The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle Stands Behind the Men and Women Who Stand Behind Us

Tod Mayfield, , Vice-President of the local 100 Club, raised our awareness of this organization and its history. While known for providing assistance to the families of peace officers and firefighters, Tod informed us that the club also supports the families of certified men and women employed by other organizations, which are also instrumental in preserving the peace that we all enjoy. Examples include all sheriff's departments, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers and game wardens operating within the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Their mission to help bridge the financial gap in the event of an on-duty injury or death by providing a one-time benefit of up to $12,000. Serving all of the 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle is a noble, rewarding and challenging endeavor. Tod reminded us that their efforts, as well as their existence, are completely reliant on fundraising events, such as the annual Battle of the Badges, and annual donations of $100 by members. Individual donors may also opt for the Lifetime Membership with a donation of $1,000 and Businesses may acquire a Lifetime Membership with a donation of $5,000. Please visit their website at www.100clubofamarillo.org if you would like additional information about this organization. Thanks to Julie Ontiveros for a great program!

Hold-Up Report: Karen Hicks & LeaAnn Fulton hosted the O'Grady Family from Oklahoma this week. Matthew & Cindy were on a cross country trip with son, Lacey, and his girlfriend when they were held up and treated to an evening of fun and entertainment in Canyon. Lacey is in the military and is set to deploy overseas in the near future. When asked to say a few words to the club, he declined stating that he would rather dodge bullets out in the field than to speak in front of a crowd. We must be a pretty scary looking bunch! Our own Melvin Edes came to his rescue by offering to ship some beef jerky to Lacey and his comrades during their deployment. Thanks to Karen and LeaAnn for hosting our Holdup victims.

Rotary Foundation raffle tickets have been distributed to all members. Tickets are $10 each and checks should be made out to the Rotary Club of Amarillo. Please be sure to turn in your funds and ticket stubs to Miss Gina by November 1. The winner will receive a $1,000 gift card, the Rotarian that sells the most will receive $500 and the person who sells the winning ticket will receive $500. Proceeds will go to a local charity to be decided.

The club sang Happy Birthday to Captain Jeff Lester. Jeff would not comment when asked how old he is, but rumor has it that he just turned 29 years old. Happy Birthday, Jeff!!!

Many thanks to the following for their service this week:
Club President, Renee Wilson for presiding.
David O'Dell for leading us in song.
Dusty Sloan for providing the invocation.
Gina Rodriguez for greeting us.
Bob Russell for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians.
Julie Ontiveros for serving as August program chair.
Melvin Edes for providing his legendary beef jerky and to Rocky Gafford for providing pizza for our Foundation drawings!