Rosie VanderVeen
Bravo! Kudos! Hoorah! Words that summarize the first Kare Bear golf tournament! Over 100 golfers participated in the event on January 10. The weather was cold but coffee and donuts were provided bringing warmth and sustenance. Following the golf game, a sumptuous luncheon was enjoyed served by Julie and Izzie from the Horizon Room. An exquisite array of desserts were baked by some of our Kare Bears to top it all off. Barb Dunbar did a magnificent job organizing this event and all participants were delighted with our cash prizes. Current plans are to repeat this event next year. Thanks to all our many sponsors and vendors, those who provided assistance registering golfers and the ladies stationed at the various holes offering drinks.
The Kare Bear meeting on January 21 welcomed sisters Barb Ott and Pat McGonegle who imparted the history of the SunBird Garden Club. The club was organized and staffed in 2000 by 10 residents. These individuals single-handedly donated and sowed plants to beautify various areas of SunBird; quite a project for so few gardeners!
Some plants have a better chance of survival in the desert and Pat offered information about each of them. She gave all of us a beautiful magazine with pictorial and statistical data on many trees and plants.
Sherry Fann reported she needs help setting up the white elephant sale for the Kare Bear fair.
Nikki Hanley, who is in charge of memorials, reported that we had assisted in three memorials in December and January. Thanks to those who served! Note to those requiring the Kare Bears assistance in memorials: you must fill out a form at the HOA office when requesting a date for the use of the Ballroom, which will trigger a call to Nikki to set up her helpers and refreshments.
Sixteen mugs have been delivered this month to those residents returning from a hospital visit; 19 get well cards were sent and 20 sympathy cards were sent.
We welcomed our new Kare Bear members Lee Frecentese, Judy Domenigoni, Joan Cruz, Marilyn Miles and Irene Ferman.
Our last Kare Bear fair will be held on March 7 from 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please come and join those of your friends and neighbors for coffee, donuts and an adventure in shopping for those new and used items waiting for you at the white elephant table. If you have some items to donate to the white elephant table call Sherry Fann at 480-883-1167.
Kare Bears is a philanthropic organization, donating all profits from fairs and other special events to worthy local charities. A special appreciation luncheon will be held on April 1 to celebrate those who have labored so diligently throughout the year.
Another wonderful year for the Kare Bears!