PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN started the meeting. We were being serenaded by the lovely singing and guitar playing of DAN DEVOU. There was an opportunity to bid on a 2 hour private concert by DAN on our online auction and congrats to whomever won! DAN is a real talent.
JOHN DUVAL led the Pledge of Allegiance and then we had great inspiration by MITCH PISIK. MITCH shared some good thoughts on how lucky we are to live in Tucson and that the choice to be here is 1,000,000 times “Yes!” We then sang the Star Spangled Banner and I was reminded by those around me how talented DAN DEVOU is and that our national anthem requires quite an octave range.
KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests as well as DAN DEVOU. Then, we had a nice intro video for our speakers.
DIANA MADARAS and Lisa Bates presented the Tucson Wildlife Center to us. DIANA started and simplified what the center does with three words “Rescue, Rehab, Release.” They have known each other for 23 years, since the Tucson Wildlife Center opened and share a common trait that they have helped rehab wild animals since they were children. Lisa then did a highly accurate demonstration of using a blowgun to tranquilize animals that they may need to transport. She thought she might not shoot well but hit the bullseye 3 times in a row. Good shooting!The center started with just a few animals and worked up to 1,500 by 2017. They now anticipate they will serve 6,000 animals this year. They work on a budget of $1,000,000 and are solely funded by donations. Currently, they are in search of a Development Director to help keep the dollars coming.
DIANA has been involved at many levels at the Tucson Wildlife Center. Just a few years ago, Lucy, a goose that was struck by a golf ball at a local course, was mortally wounded. No veterinarian would see her and the Tucson Wildlife Center accepted her as a patient where she recovered to appreciation and love of the golf course's members. DIANA painted a portrait of Lucy that raised $20,000 for the center. The next year DIANA was asked to help manage the fund raiser and that year they raised enough money to hire a full-time veterinarian. While DIANA hasn’t been a member of the RCOT very long, she has been doing great work in our community and we’re lucky to have her as is the Tucson Wildlife Center.
KURTIS DAWSON celebrated his birthday and offered a short and succinct talk to celebrate his last year. LYNN DEVOU celebrated her birthday and has been especially grateful for each birthday since she survived breast cancer. That reminds us all to celebrate the time we spend on the top side of the turf.
Ellie Patterson presented LARRY and Florence ADAMSON with a Major Donor Paul Harris Presentation. LARRY was our club President in 1985-1986 and has been a RCOT member for 50 Years! Thank you for your service LARRY!
KHRIS DODGE held a raffle drawing where the winner could have won over $1,900.00. Unfortunately, no one claimed the winning number so the money is still up for grabs!
JEANNE ZETAH discussed the live auction items for the Centennial Event. MARCY EULER discussed ticket sales. We are at 49% of our goal in selling tickets. Please, sell tickets now! BRUCE JACOBS discussed the Friday Night Dinner the day before the car show and signups are on the website. DAN KALM reminded us of our upcoming Social Mixer on September 29th at 5:30pm, Prep & Pastry, 2660 N. Campbell Ave. See you there.
CHRIS MOONEY set up a studio to the side of the stage today and was taking “Head Shot” photos for each member who wanted their photo taken. I really hope he got my best side on film, granted he doesn’t have a whole lot to work with. Thanks CHRIS! #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund highlighted KURTIS DAWSON and the monster fish that he and his family have caught. They’re a family of fisherwomen and know how to land the big ones!
PRESIDENT MARK shared a clock that is counting down the time until President Elect BRUCE JACOBS takes over as our club’s President. BRUCE said that he is following in MARK’s footsteps and has not started preparing other than an occasional hike. So far, so good with PRESIDENT MARK and I anticipate the same thing, yet different, from BRUCE next year.
PRESIDENT MARK closed the meeting with a Toast and we were headed back out into our beloved Tucson.
