WELCOME Rotarians announced PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS to this Wednesday’s meeting. PRESIDENT MARGARET rang the bell at 12p to officially get the meeting started then made the announcement on the buffet, we will have fellowship then at 12:15p we will start the presentation by LEE OLITZKY on “The Results of The RCOT 17th TCCS”.
After some fellowship time and lunch, PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS started the meeting. We were led in the pledge and song by SANDY MCCASLIN. Today’s song was “God Bless America”.
The inspirational moment was given by MITCH PISIK who challenged us to invite like-minded guests during March Madness so we can work towards beating the largest Rotary Club; The Rotary Club of Oklahoma City who has over 600 members! He wants to be the biggest so we can have enough talented members to deploy at any time.
Seargeant at Arms DAN KALM stepped up to the podium to introduce our guests for this Wednesday luncheon. Welcome all Rotarians and guests. It’s great to see all of you here.
PRESIDENT MARGARET introduced LEE OLITZKY to talk about the 17th Tucson Classics Car Show Results. LEE presented a slide show with great pictures of the event, before, during and after so we can see all the work that goes into this annual event. Before LEE’s slide show he took the time to say thanks to all the members and volunteers who make this event such a success; without you, the Car Show would not be possible. LEE then recognized several members who have been instrumental in creating and championing this wonderful event. Special thank you to the following members: ARNIE JACOBSON and JON WANG, KANDIE VACTOR and DREW VACTOR and, Strategic Leadership Team, these members have been the backbone of the Car Show. Next was the slide show, this included event ticket sales, a list of the advertising and media partners, pictures of the Gregory School field and the work that goes into preparing beforehand and cleaning up the field afterwards. Also included were pictures of the various cars, guests, special guests, pictures of the field being staged with the cars and pictures throughout the day of the events. LEE wrapped up with some final thoughts; we had an estimated 20,000+ people come through over 400 cars were on display for the event and, LEE thanked all the sponsors and the Executive Committee, DORINNA, and ERICA and, the Tactical Leadership Team. LEE gave the update of all the total funds raised. Finally, LEE announced the net proceeds of $161,421, the charities received their checks; Pima Community College Foundation Workforce Development/Gospel Rescue Mission will receive a check for $80K and, both Big Brothers Big Sister and Old Pueblo Community Services will receive a check for $41K. Over the 17 years the car show has raised over $2.6 million, making the average per year $151K!
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Various members stood up to announce some final thoughts and announcements about who and where they could use additional volunteers for the 18th TCCS. JENNIFER and SEAN HOFFMAN are the 18th TCCS Chairs, we look forward to
their leadership this next year. Both JENNIFER and SEAN came up to the podium to announce how excited they are for next year’s 18th TCCS. They also presented LEE with an amazing trophy for all his hard work and dedication as the Chair during the 17th TCCS.
their leadership this next year. Both JENNIFER and SEAN came up to the podium to announce how excited they are for next year’s 18th TCCS. They also presented LEE with an amazing trophy for all his hard work and dedication as the Chair during the 17th TCCS. PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS announced the book “Race Car Count” will be added to our Make Way for Books Library. LEE OLITZKY will sign the book before it is added to the library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson.
There were three Rotary Birthdays announced this week. Happy birthday to: JIM ENGEL (1/15), LEA MARQUEZ PETERSON (1/19) and, CLIFF BOWMAN (1/27). A very happy birthday to all of you!
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by DAN KALM. The King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Next up…Rotary Announcements:
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS began today’s announcements by reminding the members she is still collecting children’s books for the Make Way for Books Library. Please continue to bring books each week.
PRESIDENT MARGARET directed our attention to the screens to view the slide about the Ignite Art Museum. A show of hands went up to express interest from the members for the 2nd week of a month at the museum. The committee and MARGARET will work on organizing that for a future event. Now onto the next replacement mixer, remember to register for Tesoro Latin Kitchen (Oracle Rd) on 2/7/2024.
VICKIE JACOBS was next up on the announcements to introduce the Coaches for March Madness. Start bringing your prospects to help your team. Then DON RIEGGER wrapped the announcements up with a Happy Jackson about Eagle Recognition Dinner on Feb. 10, 2024; to register go to CatalinaCouncil.org to attend or sponsor an Eagle Scout.
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS closed by thanking all our members, guests, and virtual attendees for being here today. MITCH PISIK gave the final toast before PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS rang the bell to adjourn the meeting.
