We really changed it up today, it’s a Buffet! Today’s meeting started off with a buffet lunch of Alfredo and/or Spaghetti. PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell to begin the meeting at Noon then announced we’d eat first before the presentation would begin at 12:15p.
At precisely at 12:15p LEA MARQUEZ PETERSON led us in the pledge. Then the inspirational moment was given by ANN MARSH about the Lopez Family, an immigrant family from Cuba that found their way to Tucson via Chicago and ultimately its’ matriarch created the Angel Heart Pajama Project (http://angelheartpajamaproject.org/) that provides PJs and books to abused/neglected/foster care children in Tucson from child birth through 18 years. It was indeed an inspirational story.
Next the song was introduced by LEA MARQUEZ PETERSON; “God Bless America” with accompaniment by KHRIS DODGE and JEN the keyboard. Onto the introductions, KHRIS DODGE, did not disappoint in his rousing introductions of all guests, and fellow Rotarians. Welcome all to Downtown.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN shared with the Club that there is a card being passed around for our very own JON WANG who is having eye surgery and will be out for a month. Please take the time to sign the card and wish him well.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN then introduced our speaker for today, Zach Yentzer with Tucson Young Professionals. A video introduction about Zach and Tucson Young Professional (TYP) was shown. Welcome Zach Yentzer! Zach spoke of the history of TYP as an organization, its growth since established in 2007 with its most recent change from being an all-volunteer organization to now having a small staff as of 2019, currently consisting of two employees. Zach shared the impact that TYP has on the local community, how they support young professionals when transitioning into a management roll or with moving to Tucson and the resources they offer. TYP is about connection, development, and advocacy. It was a great and informative presentation. The book “The Future Worth Fighting For” was given to Zach to sign for our Make Way for Books Library.
BOB SHAFF was honored to give our club a History Moment which happened to be of one of the Club's Past Presidents, MARIANNE FREITAS. We then watched her ‘Past President’ video of what it was like during her year of Presidency. A few things about MARIANNE that you may not know; she is known as the ‘Mom’ of the Tucson Classics Car Show, is always impeccably dressed, always has a smile on her face and once won an award as the “Seat Belt Queen’. MARIANNE then stood to address the Club and say thank you.
Birthday announcements: BOB ERNSTEIN a member since 1991, JOE DANISZEWSKI a member since 2018 and, DIANA MADARAS a new 2021 member. A very happy birthday to all of you!
A new member was introduced to the club by VICKIE JACOBS: TOM SCOTT, welcome to the Club! 
SCOTT VAUGHAN gave the Paul Harris Award to CHRIS EDWARDS and DARRELL STEWART. Congratulations on the impact you have made in our community and your involvement with Rotary Club of Tucson.
Next it was the always anticipated Raffle and King of Clubs Game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE. KHRIS also had an extra special item up for Auction; 2 sets of UA vs. NAU for this weekend. The tickets were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Then the King of Clubs was not drawn, better luck next week!
Announcements:
JIM LUBINSKI and JONI CONDIT – both gave updates to the: Centennial, Auction and, Tickets sales. So far, we are at 45% of our goal for the Car Show Ticket Sales. Remember to register for the Centennial Event on September 25th too. We need everyone to register to bid on auction items.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN had a couple additional reminders: next week is Photography Day. CHRIS MOONEY will be here to take an updated head shot for ClubRunner and if you missed the group picture, CHRIS will also be here to take your picture to be added to the group picture.
DAN KALM announced the next Social/Replacement Mixer is on 9/29 at Prep & Pastry on Campbell from 5:30p-7:30p. No lunch meeting that day.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN closed with a final thank you to all our members, guests, and virtual attendees. The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate, remember to return your badge in your numbered slot on your way out and if you have not received a magnetic Rotary pin, see DORINNA or KARI. Happy Birthday to BOB, JOE, and DIANA. Next week we will hear DIANA MADARAS and Lisa Bates present on the Tucson Wildlfe Center, Inc. PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.
