Chuck Warren
Jackie Cox
Chuck Warren, resident here for over 30 years, relaxed in the Arizona sun the day after he completed his last HOA Community Rummage Sale, earning $1,816 for the HOA. It was his 25th sale and just one of his many SunBird volunteer successes. He says he netted about $2,000 a year: $12,000 of those proceeds went for choir risers, $12,000 for stage expansion, and $12,000 for sound equipment, plus many other needed projects.
He thanks his large team who, for years, sorted furniture and boxes of household items donated by residents and priced, sold, then boxed items for donation to a thrift shop. The items filled tables in the clubhouse and back parking lot, with buyers lined up at 7 a.m. for a half block.
Chuck started each sale by calling about 25 volunteers. Then he requested flyers and posters from the HOA office and scheduled HOA staff to make around 75 pickups of furniture and donations from homes. Some filled his three-stall garage for months until the sale, while his vehicle sat outside.
It was a big process as residents cleaned out their extras and new owners stocked their homes, giving proceeds to the HOA for needed projects.
Chuck is called “Mr. SunBird,” as his smile greeted SunBird residents at many activities. As Layne Varney, general manager, said, “I have met thousands … and never met anyone more dedicated, thoughtful … community minded.”
Until just recently, because of health, Chuck greeted all at our weekly Community Church service. He began at 6:30 a.m., making coffee and setting up chairs with his team. He fundraised for the choir risers and sound system. As an HOA board member for nine years, his $100 was the first donation of over 100 donations. His $1,000 was the first donation for the pool area replacement and enlargement.
As a golf club owner, he supports the course, which provides about 60 rounds for his son who seldom wins.
Chuck is a navy veteran who served from 1951 to 1955 in the Pacific as a coxswain on the U.S. Estes, so standing by the flag above seems just right. A return to those years a few years back on a three-day Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., was a major life experience.
Chuck and his wife Carol moved here upon his retirement, following 32 years at Folgers/Procter & Gamble. They raised three children, giving him eight grandchildren and several great-grandkids.
We appreciate you, Chuck. Thank you.