President MARK IRVIN called the meeting to order at 12 noon at the Tucson Convention Center. The opening of the meeting featured the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag lead by NICOLE LOMBARDO from Waldermere, LLC and the rendition of “America the Beautiful”. A heartwarming Inspiration was given by KYM ADAIR, AZ Bowl recounting the recent tragic events involving a DEA agent who was shot and died as well as others injured at the Historic Downtown Train Depot when an Amtrak train arrived from Los Angeles. Just before the lunch MARK said a few words about SALLY MONTAGNE who fell and is recovering. Well wishes to SALLY!
The lunch featured a delicious fish delight and some healthy vegetables. As always TCC banquet staff were attentive to the hungry Rotarians.
President MARK kicked off the formal part of the meeting by introducing KHRIS DODGE, who thanked all of the enthusiastic audience attending the meeting and introduced JON WANG who gave a very detailed look of the highlights of 100 years of Tucson Rotary via a fast-paced slide show. His rendition was on how the Car Show began with the needs to have a steady and sustainable fund-raising event over several years. The committee meeting in 2006 with Rotary past President ARNIE JACOBSEN started with three concepts: Downtown Event, Talent Show and a Car Show. First Car Show happened in 2007 with 500 cars (too many) at St. Gregory’s School. Wow, $8,000 and was quite the success and the rest is history.
Today’s program was introduced by CLIFF BOWMAN, past Car Show Chair which featured JONI CONDIT, past Rotary President and the 2021 Chair of our Tucson Classics Car Show. JONI shared some amazing results from past Car Shows and reminded us all we have given $1.8 million to Tucson area charities throughout the history of the Club's Car Show. Afterwards with a big smile following a rousing ovation for her past and current performance, JONI was eager to sign the book “If I Built a Car” for the Make Way for Books library. Oh by the way our grand marshal is Honorary Member, ADIA BARNES. Not to be anti-climactic, today’s Birthday featured JIM MURPHY, past Rotary President and County supervisor followed by ANN MARSH, retired educator and JONI CONDIT.
KHRIS DODGE was called upon again to lead the many announcements being kicked off by Past President JEN HOFFMAN who shared info on the Women’s Membership mixer but most importantly the upcoming Board of Directors candidates were announced to the membership. Additionally, a Blue Badge was given to MITCH PISIK, congratulations MITCH and President MARK introduced more info on his Fly-Fishing Fund with a shark photographed by DREW & KANDIE VACTOR. The highlight of the announcements was the presentation of a stuffed Bear to new grandmother, our very own DORINNA who showed off grandson, Ryker John York.
Our next meeting is October 13 and features Ted Maxwell, Southern Arizona Leadership Council. Meeting was adjourned with a toast to those that say yes and provide leadership. “That’s to you JONI”. To view the entire meeting go to Rotary Club of Tucson's Facebook and YouTube Channel.
