Laury Bianco from Emerge spoke to our association luncheon.
Marsha H. Camp
I can hear the groans now, but I’ll say it anyway. The holidays are just around the corner. I’m just trying to get ahead of the curve and give ya’ll time to think about giving. We celebrate our great good fortune for living in this paradise by contributing to local charities through our association dues. SaddleBrooke Ranch sets aside a portion of our dues to assist many in their good works and has done so every year since, well, we landed on the moon. Ok, maybe not that long, but we’ve been doing it for a really long time.
Last year, our charities investigation team nominated Emerge, and it was approved unanimously. Emerge is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides temporary shelter, food and necessities for victims of domestic violence in the Tucson area. Again this year, we voted to support Emerge because this cause holds deep significance for many of us. The needs of victims of domestic violence are great because they often must flee to escape the oppression, and, all too often, violence. And when there are children involved, the tragedy is compounded. They have to leave their homes and treasured possessions behind.
As a result, these individuals need absolutely everything – diapers, toothpaste, clothing, even a teddy bear. Whatever you can think of, chances are they need it.
Take a moment to visit the Emerge website at www.emergecenter.org to view emergency information, a wish list of needed items and volunteer information. Or, you can email our charity coordinator, Karen Tulchinsky. Her email is in the book.
I’ve got an idea. Let’s start saving items now to donate. We’ll overwhelm them with items that those folks need and help make it a happy holiday season. Karen will take donations at any time and ensure their safe delivery to Emerge. You also can make a cash donation by giving a check, made payable to “Emerge,” to Treasurer Kathy Minx.
On a lighter note, I have to say something nice about the commentators on the LPGA tour. Yes, it’s painful to say, but sometimes they are entertaining. Kudos to the staff who thought of the “Caddy Knows Best” segment. Let’s hope they keep that going; otherwise, as Winston Churchill once said, “Life is fraught with opportunities to keep your mouth shut.”
That’s it for August. Pray for rain, and remember, only one sip from the birdie bottle, not one sip for every birdie you’ve had this year.