Rosie Vanderveen
Kare Bears gathered in March for our final meeting of the season. The new 2018/19 Board members are Juanita Harbut, president; Julia Roberts, vice president; Barb Dunbar, secretary; Emily Hughes, also serving as treasurer, and Lynn McHale.
Kare Bear member Gloria Kishen is involved with the St. Peter’s Indian Mission School. Currently, they serve daily breakfast and lunch to the children throughout the school year. An immediate need for non-perishable food has presented itself, as this free service continues throughout the summer. All members were in favor of supporting this crucial call for assistance. On March 29, monetary as well as non-perishable food contributions were donated to St. Peter’s Indian Mission School at our yearly luncheon.
The Appreciation Luncheon March 29 was coordinated by Emily Hughes and Shirley Jackson. A large group of Kare Bears enjoyed an afternoon of dining and camaraderie. Emily’s ingenious table decorations, composed of wine corks, fashioned a cellphone stand. Shirley Jackson directed the drawing for prizes. A savory lunch followed, served by the Horizon Room staff.
Layne Varney conveyed his appreciation to the Kare Bears for their valuable services provided to the SunBird community. Deanna presented Layne with a check for $3,000 to be applied to current and future HOA projects. A grand total of $8,390 will be donated this year to various community organizations. Kare Bear Faires are a major source of our revenue.
Kare Bears conducted three memorials during the 2017-18 season. Memorials are a free service we provide to the community supporting those experiencing loss and the emotional strain of bereavement. Emily Hughes directs the coordination, recruitment of volunteers and confections for each memorial. Our grateful appreciation to her for all of her hard work.
Though we must say farewell to our winter visitors until the fall, we plan to get together for monthly birthday luncheons in the Horizon Room. Sherry Fann, Barbara Valentine and Lee Frecentese will alert us by email/phone of date and time.
The Kare Bears are celebrating 25 years of service next year! If you were a member of the Kare Bear organization many years ago and recall an interesting story from the past, please contact Deanna Calvert at 480-773-6595. Deanna is coordinating an anniversary observance to be held in January of 2019. Stay tuned!
Below are the 2018 year-end charitable donations:
Hamilton Leo’s (Lions Club Relay for Life) – $100
Clothes Cabin – $600
My Sister’s Place – $600
Neighbors Who Care (Christmas baskets for SunBird residents) – $200
Neighbors Who Care – $600
St. Vincent de Paul (c/o St. Mary’s Conference) – $400
Matthews Crossing Food Bank – $400
Boots in the House – $500
Chandler Lions Club – $200
House of Refuge – $400
SunBird HOA Special Projects – $3,000
SunBird Golf Club – $700
St. Peter’s Mission School Christmas donation for children – $200
SunBird Employees (Horizon Room gift certificates – 48 employees x $10) – $490
Total – $8,390