usually unsquelchable and it manages to sneak out, but this visit was really very open and personable. We got to see the loveliness that he sees in you and why he's so fond of you, not only as an assistant but as a friend. As a confidant. As a personal shopper and partner in dog-rearing. (P.S....if you need the advice, most of us have had dogs!!!) THANK YOU just really doesn't cover it. It's even greater to know that you came out despite your initial shyness and were comfortable enough with us to do your thing and let us get to know a little about you as well. You are incredibly sweet, and thank goodness, organized. And compassionate. Not to mention beautiful and funny.

Everything that G needs and could ask for in a friend and a personal assistant. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts not only for helping him, but for being there for him. He needs you, you know. And we're sure he appreciates you more than we could ever know.

Thank you ever so much! You were brilliant!

Jen

Stagewomanjen

[Susan~Sporran]

Dear Tonya~

Gosh, there were so many choices of which thread to post this in, but I decided for the moment this would be the best as this message is directed strictly to you, Tonya.

We didn't get a chance to meet, I'm sorry about that, but it is OK. There were so many others who had personal reasons for needing to say a few words to you and I was afraid of overwhelming you if every one of us tried to get a moment. So instead I sat back and enjoyed the treats that you gave to us. Seeing you at B&G, getting to enjoy your Q&A on Saturday night, and of course the surprise of a lifetime when your "special friend" made an appearance before all of us - each and every one of these things holds a very special place in my heart.

It is so wonderful that you and Dayna were able to come together and make all of this happen. I hope you will stay in touch with us, just to say hi when you have a little bit of time (maybe you will if Gerry stops buying more leather jackets and you don't have to keep finding closet space for them). We appreciate you for all you have done for us and for all that you do for Gerry, too.

The one thing I would like to ask or request of you - if there is EVER anything we can do or change that will help Gerry in any way PLEASE don't hesitate to tell us. Without exception all of the GALS love and respect him and if there is anything that we ever do or say that causes him upset in any way we would want to know so we could correct ourselves. Also, if there is anything we can do to help more in promoting him, his career, in facilitating any dream he may have, we would all jump at the chance to help.

Gerry has given so much to so many and we are all eager and happy to do anything within our power to repay that.

I've run out of words, but just wanted you to know how very much you are appreciated by each and every one of us.

Huge GALS Hugs,

Susan~Sporran

(aka SporranTart on GB.net and Sporran Angel on GBAngels)

[luvphantom]

Dear Tonya

A huge thank you to you for everything. Like many others, I didn't have a chance to talk to you. But it was so wonderful to see you at B&G and at the Q&A.

An endless thank you for helping Dayna and Jenni and for bringing the man himself. Like I told Jeremy, I travelled all the way from Switzerland to meet my GALS friends, but then to see Gerry and you in person was the sweetest and most delightful icing on a delicious cake.

Thank you so much for being Gerry's friend and his right hand. As Susan mentioned in the post above, please let us know, if there is anything we can do for you or Gerry.

With kindest regards and respect

Risa

[Guest Aislinn]

Dear Tonya,

I was so happy to meet you in person in Vegas at the screening of B&G. Throughout the years, you have always been so supportive and kind to all of Gerrys fan, and to meet you in person was thrilling. You are just as sweet and darling as I imagined you to be.

Sometimes we worry about Gerry and how hard he works all the time. It is wonderful to know that you are there looking out for him. Great to know there is someone who has known him so long they can tell him the honest truth and are more concerned about the man himself than the "celebrity". I loved the "ban on leather jackets" remark. Um...don't know if it will work. But DO keep hiding that cigarette lighter! He is so precious to all of us and we want him healthy for years to come. He can do it!

Just to remind you who I was in the midst of fans you met, I was the one wearing the tartan sash at the B&G movie and told you about The Butler's Jewels and how we wear that sash to any Gerry Butler film or event to show our undying support for him. I told you then that I had a sash and button for you too -- since we consider you an honorary Jewel. I hope you like it.

I was also happy when you told me he does keep souvenirs from his films like Phantom masks. I have thought for the longest time that a man who possesses such amazing skill with swordplay in films like Attila, Timeline, POTO, Beowulf, and now 300 could have quite an impressive collection by now. And when he remarked on Leno about the so-called William Wallace sword at DTK last year and how he just HAD to use it in the fashion show, I kind of thought here was a man who might want to keep his character's sword or some other piece of memorabilia to remember. There ya go! He can start collecting swords and weapons from movies instead of leather jackets! If he's interested in a medieval ax from Dracula 2000, let me know. I won that ax with one autographed "Judas" sandal in the Charity Auction. I was so excited about the signed sandal that I forgot about flying back to Texas with an executioner's ax. And it did NOT fit in my suitcase. LOL

Well, take care of yourself and thank you so much for being so gracious and taking the time to visit with us all. We truly do love you Tonya!

((Hugs))

~ Ashley/Aislinn

[discoveringme]

Tonya - I am so glad to have been given the opportunity to see you in person. You have a big job and you do it so well. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into Gerry's life. It's more than I ever expected to get but you did a wonderful job. Your grace and beauty is astounding. I'm so impressed with the way you handled the whole crowd. You know you had us eating out of the palm of your hand!

I know you said public speaking isn't your thing but you did a wonderful job. You allowed us a brief glimpse into Gerry's life but no more than we should have. Not an easy thing to do and you were absolutely perfect.

I enjoyed being able to sit in front of you at the Beowulf screening. What a treat to see your reaction as the movie finished.

This whole weekend was something that I will always remember. With or without Gerry being there, it was simply incredible. The fact that you were able to have him be there with us for awhile made it beyond outstanding. I will be forever grateful for all of your efforts.

Thank you for being willing to put yourself into the middle of our fun loving group. I hope you know how much we love and respect Gerry and you as well. I hope we made you feel comfortable and safe and not too overwhelmed. You are truly a gem.

[dlsmilad]

Hi Tonya,

I just want to add my thanks to you also, for all you do for Gerry & us too.

You are a beautiful lady with smarts.

And, thank you so very much for bringing "your friend" to see us. :headspin:

Hugs,

Dina

[Have Mercy]

Tonya,

I did not attend the Vegas convention. But thank you for doing so. I know all the ladies loved meeting you. It was really a treat that you went and an extra treat that Gerry dropped in. He is kind and generous with his time. Both of you looked to have a good time.

You are amazing...so glad you are back working for Gerry... Thank you for being so kind to all his fans.

alliask

[Joanna]

Dear Tonya~

Gosh, there were so many choices of which thread to post this in, but I decided for the moment this would be the best as this message is directed strictly to you, Tonya.

We didn't get a chance to meet, I'm sorry about that, but it is OK. There were so many others who had personal reasons for needing to say a few words to you and I was afraid of overwhelming you if every one of us tried to get a moment. So instead I sat back and enjoyed the treats that you gave to us. Seeing you at B&G, getting to enjoy your Q&A on Saturday night, and of course the surprise of a lifetime when your "special friend" made an appearance before all of us - each and every one of these things holds a very special place in my heart.

It is so wonderful that you and Dayna were able to come together and make all of this happen. I hope you will stay in touch with us, just to say hi when you have a little bit of time (maybe you will if Gerry stops buying more leather jackets and you don't have to keep finding closet space for them). We appreciate you for all you have done for us and for all that you do for Gerry, too.

The one thing I would like to ask or request of you - if there is EVER anything we can do or change that will help Gerry in any way PLEASE don't hesitate to tell us. Without exception all of the GALS love and respect him and if there is anything that we ever do or say that causes him upset in any way we would want to know so we could correct ourselves. Also, if there is anything we can do to help more in promoting him, his career, in facilitating any dream he may have, we would all jump at the chance to help.

Gerry has given so much to so many and we are all eager and happy to do anything within our power to repay that.

I've run out of words, but just wanted you to know how very much you are appreciated by each and every one of us.

Huge GALS Hugs,

Susan~Sporran

(aka SporranTart on GB.net and Sporran Angel on GBAngels)

Hi Susan,

I read most all the blogs that were directed to the convention and enjoyed them immensly. I saw a YouTube piece from a newscast in New York, I think, pertaining to Gerry's fan base and how He is the only actor to have a convention for Him by His fans!!! It made me so thrilled!! You are the most fortunate woman in the world to get to go to the convention. I am totally jealous. I can still love Gerry from here in ILL. He's still beautiful no matter where I am. I don't know if you have read any of my e-mails, but I have watched Gerry grow into the fantastic actor He is and is still becoming, since 1997 when I fell in love with Him when He started to talk to Bill Connelly in the movie "Mrs. Brown". That accent and quirk He has with His mouth, when it goes to the left, OMG!!! That was it!! And ever since I have watched for movies of Him and enjoyed seeing Him grow in every way. He is the most all around awesome Man, Person and Human being I have been privileged to watch. What you said about Him and Tonya, was so nice, I wish I could put into words the way I feel about Him too. Tonya sounds like a wonderful assistant. Why is she "former" assistant? I can't believe Gerry would let her go. She sounds too wonderful to lose!

I'll let you go now and look forward to e-mailing you again soon. And also, if there is anything I can do to help in anyway, let me know. I told "becozy" that I am "retired" and even though I go to school, I can be a help to anyone that needs it.

Love to all you wonderful "MOD GALS", Your friend, Joanna

Edited November 27, 2007 by Joanna

[ginnywhit]

What a great job you have. I know you probably have to work really hard. But thanks for all you do.

Ginnywhit

Edited September 29, 2008 by ginnywhit