Royal attendant hangs up crown
A line from one of Denise “Dee” Sempf’s Facebook posts gave the news: “After 11 years, I have resigned as the River Falls Royal Ambassador Event Coordinator and Chaperone!”By: Debbie Griffin, River Falls Journal
- Royal Ambassadors
A line from one of Denise “Dee” Sempf’s Facebook posts gave the news: “After 11 years, I have resigned as the River Falls Royal Ambassador Event Coordinator and Chaperone!”
Sempf has been a driving, volunteer force behind the local program.
She serves as the ambassadors’ aunt-like organizer, confidant, fan, contributor, cab driver and all-around errand girl.
She not only accompanies them to events but also helps them organize, fundraise, problem solve and reflect a positive image of River Falls during their appearances.
The volunteer coordinator/chaperone was “the” attendant to the royal court, helping with 40-50 appearances per year including River Falls Days and the parade, as well as the annual Royal Ambassador competition. She did everything from coordinating outfits to teaching the proper royal wave.
Sempf wrote on Facebook: “These past few months have been the hardest I have been through in a long time. A lot of emotional deliberation and conversations with my family and close friends went into this decision.
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this on here tonight…I want my Royals to know that I have enjoyed EVERY minute I have spent with them! I had such fun! Know that I will always be here for you...no matter what!!”
Replying via e-mail Monday, Sempf said that Grand Royal Ambassador Amanda Grove would be taking responsibility for the event schedule.
“I cannot say that there was one factor in particular that led me to this decision,” says part of Sempf’s e-mail. “There were, in fact, quite a few, but sadly, it was just time for a change.”
She also said, “The River Falls community needs to know that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as RF Royal Ambassador Event Coordinator and Chaperone.
“I have had the opportunity over that past 11 years, to meet, work with and help some amazing young people to feel more confident about themselves and learn more about their community through community service and leadership opportunities.”
Sempf, who works in Hudson, said she’s looking into some new volunteer organizations and wishes the best for the Royal Ambassadors.
Responses to Sempf’s Facebook writings recount memories and demonstrate a sampling of the influence Sempf has had on the ambassadors and their program.
“Even though our time together was short, the impact that's been left is very large. This year will definitely not be the same without the amazing Denise Sempf. Thank you for everything you've ever done for RFRAP...you've touched more lives than I could ever hope to.”
“I'm so proud to have known an amazing lady, Denise Sempf.... she has honestly changed my life with her kindness, dedication, friendship, pretzel dip, and love. RFRAP committee has bigger shoes to fill than they can ever know...you never needed a crown to sparkle...”
“Dee Sempf… has changed my life with her love and compassion, her involvement in the program, and her pretzel dip ;) She has been a mentor, friend, and role model, and was one of the biggest reasons my year sparkled…Thank you for all you have done for the program!”
“Thanks so much for all you've done for the program!! I don't know how we'll do it without you…”
River Falls Royal Ambassadors have established a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/rfroyalambassadors.
Tags: river falls, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, wisconsin, news
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