Foundation awards $3,000 grant to Memory Café – February, 2021
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation (The Foundation) has awarded a grant of $3,000 to Creative Engagement Partners for their Memory Café at the Sun Lakes Methodist Church. The Memory Café is designed and operated for Sun Lakes and East Valley families with Parkinson’s and memory loss through engagement activities – “a place to make new friends, learn, and have a cup of coffee”. Engaging activities are created and guided by Music Therapists, Tai Chi instructors, Visual Artists, etc., and are offered several days every week. These programs are designed for both the recipient and his/her caregiver to support both of them in order to help eliminate isolation and loneliness and to stimulate the participants intellectually and physically.
The Foundation regularly presents grants like this to many local community groups throughout each year in order to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including all Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, education and culture. To find out more about The Foundation’s activities or to apply for a grant for your non-profit organization, go to www.slcommunityfoundation.com
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THE FOUNDATION GRANTS NEIGHBORS WHO CARE $5,000 – August, 2021
Members of the board of The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation (The Foundation) were pleased to present a grant in the amount of $5,000 to Neighbors Who Care (NWC). These funds will be used to complete the purchase of a new passenger van which will be used by NWC to provide assistance in the areas of transportation, shopping/errands, grocery transport, friendly visitation, business assistance, dinner delivery, and caregiver relief/respite.
The Foundation regularly presents grants like this to many local community groups throughout each year in order to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including all Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, education and culture. To find out more about The Foundation’s activities or to apply for a grant, go to www.slcommunityfoundation.com
Caption: Pictured from left to right are Dr. William Wilhelm, Jeanne Becker, Frank Gould, Madeleine Lutz, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Maidy Horst and Ramon Rubio.
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SUPPORTING OUR SUN LAKES CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS – February, 2022
by Richard Hawkes
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has had a very successful fall fund-raising
campaign. Our December Christmas Gala/Silent Auction at the Cottonwood Ballroom earned
over $9,000 in that one event, and our many benefactors and donors have helped The
Foundation exceed its yearly fund-raising goals. This, of course, translates to The Foundation
announcing it has funds to provide 2022 financial grants to Sun Lakes area clubs and
organizations that provide activities and outlets for our senior population to help them stay
engaged with life in the areas of Health, Education and Culture!
If your club/organization meets the simple goal of The Foundation, we offer you the opportunity
to apply for a financial grant. The process involves your club/organization going to The
Foundation website www.slcommunityfoundation.com and completing the grant form and
submitting it right there on The Foundation website. There is no fee for submitting a grant, no
time restraint and grants can be submitted at any time during the year.
As we leave 2021, we must thank all the wonderful folks who have donated to The Foundation.
We are really proud of the number of individuals and families who have donated to The
Foundation’s Memorial Wall. It grows each month as friends and families dedicate a virtual brick
to a loved one or a friend. We are also thankful for those individuals and families who have given
a direct donation to The Foundation. We recognize those individuals and families by giving them
a virtual brick on the Legacy Wall. You can see the two virtual brick walls by going to The
Foundation website: www.slcommunityfoundation.com .
As we get ready to greet 2022, we are optimistic that our area clubs/organizations will once again
open their doors to our seniors. The Foundation is also optimistic about 2022, we are up to full
strength with the addition of 4 new Board Members and we are ready to receive grant requests.
We are extremely proud of the fact that 100% of ALL DONATIONS go back through grants into
our greater Sun Lakes Communities.
We are waiting to help your club or organization, so go to our website and sign up for a grant!
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GSLCF awards funds to SLCT – April, 2022
By Carolyn Holmes-Leneway
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has awarded the Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) a grant totaling $3,200 to ensure that the “set-up” and “tear-down” that is required for SLCT’s three main performances per year can be done efficiently and safely, without injury to their senior members. The intent of the grant funding is to enable SLCT to hire outside helpers for load-on and strike of the heavy performance stage sets and equipment. For each performance, the curtains, risers, poles, sets, sound equipment, lights, costumes, signage, etc. that are kept in storage buildings offsite must be loaded onto a rented truck, transported to the venue, unloaded and set up in a very limited time frame. At the conclusion of the show, the reverse must take place. In the past, SLCT volunteers have accomplished this but are finding that the heavy lifting is a much greater challenge than can be done safely by seniors.
SLCT is a non-profit 501c(3) organization dedicated to providing accessible and affordable live theater performances for the Sun Lakes Community. The actors, directors, technicians, and support staff are all volunteers that present three main stage productions each year (spring, summer, fall) at the Cottonwood and Oakwood ballrooms that range from comedies to Broadway plays to serious dramas to dinner-theater. They have also revived their comedy troupe, The ImproVables, which performs throughout our Sun Lakes communities.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is entering its 6th year as a charitable 501c3 foundation serving the Sun Lakes Community. During the past five years, The Foundation has raised and disseminated grants in excess of $250,000 in support of local organizations, clubs and other charitable groups, such as Neighbors Who Care, AFMA Fire & Medical Authority Stations 231 & 232 Firefighters Food Fund, Sun Lakes Community Theatre, The Perfect Place – Adult Day Services, etc., – all of which provide services, activities and opportunities for our senior population.
Picture caption:(L to R): GSLCF Directors Bob Rouleau, Carolyn Leneway, GSLCF President Richard Hawkes, SLCT President Greg Posniack, GSLCF Secretary Cheryl Ravenscroft, GSLCF Director Louis Baca.
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Crystal Card Project awarded $2,000 grant by The Foundation – May, 2022
By Maidy Horst, Foundation Grant Coordinator
A grant check for $2,000 was accepted by The Crystal Card Project President, Charlene Petragallo. The grant will be used to cover the cost of additional supplies, materials and equipment needed to make the Crystal Cards, which is estimated to be about $.25 per card. That means for each one dollar donated, they can generate four dollars’ worth of cards, so this donation of $2,000 will translate into $8,000 worth of card sales in our Sun Lakes Communities, all of which is donated to My Sister’s Place. Many local Sun Lakes volunteers are involved by donating their time and their old cards, by gathering together to help make new cards, by selling the cards, and by disseminating them to their relatives, friends, and acquaintances for birthdays and other special occasions. Crystal Cards are available through “Home Delivery” – The Crystal Cards Project can deliver an assortment of greeting cards directly to your Sun Lakes or SunBird home. You send an email to [email protected] that includes: your name, home address (including community name), phone number, the kinds of cards you want (get well, birthday, thinking of you, anniversary, sympathy, etc. or an assortment of all types). A volunteer arranges to deliver a box to your house. At your convenience, you look thru the cards and pick the ones you want. Cards are $1 each. You can pay with cash or by a check made out to The Crystal Card Project. Place the payment for the cards you have chosen inside the box along with the cards to be returned. Then call the volunteer whose phone number is on the box to arrange for pickup. Starting in the fall of 2022, Crystal Card sales will be held in all three Sun Lakes Communities (Sun Lakes Country Club, Cottonwood/Palo Verde and IronOaks); specific locations, dates and times will be publicized to Sun Lakes residents by September.
ALL (100%) of card sales is donated to My Sister’s Place, which serves victims of domestic violence and abuse and is one of only two confidential domestic violence shelters in the East Valley. Victims are provided with a private and comforting environment for their safety and recovery. The shelter serves individuals of all ages as well as parents with children. My Sister’s Place provides safety planning, case management and skill/resource building to empower clients to advocate for themselves and truly make a permanent change to their situations. The program also assists with after-care planning, employment, information and referral to transitional programs, affordable housing, furniture, food and other items.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has been established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, education and culture. The Foundation gives grants to local non-profits to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities; to apply, go to https://slcommunityfoundation.com .
The people in the photo are (left to right): Maidy Horst, Jeanne Becker, Charlene Petragallo, Cheryl Ravenscroft and Louis Baca.
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The Foundation makes a $3,000 award to AFMA Sun Lakes Firefighters Food Fund – May 2022
By Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
Recently, The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation made an award of $3,000 to the Sun Lakes Firefighters Food Fund, which is used by the firefighters and EMS personnel at Stations 231 & 232 to help supplement the cost of their food which they pay for themselves. The award amount is being divided among the six shifts in both firehouses, so each shift gets $500 to help alleviate the cost of buying the food which is prepared communally by each shift. The Foundation is proud to assist our firefighters in this way, and at the award presentation, the AFMA Assistant Fire Chief said that he has been in the fire service for 27 years and he has not encountered this type of direct community support for firefighters and EMS personnel anywhere else.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has been established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education and culture. The Foundation gives grants to local non-profits, service organizations and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. If you are part of an organization that needs financial support, to apply, please go to https://slcommunityfoundation.com .
Picture Members of The Foundation Board of Directors pose with firefighters of Station 231 at the check presentation event.
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The Foundation makes award to the Sun Lakes Chorale – October 2022
By Jeanne Becker
At our monthly Board meeting on October 5th, the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation presented a check for $5,000 to the Sun Lakes Chorale to help pay for costs associated with producing their two shows at the Sun Lakes Methodist Church: one on December 8, 2022 at 7 pm, and the second on March 16, 2023. This grant will help pay for new sheet music, a professional director, a show coordinator, and help defray the costs for playbills, advertising, etc. The music that the director selects is of various genres and provides for a wealth of choral experiences. The Chorale is comprised of sixty plus members living in Sun Lakes and Sun Bird and these concerts give the singers an opportunity to have choral experiences under the direction of a professional director. Chorale members love to sing and to share with the Sun Lakes communities this avenue for enhancing our lives both culturally and emotionally.
The Sun Lakes Chorale deeply appreciates this Grant provided by the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation. This grant will also assist in maintaining concert ticket prices at a low $10 and to provide for other ongoing concert-related expenses. The large attendance at past concerts also shows the community’s appreciation for the “live” musical programming offered at such a low cost for entertainment these days.
If any other Sun Lakes club/organization wishes to apply for a financial grant, the process involves your club/organization going to The Foundation’s website www.slcommunityfoundation.com and completing the grant form and submitting it right there on The Foundation website. There is no fee for submitting a grant or no time restraint and grants can be submitted at any time during the year.
Caption: (l-r)
Back Row: Bob Rouleau, Louis Baca, Frank Gould, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Dan Morson, Bill Carpenter
Front Row: Richard Hawkes, Jeanette Cline, Donna Nelson, Yvonne Orlich
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Grants to Neighbors Who Care, Sun Lakes Posse, and Arizona Rangers – December, 2022
By Jeanne Becker
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is pleased to announce some recent donations to three local community groups that “enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including all Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, education and culture.”
In that spirit we were delighted to help Neighbors Who Care with their annual “Holiday giving program”, which involves granting wishes to those in our community who are in need. Neighbors Who Care volunteers support seniors with their desire to live fulfilling lives at home with a wide array of non-medical services including this Holiday giving program.
The local Arizona Rangers Sun Lakes Company. The Rangers are an all-volunteer 501c3 law enforcement auxiliary based in Sun Lakes. They have over 40 members providing support to HOA patrol and help with local events and traffic coordination. They receive no county or state funding.
The Sun Lakes Posse who provide the medical equipment service program free of charge to Sun Lakes residents and who patrol the communities of Sun Lakes as needed. They are 100% funded by donations.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is a 501c3 organization that supports local clubs and organizations through grants and donations. To find out more about The Foundation’s activities or to apply for a donation or grant, go to www.slcommunityfoundation.com.
Posse Photo: Bill Carpenter, Carolyn Leneway, Jeanne Becker, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Craig Lloyd, Richard Hawkes, Bill Shedd, Ramon Rubio, Renee Seifert
Rangers Photo: Bill Carpenter, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Jeanne Becker, Carolyn Leneway, Ron Burchett, Scott Murdock, Renee Seifert.
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Thank You , Friends: SLCC Pickleball Club Wants to Thank The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation for Our Grant!
On Dec. 3, 2022, Sun Lakes Country Club Pickleball Club received a wonderful grant of $11,054.38 from The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation.
This is the largest grant that they have ever approved, and we are so honored to receive this grant to purchase sturdy and safe portable pickleball nets. Our club is growing, and we are to the point that we need to start using our temporary courts to accommodate our pickleball players. These nets will help us to provide a safe environment for our players to enjoy pickleball.
Sun Lakes Country Club Pickleball Club is a social club that promotes social play among all levels of players. We not only promote social play on the courts, but also off the courts.
We are one fun club!
We offer free Intro to Pickleball clinics every Thursday at 1 p.m., and special classes in the evening for those who work.
For more information, you can email Dave Planting at [email protected] or call Mary Kermoade, director of membership, at 303-931-6518.
Please come join us in making new friends and having lots of fun.
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Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation Awards Funds to SLCT’s The ImproVables
GSLCF President Bill Carpenter, The ImproVables Director Phyllis Novy, GSLCF Treasurer Jeanne Becker (front row) and GSLCF Secretary Cheryl Ravenscroft (back row, center) surrounded by The ImproVables actors
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation (GSLCF) has awarded the Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) a grant totaling $2,000 for their comedy troupe The ImproVables, which performs unrehearsed skits in their comedy shows throughout our Sun Lakes and East Valley communities. The intent of the grant funding is to enable the cast to increase the number of performances, as well as stimulate greater attendance at performances by increasing the amount and the quality of their publicity efforts, and they will use some funds for printing, graphic design, and other methods of advertising. They also need new t-shirts, as their current shirts have been in use since 2010. They do not use costumes, so their distinctive t-shirts identify them as a performing unit and unify their on-stage performances. They also intend to include music in some of their future performances.
SLCT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing accessible and affordable live theater performances for the Sun Lakes community. The ImproVables troupe has been selling out venues consistently since they returned to the stage after COVID-19 caused them to take a two-year hiatus. They’ve performed most recently at both Sun Lakes Country Club and Cottonwood Country Club, as well as an abbreviated show for the residents of Robson Reserve. Also, they joined their “sister group” Off the Cuff for a recent anniversary/reunion show on the campus of Chandler-Gilbert Community College where they were well received. In March they “took their show on the road” and delighted residents at Friendship Village in Tempe. In April they will do a collaborative workshop with the Perry High School drama students. Several shows are in the works for the upcoming Fall 2023 season, and every show is different, as they are based on suggestions from the audiences. The ImproVables’ Fall 2023 season will kick off with an encore production in the Arizona Room of Sun Lakes Country Club on Sept. 30, followed by another performance at Cottonwood Country Club on Oct. 30. These ticket sales will be announced as the fall season approaches. So, if you need a unique and fresh entertainment option for a special event, club meeting, or celebration, consider booking The ImproVables. You won’t be disappointed. Contact Phyllis Novy at [email protected].
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is entering its seventh year as a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation serving the Sun Lakes community. During the past six years, the Foundation has raised and disseminated grants in excess of $100,000 in support of local organizations, clubs, and other charitable groups, such as Neighbors Who Care, AFMA Fire & Medical Authority Stations 231 and 232 Firefighters Food Fund, Sun Lakes Community Theatre, the Sun Lakes Chorale, as well as smaller groups, such as the Chess Club, the Crystal Cards Project, the Crystal Awards program, Agave Quilters, etc., all of which provide services, activities, and opportunities for our senior population. So, if you are part of an organization in Sun Lakes that needs financial support, to apply, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.
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Foundation Makes a $6,000 Award to AFMA
Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors: Treasurer Jeanne Becker, Director Frank Gould, President Bill Carpenter, President Emeritus Richard Hawkes, and Secretary Cheryl Ravenscroft, pose with AFMA Fire Chief Mark Burdick, South County/Sun Lakes Fire Board Chairman Bill Becker, and firefighters of Station 232 at the check presentation event.
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation made an award of $6,000 to the Sun Lakes Firefighters Food Fund, which is used by the firefighters and EMS personnel at Stations 231 and 232 to help supplement the cost of their food, which they pay for themselves. There is no fire department stipend for food. The award amount is being divided among the six shifts in both firehouses, so each shift gets $1,000 to help alleviate the cost of buying their food, which is prepared communally by each shift. The Foundation is proud to assist our firefighters in this way.
AFMA Fire Chief Mark Burdick said, “On behalf of the men and women assigned to AFMA’s Sun Lakes fire houses, we express our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation for your generous donation. Your support for our firefighters and paramedics is truly appreciated, and the $6,000 donation is being directly allocated to the firefighters ($1,000 for each of the six shifts) to help supplement their healthy food budget. When we are ready to respond 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, good nutrition is essential, and this award will go a long way toward keeping our firefighters healthy and ready. We all give a big “thank you so much” to the Foundation for this donation!”
Before the check presentation, the Foundation members were shown the mechanical and safety features of the fire engine at Fire Station 232, and after the check presentation, they toured the newly updated and renovated fire station and learned more about AFMA’s mission and its fire and ambulance procedures.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has been established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants and awards to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. If you are part of an organization that needs financial support, to apply for a grant or an award, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Makes $1,500 Grant to Agave Quilters Guild
Betty Bogaard (Agave Quilters Guild president), Sally Walby (treasurer), and Georgia Hartman (vice president); Foundation members: Jeanne Becker, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Bill Carpenter, and Richard Hawkes
Jeanne Becker, Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation Treasurer
The mission of the Agave Quilters Guild is to promote the appreciation of quilting, encourage quilt making and collecting, contribute to the knowledge of quilting through education, and to promote friendships and philanthropic endeavors. This $1,500 grant complies with the Foundation’s Mission Statement in that it will provide the supplies and means by which many more charitable quilts can be completed by local Sun Lakes area quilters. Our quilters are provided with instruction in quilt making, which involves color, design, math, and decision making. This project also creates friendships and an altruistic purpose for those participating. Agave provides many educational opportunities for its members, with classes being taught by local members and outside artists. These classes provide skill-building techniques and also provide social opportunities of shared interests, helping members to remain actively involved in our community.
Agave Quilters Guild (dba Sun Lakes Quilters) currently has 107 members, most of whom are senior women living in the Sun Lakes area. Our guild meets monthly September through May, with many smaller special interest groups meeting regularly throughout each month. Agave has an active community service program in which our members create and deliver quilts to various local organizations, including a local hospital (where the majority of the quilts will be donated to hospitalized children to use as comfort blankets that they can take with them when they are discharged from the hospital) and to a local nursing home, a Navajo orphanage, a women’s shelter, and a local memory care facility. Their contact information is [email protected] or Dennie Sullivan, membership chair, at [email protected].
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants and awards to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is entering its seventh year as a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation serving the Sun Lakes Community. During the past six years, The Foundation has raised and disseminated grants and awards in excess of $100,000 in support of many local groups that provide services, activities, and opportunities for our senior population. So, if you are part of an organization in Sun Lakes that would like to apply for financial support, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Donates to the HeARTsy Program at Robson Reserve
Back row (left to right): Foundation members Jeanne Becker, Frank Gould, Cheryl Ravenscroft, and Richard Hawkes; Tina Ferguson (executive director at HeARTsy), Dale Darling (resident and artist), Lance Williams (Robson director); front row (left to right): Jay McKnight (Life Enrichment), Abby Nite (Life Enrichment),
Tammy Nite (Life Enrichment)
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
Due to a grant of $3,000 from The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation, the HeARTsy fine arts program will now be “in person” at Robson Reserve, offering fine art classes to some at-risk populations, specifically seniors suffering from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
Due to COVID-19, so many people have lost their sense of belonging and have missed friends and family. This population is high risk and still very isolated. According to the Journal of AHIMIA, “Loneliness and social isolation have been associated with increased risk for several chronic conditions, including dementia, stroke, and heart disease.” Studies have shown that many in these at-risk populations are now dying of abandonment, depression, and isolation; however, HeARTsy can help reduce these negative feelings and outcomes in these populations while giving participants a positive, uplifting purpose through the arts!
HeARTsy is dedicated to bringing ability-appropriate fine art programming to underserved populations who would typically lack the funding, transportation, and access to the arts. HeARTsy believes that creative arts therapies should be at the core of patient-centered care, and our training in Montessori methods of arts training helps us do just that! Through our arts program and art kits, students benefit from fine arts programming, becoming empowered, engaged, and enlightened on multiple mediums of art while also building meaningful friendships! Our innovative Montessori-style art education techniques allow senior citizen communities to transcend the standard childlike “craft” classes filled with simple stickers, crayons, and foam and paper plates, and we replace that with fine arts materials such as goggles, glass paint, polymer clay, canvas, mosaics, watercolor pencils, fabric painting, fine jewelry, and much more! These amazing, creative seniors of all ages and abilities have participated in the arts in the past, and now we are helping them rekindle their ability to thrive. So, HeARTsy provides these fun, challenging, and safe opportunities for seniors to connect with each other again through art.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants and awards to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is entering its seventh year as a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation serving the Sun Lakes community. During the past six years, The Foundation has raised and disseminated grants and awards in excess of $100,000 in support of many local groups that provide services, activities, and opportunities for our senior population. So, if you are part of an organization in Sun Lakes that needs financial support, to apply, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Donates to the Cornhole Club
Richard Hawkes hands the check to Barb Byczko, president of the Cornhole Club. Her husband John is next to her. Also pictured are Foundation board members Bill Carpenter and Frank Gould. The others in the photo are players just arriving for a Monday night game. (Photo by Richard Hawkes)
Richard Hawkes
The introduction of cornhole to the Sun Lakes community followed the usual path of a new activity in an adult community. About five years ago, John and Barbara Byczko (formerly from Indiana) started inviting friends to come to their backyard for a night of fun with a new sport unknown to most folks. It didn’t take too long before their backyard wasn’t big enough to host the number of people who wanted to give it a try, as friends were inviting friends who were inviting friends, etc. So, John and Barbara, at their own expense, built more cornhole boards and started inviting people to come to Sisk Park to give the game a try. People from all three of the Sun Lakes communities were coming each week to try out the game. Most of those who visited got hooked and started to be regulars on designated Mondays in Sisk Park. As the number of players continued to grow, John continued to build more boards to accommodate all the players. Eventually, the Byczkos asked the board of HOA2 for a bigger space to play and also petitioned the board for HOA recognition as an approved HOA2 club. Subsequently, the board of HOA2 agreed to both requests.
The club moved for a year to tennis court 1 at Palo Verde, but then, at the same time the club was shutting down play for the summer, HOA2 started a grand project at Sisk Park that would provide an ideal lighted field for cornhole play. By that time, the club had grown to approximately 80 players. Many of the players are couples, and they found the evening play at Sisk Park to be a wonderful night out. With the new lighted area for play with room to accommodate more players, the club is positioned to see its growth continue. Anyone interested in playing can just show up on Monday nights at 6 p.m. at Sisk Park or contact Barb or John Byczko at 219-747-3949.
All Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation members are volunteers, and 100% of the proceeds from all Foundation events, such as the Christmas Gala, the Country Hoedown, and raffle tickets sold at TAD concerts, are granted to our local charities. If you are part of a local Sun Lakes organization that needs funds to assist your activities, or if you are interested in helping support the Foundation financially or by joining as a “Friend of the Foundation,” please go online to learn more at our website, www.slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Makes Grant Award to the Chordaires
Check presentation with Gretchen Ohlgart, president of the Chordaires Show Chorus, Foundation President Bill Carpenter, and Board Secretary Cheryl Ravenscroft, backed by many members of the Chordaires
Bill and Jeanne Becker
The Chordaires is a dynamic group of women of various ages and backgrounds who perform four-part a cappella barbershop music in Sun Lakes for various celebrations, memorials, and in their excellent annual spring show. The Chordaires also venture out to many elder communities and group homes in the Sun Lakes and Chandler area for holiday performances.
The Chordaires are trying to grow their chorus membership back to pre-pandemic numbers. They are going to hold special prospective member “outreach clinics” for which they will need to rent rooms and advertise. Also for their Spring 2024 show, they will be using the Foundation’s grant funding for riser rental (truck to transport), lots of great new props and scenery, extra cost of our director filling new assignments, hiring a soundboard and sound operator, hiring a videographer to create a new video to help in recruiting new members, the purchase of new music for the chorus, and copyright purchase of the music for video purposes. They are adding a guest octet from the Phoenix Men’s Chorus, performing with them as part of their Spring Spectacular 2024 show, “A Salute to the Music Men,” on April 6 at 2 p.m. in the Cottonwood San Tan Ballroom. It is really going to be an amazing show for their 42nd season, as their performance will honor the top composers and performers of the 20th century.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is pleased to be able to allocate grants to many Sun Lakes clubs and organizations. All our Foundation members are volunteers, so 100% of the proceeds from all Foundation events, such as the Christmas Gala, the annual Country Hoedown, raffle tickets sold at TAD shows at Cottonwood, and private donations, are all granted to our local charities each year. If you are part of a local Sun Lakes organization that needs funds to assist your activities, or if you are interested in helping support the Foundation financially or by joining as a “Friend of the Foundation,” please go online to learn more at our website, www.slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Makes a $6,000 Award to AFMA Sun Lakes Firefighters Food Fund
Left to right: AFMA Fire Chief Mark Burdick, Assistant Fire Chief Mary Dalton, South County/Sun Lakes Fire Board Director Diane Price, South County/Sun Lakes Fire Board Chairman Bill Becker, Foundation Board of Directors President Emeritus Richard Hawkes, Treasurer Jeanne Becker, Secretary Cheryl Ravenscroft, Vice President Frank Gould, board member Karen Jorgensen, and AFMA Fire Marshal Robert Olmstead pose in front of the firefighters’ Rehydration/Rehab Bus outside Station 231 at the check presentation event. (Photo by Brian Curry)
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has made an award of $6,000 to the Sun Lakes Firefighters Food Fund, which is used by the firefighters and EMS personnel at Stations 231 and 232 to help supplement the cost of food, which they pay for themselves, because there is no fire department stipend to pay for food while on duty. The award amount is being divided among the six shifts in both fire houses, so each shift gets $1,000 to help alleviate the cost of buying their food, which is prepared communally by each shift. The Foundation is proud to assist our firefighters and EMS personnel in this way.
AFMA Fire Chief Mark Burdick said, “On behalf of the men and women assigned to AFMA’s Sun Lakes fire houses, we express our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation for your generous donation. Your support for our firefighters and paramedics is truly appreciated, and the $6,000 donation is being directly allocated to the firefighters ($1,000 for each of the six shifts) to help supplement their healthy food budget. While we are ready to respond 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, good nutrition is essential, and this award will go a long way toward keeping our firefighters healthy and ready. We all give a big ‘thank you so much’ to the Foundation for this donation!”
The Foundation Board members were served lunch and then toured Fire Station 231 and were shown the mechanical and safety features of the fire equipment, and they learned more about AFMA’s mission and its fire and ambulance procedures.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has been established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants and awards to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all of our Sun Lakes communities. If you are part of an organization that needs financial support, to apply for a grant or an award, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.
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Foundation Award to Tremble Clefs Music Therapy Group
Left to right: Carolyn Perkins, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Jeanne Becker, and Sun Joo Lee
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation recently awarded $1,000 to the Tremble Clefs, which is a twice-per-month music therapy group for people with Parkinson’s disease, located at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. “By participating in Tremble Clefs rehearsals, those who live with Parkinson’s strengthen their voices and have fun singing together with others in the Parkinson’s community, including family, caregivers, and friends. This clinically beneficial program provides vocal movement exercises and generates new learning and comfortable challenges in a shared, supportive environment.” The organization invites anyone with Parkinson’s disease to join them. No previous musical experience is required or expected, because the goal is to sing along and become part of their supportive Parkinson’s community.
There are four Tremble Clefs branches throughout the Phoenix area (Sun Lakes, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City). The Southeast branch is located here in Sun Lakes and is led by Carolyn Perkins, who can be contacted at [email protected], and their music director is Ms. Sun Joo Lee who has earned a master’s degree from ASU in music therapy and voice performance. Ms. Mutsumi Mori is their talented accompanist. As a 501(c)(3)charity, Tremble Clefs does gratefully accept donations to their cause at TrembleClefsArizona.org or by check sent to Tremble Clefs Arizona, P.O. Box 1161, Sun City, AZ 85372.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including all Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants to local nonprofits and service organizations and clubs to support and enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. If you are part of an organization that needs financial support, please go to our website at slcommunityfoundation.com to apply.
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SL Community Theatre Receives a Foundation Grant
Left to right: Charlene Petragallo and MaryAnn Stevens, SLCT technical crew; MJ Clement, SLCT technical crew lead; Jeanne Becker; Cheryl Ravenscroft; Bill Carpenter; Karen Jorgensen; Kathy Skrei; Richard Hawkes; and Kate King-Turner, president of SLCT (photo by Jeanne Becker)
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has donated $6,000 to Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) to replace a 15-year-old lighting console, which at the last theatrical production at Oakwood, simply quit working. They were able to finish the show by borrowing the console owned by CWPV and stored at the Cottonwood ballroom, but SLCT needs its own lighting board, as they travel among all Sun Lakes communities doing shows, and occasionally they venture out to other locales throughout the East Valley.
After much research, they were able to find a reasonably priced replacement lighting console that would fit the needs of the theater. The cost of the new lighting console was substantial, but because of the complexities of getting it programmed and the training necessary for the operators, SLCT had to hire a professional production company to handle these ancillary costs, as well as addressing other concerns regarding their lighting and sound equipment. Therefore, the total cost for the replacement of the lighting console, plus the hiring of the qualified professional programmers, plus the training of their staff and other smaller electrical and sound equipment items raised the total.
Sun Lakes Community Theatre strives to give diverse audiences the experiences of live stage plays and improvisational comedy while supporting local schools with Children’s Theater and college scholarships for future thespians. This summer, on July 24-28 at the San Tan Ballroom at Cottonwood Country Club, Sun Lakes Community Theatre will present a murder mystery show called Murder at Café Noir, a 1940s-style Bogart detective story. Tickets are $25 and include a dessert. Tickets for all five shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 25 at the Oakwood Country Club lobby in person, and online tickets can be purchased until the opening show date of July 24 at their website, www.slctinfo.com.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is pleased to be able to allocate grants to many Sun Lakes clubs and organizations. All of our Foundation members are volunteers, so 100% of the proceeds from all Foundation events, such as the Christmas Gala, the annual Country Hoedown, raffle tickets to TAD shows at Cottonwood, and private donations, are all granted to our local charities each year. If you are part of a Sun Lakes organization that needs funds to assist your activities, or if you are interested in helping support the Foundation financially or by joining as a “Friend of the Foundation,” please go to our website, www.slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Donates Again to the HeARTsy Program at Robson Reserve
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
Due to a grant of $5,000 from The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation, the HeARTsy fine arts program will continue to be supported at Robson Reserve, offering fine art classes to at-risk populations, specifically seniors suffering from Parkingson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
Studies have shown that many in these at-risk populations are suffering from abandonment, depression, and isolation; however, this fine arts program, called HeARTsy, helps reduce negative feelings while giving participants a positive, uplifting purpose and socialization through “hands-on” application through the fine arts!
HeARTsy is dedicated to bringing ability-appropriate fine arts programming directly to underserved populations who would typically lack the funding, transportation, and access to the arts. HeARTsy believes that creative arts therapies should be at the core of patient-centered care, and their training in Montessori methods of arts training helps us do just that! Through our arts program and art kits, students benefit from fine arts programming and become empowered, engaged, and enlightened on multiple mediums of art while also building meaningful friendships! Their innovative Montessori-style art education techniques allow senior citizens to transcend the standard childlike “craft” classes filled with simple stickers, crayons, foam, and paper plates, and replace that with fine arts materials such as goggles, glass paint, polymer clay, canvas, mosaics, watercolor pencils, fabric painting, fine jewelry, and much more! These amazing, creative seniors of all ages and abilities have participated in the arts in the past and now are given the opportunity to rekindle their ability to thrive through artistic expression. HeARTsy provides fun, challenging, and safe opportunities for seniors to connect with each other again through art.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants and awards to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is entering its seventh year as a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation serving the Sun Lakes community. During the past six years, the Foundation has raised and disseminated grants and awards in excess of $100,000 in support of many local groups that provide services, activities, and opportunities for our senior population. So, if you are part of an organization in Sun Lakes that needs financial support, to apply, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Donates to Agave Quilters Guild
Agave Quilters Board members: Georgia Hartman, Joyce Aune, and Betty Bogaard and Foundation directors: Treasurer Jeanne Becker, President Emeritus Richard Hawkes, Director Kathy Skrei, Vice President Frank Gould, and Secretary Cheryl Ravenscroft (photo by Jeanne Becker)
Bill Becker, Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation Treasurer
The mission of the Agave Quilters Guild is to promote the appreciation of quilting, to encourage quilt making and collecting, to contribute to the knowledge of quilting through education, and to promote friendships and philanthropic endeavors. The Agave Quilters Club has seven Friendship Groups, which have been established to both encourage specific skills and strengthen relationships. This grant will help to purchase additional supplies for quilts that are donated to hospitalized children to use as comfort blankets, which they can take with them when they are discharged, and also to a local nursing home, a Navajo orphanage, a women’s shelter, and a local memory care facility.
All quilters are provided with instructions in quilt making, which involves color, design, math, and decision making. This project also creates friendships and an altruistic purpose for those participating. Agave Quilters provides many educational opportunities for its members, with classes being taught by local members and outside artists. These classes provide skill-building techniques and also provide social opportunities of shared interests, helping members to remain actively involved in our community.
The Agave Quilters Guild currently has 107 members, most of whom are senior women living in the Sun Lakes area. The guild meets monthly September through May, with many smaller special interest groups meeting regularly throughout each month. Their contact information is [email protected] or Dennie Sullivan, membership chair, at [email protected].
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants and awards to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is entering its eighth year as a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation serving the Sun Lakes community. During the past six years, the Foundation has raised and disseminated grants and awards in excess of $100,000 in support of many local groups that provide services, activities, and opportunities for our senior population. So, if you are part of an organization in Sun Lakes that would like to apply for financial support, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.
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Foundation Awards Grant to Arts and Crafts Association
Charlene Petragallo (Foundation), Gary Tymn (Arts & Crafts), Jeanne Becker (Foundation), Richard Hawkes (Foundation), Kathy Skrei (Foundation), Judy Sadkin (Arts & Crafts), Frank Gould (Foundation), Cheryl Ravenscroft (Foundation) (photo by Jeanne Becker)
Jeanne Becker
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was pleased to grant $1,000 to the Sun Lakes Arts & Crafts Association, which has been active in our community for more than 30 years and whose members focus on creating handcrafted and unique arts and crafts. Their philosophy is that crafting is not just a hobby, but it is a way for Sun Lakes residents to connect with one another in a creative activity that serves Sun Lakes and surrounding area residents. Twice a year they host wonderful craft shows and a Holiday Show, which require signs and marketing to ensure their success. Their next show will be on Nov. 30 in the Oakwood ballroom.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation awards grants to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is entering its seventh year as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization serving the Sun Lakes community. During the past six years, the Foundation has raised and disseminated grants and awards in excess of $150,000 in support of many local groups that provide services, activities, and opportunities for our senior population. So, if you are part of an organization in Sun Lakes that needs financial support, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com to apply.
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Foundation Grants $1,000 to Local Jewish War Veterans Organization
Left to right: Bill Carpenter, Nancy Stutman, Elliott Reiss, Richard Hawkes, Charlene Petragallo, Arthur Uram, Kathy Skrei, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Dan Tilsner, Bob Howard, Jeanne Becker, Brian Haynie, and Michael Dar
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is pleased to grant $1,000 to the annual Poppy Drive for the Jewish War Veterans (JWV). Twice a year, this organization raises funds to support and help local veterans in and around the Phoenix area who are homeless, hospitalized, in need of end-of-life treatment, or otherwise in need. The JWV Copper State Post 619 has more than 100 members who live in Sun Lakes and the East Valley. They are connected to the National Jewish War Veterans of the USA, who has recognized them as the best recruiting JWV in the country, as is evidenced by all their work done through the years in our Sun Lakes and East Valley communities.
All of our Sun Lakes Community Foundation members are volunteers, so all the proceeds from all Foundation events, such as the Christmas Gala, the annual Country Hoedown, sales of raffle tickets at TAD shows at Cottonwood, and private donations, help us to make these grants to our local clubs and organizations each year. Recently, we have been able to allocate grants to the Sun Lakes Arts & Crafts Association, Neighbors Who Care, the Sun Lakes Community Theatre, Sun Lakes Firefighters, the Agave Quilters and Sew-N-Sews, the Sun Lakes Chorale, and the Sun Lakes Chordaires, to name a few.
If you are part of a local Sun Lakes organization that needs funds to assist your activities, or if you are interested in helping support the Foundation financially or by joining as a Friend of the Foundation, please go online to learn more at our website www.slcommunityfoundation.com.
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The Foundation Awards $4,500 Grant to New Adventures in Learning
Karen Jorgensen, Kathy Skrei, Charlene Petragallo, Richard Hawkes, Bill Carpenter, Kyle Messner, Brian Haynie, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Bill Haskell, Jeanne Becker (photo by Jeanne Becker)
Bill Becker
New Adventures in Learning (NAIL) started in 1998 when a small group of Sun Lakes residents and officials of Chandler-Gilbert Community College saw a need for a program for seniors who value lifelong learning. The program initially offered just a few classes, and by 2006, Chandler-Gilbert Community College expanded the Sun Lakes Center to create many more New Adventures in Learning classes. Today, the program offers many diverse classes, such as Introduction to Estate Planning; Movies, Music & Books—Oh My!; Protecting Your Brain from Alzheimer’s; Retirement Strategies & Investments; Don’t Panic: Be Safe and Secure Online; Chair Yoga; Spanish Refresher; American Sign Language; Planning for Care; and World Heritage, and there are several New Adventures ongoing book clubs, plus many other classes in military history, genealogy, blogging, and current events, etc.
NAIL, which relies solely on its all-volunteer staff, is continuing “to provide a variety of interesting and educational opportunities at a reasonable cost to mature adults of the Southeast Valley.” Through this year’s grant, the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is pleased to help NAIL continue their important mission to further the intellectual and social well-being of our local seniors.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation is able to allocate grants to many Sun Lakes clubs and organizations. All of our Foundation members are volunteers, so the proceeds from all Foundation events, such as the Christmas Gala, the annual Country Hoedown, raffle tickets sold at TAD shows at Cottonwood, and private donations, can be granted to our local clubs and organizations every year. If you are part of a local Sun Lakes organization that needs funds to assist your activities, or if you are interested in helping support the Foundation financially or by joining as a Friend of the Foundation, please go to our website at www.slcommunityfoundation.com to learn more.
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Sun Lakes Community Foundation Awards Grants
Jeanne Becker
In February the Sun Lakes Community Foundation awarded grants and donations exceeding $20,000 to five local groups. These grants include one to the Arizona Rangers for them to acquire a Rapid Radio Communications System to better serve the needs of our communities. The Chordaires were awarded a grant to help them continue to provide their exciting and talented music productions for the Sun Lakes Community, so remember to mark your calendars for their April 5 New York-themed show, “Weekend in New York.” The Cottonwood Tennis Club will use their grant to purchase materials to make their playing area safer. The Rock, Gem & Silver Club continues to provide local artists with opportunities to develop and expand their talents, so they will acquire new equipment to add enameling to their handmade items. The Sew-N-Sews will use their grant to expand their education program from part time into many year-round experiences for their members.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, education, and culture. Our fundraising events include the annual December Christmas Gala and the 4th Annual Country Hoedown, which will be held on Sunday, March 23. Foundation members sell raffle tickets at some tribute concerts, and, of course, we always welcome donations. Also, we have recently expanded our “asks” for citizens to donate items valued in excess of $500, such as working autos and golf carts, one to two weeks’ use of timeshares, sports memorabilia, unique art works, rare vintage wines, etc. If you are able to contribute any such valuable item(s) to Sun Lakes Community Foundation, please contact Chris Schneck, a Foundation director, at [email protected], and he will work with you to process your donation and provide you a receipt that you can give to your tax professional. If you are part of an organization that needs financial support, please go to our website at slcommunityfoundation.com to apply.
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Greater Sun Lakes Foundation Elects New Board Officers
The Foundation’s new board for 2025: Chris Schneck, Richard Hawkes, Charlene Petragallo, Cheryl Ravenscroft, Kathy Skrei, Jeanne Becker, Bryan Haynie, Frank Gould; not pictured: Karen Jorgensen (photo by Jeanne Becker)
Jeanne Becker
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has elected its new board of directors and selected its officers’ positions for 2025: Charlene Petragallo (president), Frank Gould and Kathy Skrei (vice presidents), Jeanne Becker (treasurer), Cheryl Ravenscroft (secretary), plus Karen Jorgensen, Brian Haynie, Chris Schneck (directors), and Richard Hawkes (president emeritus). The new board is continuing its policy of awarding yearly philanthropic grants to local organizations and groups within our Sun Lakes communities “to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, education and culture.”
In addition, the board is pioneering an entirely new fundraising effort on Sunday Oct. 19, 2025, which involves increasing the yearly $6,000 donation to the Firefighters Food Fund. Most people do not know that the firefighters and EMTs do not have a stipend for food as part of their pay and benefits, so each shift pools their own money into a “kitty” to be used communally for food purchases in our local grocery stores, and that food is prepared and served in the two firehouses. For the past three years, the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has donated $6,000 per year to help the firefighters and EMTs toward their food costs, which averages out to $1,000 per shift per year. Therefore, the goal of the new initiative is to attempt to cover most of the food costs of the Firefighters Food Fund for every firefighter and EMT in both Firehouses 231 and 232 for the full year.
More information about this special event to be held at Oakwood Country Club on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, will be forthcoming as the organizing committee continues to develop the plan, and more details will be published in future editions of the Splash and through our local community newsletters and e-blasts.