Welcome to Region 2 for Northern California, Nevada, and Utah, totaling 29 clubs. My name is Anthony Bennett. I live in Oakland, California, and joined UFDC in 2009. I was born in Holland, Michigan. I've lived in the Bay Area most of my life. My partner Juan and I just celebrated our 10th Anniversary. I started collecting in the 1980s. I honestly do not recall if or what action figure I had, but I remember having a handmade OOAK bunny made by my great-grandmother with button eyes and a nose. My doll/collections span some 40 years, consisting of Steiff (about 140 pieces including Felt Human Dolls), AM, Integrity, Gene, Tonner, Rainbow/Shadow High, and Vintage/Modern Barbie, Ken, and Living Dead Dolls, all in all about 300 in the collection.

Besides these, I enjoy collecting coins, 17th-century books, darning eggs, and parasols. I especially love vampires. It started with the original Dracula black and white film in 1931, starring Bela Lugosi.

My background is rich with experience in various industries and occupations. I've served in executive administration, leadership schools/seminars, operations, human resources, and property management. During my nearly 18 years in the US Army and Air Force, I held several positions, including Helicopter mechanic, crew chief, Secretary to the General Staff, Cargo Specialist, Air Reserve Technician, and Career Counselor, where I supported 7,000 soldiers for Northern California.

Currently, I'm in my third term as President of the Bayview Doll Club of N. California. I'm also an active member of the Bay Area Doll Divas and Divos (BADDD) and the Independent Spirits Doll Club (ISDC).

I bring an unstinting approach to my work ethic. I am diplomatic in my approach and work well with everyone. I thrive on growing ideas, work well under pressure, and like challenges. You will find me to be charismatic, approachable, and have a pleasing demeanor. My greatest strength is that I'm a people person, roll up sleeves type of guy, and thick-skinned. However, I'm also a policy person.

I have an antique shop in Oakland and am President of the Grand Avenue Business Association, supporting approximately 200 businesses and working closely with civic leaders and local law enforcement. I enjoy traveling, collecting, practicing Buddhism, living life, making good friends, and having fun.

I'm truly excited to meet each and every one of you, to learn about your passions for collecting, understand your needs, and most importantly, to listen and support you and your clubs.

Please feel free to contact me at ufdcrd2n@ufdc.org for any questions/comments. Happy collecting, and hopefully, you'll consider becoming a Miss Unity Society sustainer.

Best,
Anthony