$2,250.00*

AZ Friends of Foster Children Foundation was chosen by Kathy and Sam to received donations in their honor for achieving their Life Master status.  This charity was suggested by Kathy's accountant because of the great tax benefits.  Sam's story is much more personal -- he has his daughters because of this organization.  Our celebration was AWESOME!

$1,000.00

Sandi chose Ronald McDonald House to receive her donation in honor or receiving her Life Master.  When Sandi's 9 year old daughter was hospitalized with a terminal illness, Sandi had no place to stay near the hospital.  She understands the value of RMHs and volunteers at ours frequently. 

$10,000.00

Caring Ministries -- $2,000
Streams Food Pantry -- $2,000
Youth on Their Own -- $2,000
Literacy Connects -- $2,000
Peppi's House -- $2,000

$400.00

CONGRATULATIONS to Patty who recently reached her Life Master Goal!  She chose Youth on Their Own to receive the donation in celebration of her achievement!  They work hard to help homeless teens graduate from high school.

$642,192.00

Hurd has filed the dissolution papers for our 501(c)3 and on 7/11/23 we played our first game as Streams Charity Bridge.  We are most grateful for all the support you have given us all these years.  We look forward to this new chapter with less responsibility for legal paperwork and all non-bridge activities.  Our goal is to concentrate on our games and continue to give as much as we can to charity through Streams.

$10,000.00

Streams has been our favorite charity forever because of how they serve their community.  Effective in July, 2023, we became another one of their missions.  We continue to hold bridge games but now we give our table fees to Streams for them to distribute to charity.  Our 501(c)3 corporation was no longer needed once the pandemic hit and we no longer want to save money to buy a building.  We distributed the remaining $60,000 amongst 6 very worthwhile charities.

$10,000.00

Interfaith has consistently been a top-rated charity in Tucson.  Their mission is to help people in need achieve stable, healthy and independent lives.  

$10,000.00

Sister José Women’s Center exists to aid and transform the lives of women experiencing homelessness.

$10,000.00

From emergency food assistance and community gardens to a culinary training program and a farmers’ market: CFB programs and services are feeding the hungry today and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.  Community Food Bank has always been a favorite of our members.

$10,000.00

YOTO’s chief focus is education, specifically a high school diploma, as a tool to break the cycle of poverty. Arizona currently has the 2nd worst graduation rate among the 50 US states and over 5,600 homeless students have been identified in Pima County.

$10,000.00

Paige Hamner had long admired how Make Way for Books programs work with children and families to make sharing books an important and enjoyable part of daily life.

$8,000.00*

Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

Pastor Tom and Streams in the Desert Lutheran have been instrumental in our success as a Bridge Club.  They have always worked with us to be sure our rent is reasonable and have always worked to make our rooms comfortable.  The covered parking has been a wonderful addition.  They work very hard to bring opportunities to their community including many "Anonymous" Groups, a Food Bank, and Wednesday night suppers to name a few.

$300.00

The mission of Faith that Works is to go where people are to love and serve them without expectations! They work to spread the love of Jesus Christ by uniting and mobilizing churches, businesses, and individuals to serve, strengthen, and provide hope to a hurting world

$800.00

We celebrated Arlo achieving his Life Master by donating $300 from TCBC -- McDowells added $500 to that amount.  Sister Jose is Jay McDowell's favorite charity.  They are dedicated to the care and nurture of women experiencing homelessness in a welcoming and safe environment.

Nominated by Bob and Elizabeth Griffin

$3,000.00*

Bob & Beth work as volunteers for many hours a week at Hermitage, a charity that has been dedicated to the shelter, protection, and care of homeless cats, especially those that are often not considered adoptable by other organizations. Hermitage is a cage-free facility where the cats are able to roam throughout their designated areas (including catios) and interact freely with staff, visitors and volunteers. 

$3,000.00*
Nominated by Bob Yanal

Handi-Dogs is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.
 

Nominated by Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Pastor Tom

$3,000.00

Interfaith Community Services  has been helping people in need achieve stable, healthy, and independent lives since 1985

$3,920.00*
Nominated by Hurd Baruch
Youth homelessness is our community’s most entrenched social issue. Youth On Their Own strives to eliminate the barrier of homelessness and empower Arizona’s homeless youth to stay in school.
*Includes $500.00 from Hurd Baruch and $420.00 from our Friday Game

$13,270.00

THANK YOU, Pastor Tom and all your parishioners for the wonderful partnership we have shared over the years!  We are so happy to be back at Streams with F2F Games!!!

$3,545.00*

Nominated by Harriet Kronman

For many Tucson women experiencing homelessness Sister Jose Women’s Center (SJWC) is their only safe haven and the first step to recovery from homelessness. Their low-barrier day center provides unaccompanied homeless women with a stable and safe environment to recuperate from the daily struggle of homelessness and extreme poverty.

*Includes $200 from Kathy Parker

Casa Maria 

$2,650.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

Casa Maria has been in existence since 1981.  The soup kitchen is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and exists on private donations. They provide meals daily to those in need, as well as helping with different emergency needs of people in the community.

*Includes $500 from Baruchs, $150 Kathy Parker

Poverello House

$1,375.00*

Poverello House is a nonprofit charity for homeless men providing daytime shelter, food, laundry facilities, showers, and companionship..

*Includes $500 from Baruchs, $150 Kathy Parker
 

$3,405.00

Habitat for Humanity 
Nomimated by Philip Lattavo

For 40 years, Habitat for Humanity Tucson has built strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.  Building homes, changing lives; none of what we’ve accomplished would have been possible without the support we have received from our generous donors, devoted volunteers and partner homeowners. We are so thankful for every donation, every HabiStore purchase, and every hour of volunteer time invested.

$3,600.00

Nominated by Linda Akerman

From emergency food assistance and community gardens to a culinary training program and a farmers’ market: Community Food Bank programs and services are feeding the hungry today and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.

$3,435.00

Nominated by Kay Santarelli

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Fisher House located on the campus of the Tucson VA Medical Center provides a "home away from home" for loved ones of Veterans or Active Duty personnel receiving inpatient care from the Tucson VA.

Nominated by Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Pastor Tom

$3,375.00

Interfaith Community Services  has been helping people in need achieve stable, healthy, and independent lives since 1985

$3,710.00*

Tunde often spoke about the challenges her daughter faces as a teacher in Tucson. She left written instructions for her daughter to tell us that she wanted any donations made in her memory to go to Tucson Country Day School where Agi works.  Our donations will go toward their new library and the purchase of books.  Tunde was adored by our members and will be sorely missed!
*Donations made by TCBC, Gerald Perry, Tunde's Estate, Ralph & Ruth Houkom, Eileen Sherlock, Donna Moser, Kathy Parker, Sharon Bacon, Michelle  Stansbury, Doug & Sherry Cain, David & Kathleen Baker, Judy Bois, Kathy Klammer, Paul & DiAnn Plunkett, Agi Post

$4,055.00*
(Lucy is excited about our check!)

Nominated by Bob Yanal

Handi-Dogs is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.
Includes $555 from Friday Game, $500 from Houkoms

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

$4,570.00*

Youth homelessness is our community’s most entrenched social issue. Youth On Their Own strives to eliminate the barrier of homelessness and empower Arizona’s homeless youth to stay in school.

*Includes $3,000.00 from TCBC, $570.00 from Friday Games, $500.00 from Baruchs, $500 from Houkoms

St. Luke's Home

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

$4,655.00*

St. Luke’s Home is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality levels of service and care for its Elder community members who are all of limited financial means. The community includes 64 studio apartments located on the edge of the University of Arizona and serves females, males, and couples.
*Includes $500 from Plunketts, $100 from Baruchs, and $555 from Friday BBO Game
 

Arlene & Marty Zuckerman, Donna Moser

$500.00

THANK YOU to Marty who did all the accounting paperwork to incorporate TCBC in 2011 and was our Treasurer for the first couple of years.  The IRS recently changed their filing requirements for 501(c)3 organizations.  Marty again stepped up and donated his time to file our 2021 taxes.  Arlene has been a dedicated player at our Club since its inception and then on BBO.  Donna and Arlene have been an awesome bridge partnership for many years!  This picture was taken on Marty and Arlene's 64th Wedding Anniversary.

Randy Frazee, Ron Gagne, Captain David, Bill Davidson with Jean Linaburg

$1,000.00

Jean Linaburg has been a very faithful player in our Club for many years.  At age 96, her daughter has decided it is time for Jean to move closer to her in South Carolina -- Jean's apartment will be right on the beach.  We will MISS her!!  She chose Salvation Army to receive the donation in her honor "because they have the lowest % going to administrative costs of major charity".  

$13,526.00*

Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Literacy Connects' goal is to connect people of all ages to a world of opportunity through literacy and creative expression!

*Includes $10,000 anonymous, $426 from Friday Game, $100 from Baruchs

$500.00*

MJ chose Sister Jose to receive the donation in her honor.  She appreciates all the help Sister Jose gives to homeless women in our community.  CONGRATULATIONS, MJ!
*Anne Roberts and Hurd Baruch each added $100 to our TCBC donation.
 

Nominated by Bob and Elizabeth Griffin

$4,480.00*

Bob & Beth work as volunteers for many hours a week at Hermitage, a charity that has been dedicated to the shelter, protection, and care of homeless cats, especially those that are often not considered adoptable by other organizations. Hermitage is a cage-free facility where the cats are able to roam throughout their designated areas (including catios) and interact freely with staff, visitors and volunteers. 

*Includes $1,000.00 from an anonymous donor

Paul Cassity and Pastor Tom

$5.000.00*

THANK YOU, Pastor Tom and all your parishioners for the wonderful partnership we have shared over the years!  We are glad to be back on Tuesdays!!
*Anonymous

Nominated by Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Pastor Tom

$3,450.00

Interfaith Community Services  has been helping people in need achieve stable, healthy, and independent lives since 1985

$3,600.00

Nominated by Bob Yanal

Handi-Dogs is dedicated to providing specialized training to people and their dogs to enhance independence and quality of life.

Clay Cox and Nancy from Ronald McDonald House

$1,000.00

Clay chose Ronald McDonald House as the charity his mom would love to support.  She and Clay played faithfully at our Club prior to the pandemic.  They both got on BBO but didn't find it as rewarding as going to Streams "in person".  Clay has come to play every week since we reopened.

Ronald McDonald House Charities nurtures the health and well-being of children and their families.

Ruth Houkom, DiAnn & Paul Plunkett, Christina Bickelmann, ED

$3,645.00*

Nominated by Paul and DiAnn Plunkett

One in five American adults and youth are affected, so someone you know and care about suffers from a mental illness. With your help, NAMI Southern Arizona, serving the Tucson community since 1983, provides no-cost mental health advocacy, education and support to people in our community with mental illness and their loved ones. Mental illness is like any other illness, with proper care, it can be treated and managed, and recovery is possible.  They have a very small budget but huge need in the community so they would LOVE to have volunteers from our group!

*$3,000 from TCBC, $200 from Plunketts, $465 from the Friday game

$3,480.00

Habitat for Humanity 
Nomimated by Philip Lattavo

For 40 years, Habitat for Humanity Tucson has built strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.  Building homes, changing lives; none of what we’ve accomplished would have been possible without the support we have received from our generous donors, devoted volunteers and partner homeowners. We are so thankful for every donation, every HabiStore purchase, and every hour of volunteer time invested.

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

$4,610.00*

Youth homelessness is our community’s most entrenched social issue. Youth On Their Own strives to eliminate the barrier of homelessness and empower Arizona’s homeless youth to stay in school.

*Includes $3,000.00 from TCBC, $570.00 from Friday Games, $40.00 from NWT, $500.00 from Baruchs, $500 from Houkoms

$5310.00*

Both Charities Nominated by Hurd Baruch

THANKS to everyone who voted to make Poverello House our newest charity.  Their mission is: Helping Tucson’s Homeless Men by providing daytime shelter, home-cooked food, showers, laundry and companionship in a safe and welcoming environment.  You will remember last month we donated to Sister Jose which supports homeless women in Tucson.

Our second charity is Casa Maria Food Kitchen dedicated to feeding homeless people downtown.  Many of you would remember Brian Flagg who has dedicated his life to Casa Maria and has visited Streams a few times to talk about their mission.  Many churches in Tucson provide wonderful, healthy food -- each month Hurd takes 500 bags from his church to Casa, each with 2 sandwiches, an egg, a cookie and piece of fruit to be given to the hungry.

*Includes $320 from NW Tucson Bridge Club, $450 from TCBC Friday Game, $1000 From Hurd and $500 Anonymous

$1,000.00

Donna Moser, Mitchel and Lisa Weinberger, Eileen Sherlock

During one of the months when Literacy Connects was our Charity, Marge Curvin told about volunteering at Literacy teaching English as a Second Language.  One of her students impressed Marge so much that Marge hired her to work at Marge's home.  The lady became proficient in English and eventually got both of her sons through college.  Marge loved this charity!

To see Marge's picture and some interesting information about her life, click on this link:  https://gofund.me/e5da0e67

$3,940.00*

Nominated by Harriet Kronman

Sister Jose Women’s Center (SJWC) is passionate about creating a community where every homeless woman has a safe harbor and a path to a sustainable existence.

*Includes $520.00 for NW Tucson Bridge Club and $420.00 from TCBC Friday Game

$1,000.00

Betty Compton was a very faithful member of our bridge community at Streams.  After Betty's death, we learned that her daughter has Parkinsons and is debilitated to the point where she can no longer speak.  Her family requested that we donate to helping people with Parkinson's in our community.  We chose the Neurological Institute on Wilmot.

$4,110.00*

Nominated by Patti Teik Schadow

Through their programs, El Grupo is getting youth on bikes, and they in turn are teaching, inspiring and empowering other youth to ride, enjoy and love bikes.

*Includes $555 from our Friday Game and $555 From NWTBC

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

$8,104.00*

Youth homelessness is our community’s most entrenched social issue. Youth On Their Own strives to eliminate the barrier of homelessness and empower Arizona’s homeless youth to stay in school.

*Includes $6,000 from TCBC, $1,000 from Baruchs, $609 from NW, $495 from Friday Games

Standing:  Stephanie Marsden, DiAnn Plunkett, Paul Plunkett
Seated:  Todd Rockoff, CEO of JCC, Becky Littell, Ruth Houkom, Susan Greendorfer, Steve Miller, Kelsey Birch, Exec Asst.
$1,700.00*

The above group gather at JCC to present checks in memory of Joan Kleinerman who spent untold hours there as a volunteer.  JCC does amazing things for our Community and we appreciate all Joan did to make that possible.  She was also a very valued member of TCBC.

*Includes individual donations from Plunketts, Mickey Muse, Marsdens, Houkoms

$500.00

Gary taught FREE bridge bidding classes on Zoom for several months.  One of his students was very impressed and sent a donation to Gary's favorite charity to say THANK YOU.  

Ralph & Ruth Houkom with Matt Tarver-Wahlquist

$9,100.00* 
 

Literacy Connects - Connecting people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression

* $3000 from TCBC, $5,000 Anonymous, $560 from NW and $540 from the Friday 749er Game 

$1,400.00*

Beverly and her husband, Hal, became members of our Club when we were having evening games at Ventana.  In the later years, he played with a group at Atria but she continued to come to Club games at Streams.  Beverly had a "magnetic" personality whose smile would light up the room.  Our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and bridge partners.

*$200 each from Plunketts and Houkoms

Nominated by Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Pastor Tom

$5,368.00* 
 

Interfaith Community Services  has been helping people in need achieve stable, healthy, and independent lives since 1985

* $3000 from TCBC, $1,000 Anonymous, $663 from NW and $705 from the Friday 749er Game 

$1,540.00*

Janette joined us a few years ago and was a wonderful bridge partner to Bill Robinson.  He drove many extra miles to pick up Janette and bring her to our games.  Whenever her daughter, Jean Higgins, was in town she would join her mother for a game at Streams.  It was always a pleasure to see her come through the door.  Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

*Houkoms, Sandi Gaskill, Betsy Morrow

$600.00*

Congratulations to Paige Hamner for achieving her Life Master rank.  Her chosen charity is Make Way For Books - providing professional development workshops, one-on-one onsite mentoring, and leading a community of practice to support early childhood educators in preschools, childcare centers, and home-based care providers.

     $300.00 from TCBC and $300 from Paige   

$3,440.00*

Bob had an awesome ability to make the perfect plan to win tricks at the bridge table.  He taught Eileen to play after retirement and they enjoyed many games at Streams.  It broke his heart to see so many homeless and hungry people in Tucson so Eileen chose Community Food Bank as his charity and many of our generous members have added to our Club Donation.

*$1,000 from TCBC -- Additional Memorials:  Kathy Parker, Hurd Baruch, Diana Galis, Kohur GowriSankaran, Paul & DiAnn Plunkett, Ruth Houkom, Hans & Donna Moser, Joe & Sandy Cohen, Marty & Arlene Zuckerman, Ann Waggoner, Mary Delfs, Charlotte Weller, Pat Felker, Steve Miller, Bob & Beth Griffin, Howard & Joyce Morrow, Doug & Sherry Cain, Mesue Brouilette, Sandra Millar, Sandi Gaskill

Nominated by Linda Ackerman

$4,500.00* for 12/20
$4,060.00** for 1/21

Community Food Bank distributes fresh produce and non-perishable food to a vast network of community partners throughout the state and across the country. They collaborate with local agencies, health institutions and government to revitalize neighborhoods and build a stronger food economy.

* $3000 from TCBC, $535 from NW and $446 from the Friday 759er Game - Rounded up by Linda to get us to $4000, $500 Anonymous!!!
**$3,000 from TCBC. $590 from NW and  $470 from Friday & Christmas

$1,600.00*

Congratulations to Diane Bixby for achieving her Life Master rank.  Her chosen charity is Youth on Their Own - supporting the high school graduation and continued success of youth experiencing homelessness

*$300.00 from Diane      $300.00 from TCBC   $1,000.00 Anonymous

$28,500.00

We have not had access to the meeting room at Streams since April, but our Board decided to continue the monthly rent payment as a donation to Streams in view of the extensive social outreach programs of that church, needed more now than ever. 

THANK YOU, Pastor Tom and all your parishioners for the wonderful partnership we have shared over the years!  We hope to get back to our bridge games there in 2021!

$5,267.00*

Nominated by Paul and DiAnn Plunkett

One in five American adults and youth are affected, so someone you know and care about suffers from a mental illness. With your help, NAMI Southern Arizona, serving the Tucson community since 1983, provides no-cost mental health advocacy, education and support to people in our community with mental illness and their loved ones. Mental illness is like any other illness, with proper care, it can be treated and managed, and recovery is possible.

*$3,000 from TCBC, $535 from NW, $500 from Plunketts. $500 from Houkoms. $732 from the Friday game

$1,200.00*

Congratulations to Dick Bryant and Kathy Feeney for achieving their Life Master rank. They've been playing since 2012 and have loved travelling to new places and making many new friends - all while enjoying the wonderful game of bridge. Their chosen charity is The Community Food Bank, more critical than ever in these days of widespread financial insecurity.

*$600.00 from Dick and Kathy      $600.00 from TCBC

$3,560.00*

Nominated by Phil Lattavo

 Since 1980, Habitat Tucson has built or renovated more than 430 homes and has enriched the lives of thousands of families through our affordable housing solutions.
*$560.00 donated by NW Tucson Charity Bridge Club

$300.00

Congratulations to Patti Knight for achieving her Life Master rank.  Her chosen charity is Youth on Their Own - striving to eliminate barriers to education and empower Arizona's homeless youth to stay in school. Patti was previously a a High School Counselor in NYC.

$400.00*

Congratulations to Patti Teik-Schadow for achieving her Life Master rank.  Her chosen charity is El Grupo - teaching responsibility, accountability, and leadership skills through cycling.

An additional $100 was contributed by an anonymous partner

$3,000.00

Nominated by Kay Santarelli

Fisher Houses provide military families housing close to a loved one in the hospital for an illness, disease or injury.

George & Nina Kersels with Ruth and Kim

$3,000.00

Nominated by George Kersels

George and Nina have spent many year volunteering at Assistance League.  Operation School Bell is a project of AL where they outfit needy children for the new school year.  Please visit their website for details!

Nominated by Kathy Parker

$4,000.00*

The primary goal of Peppi's House is keeping patients as comfortable as possible throughout the end stages of life. These comfort measures include pain management and methods for minimizing disease-related symptoms. Hospice care can be provided in the home, hospital, long-term care facilities, or a stand-alone hospice house.

*Includes $1,000 donated anonymously by members

$1,000.00

Nadine was a wonderful supporter of TCBC and of our game at Ventana Country Club prior to our charity days.  She played in our Club even during her last days when we all wondered how she could muster the energy.  She impacted us all with her wonderful smile and kind words.  She is sorely missed!

George and Nina Kersels with Kim from Assistance League

$1,000.00*

Kersels have been huge supporters of Assistance League over many years.  Nina is past president and George was the "go-to guy".  Assistance League supports many of the same charities we do.  They are truly a gift to the Tucson Community.

*Includes $300 from TCBC and $700 from Kersels.

$3,000.00

Nominated by Harriet Kronman

For many Tucson women experiencing homelessness Sister Jose Women’s Center (SJWC) is their only safe haven and the first step to recovery from homelessness. SJWC's low-barrier day center provides unaccompanied homeless women with a stable and safe environment to recuperate from the daily struggle of homelessness and extreme poverty.

$3,000.00*

Nominated by Pastor Tom Dunham

ICS continues to passionately pursue a single mission: to help people in need achieve stable, healthy, and independent lives.

$1,000.00

Ginny chose Hermitage Cat Shelter to receive our donation in Jim's memory because of their fondness of cats.  Bob Griffin was there to receive the donation on behalf of Hermitage.  Jim was a very special member of our Club for many years -- we miss him!

$13,288.00*

Nominated by TCBC Board

We have a wonderful partnership with Streams where we hold most of our bridge games. They have given us extremely reasonable room fees due to the fact that we give every dollar we can to charity. They have allowed us to expand as much as possible by using 2 rooms and extra parking on the lot south of the Church.  

*Includes $10,000 Anonymous
Does NOT include $244 to ACBL Charity Foundation

$900.00*

Tina Mendenhall pictured with Tilly Martinez who is the recipient of our donation. Tilly met a woman at church 5 years ago, took the lady and her challenged child home. They have been together ever since. This is the first time we have met the recipient of our donation.

*TCBC donated $300, Tina gave $600

$3,816.00*

Nominated by Harriet Kronman

For many Tucson women experiencing homelessness Sister Jose Women’s Center (SJWC) is their only safe haven and the first step to recovery from homelessness. SJWC's low-barrier day center provides unaccompanied homeless women with a stable and safe environment to recuperate from the daily struggle of homelessness and extreme poverty. 

*Includes $50 from Mike's Play & Learn, $300 in honor of Bill Robinson Life Master, $100 from Hurd Baruch
*Does NOT include $258.00 to ACBL Junior Fund

$3.582.00*

Nominated by Patti Teik Schadow

Through their programs, El Grupo is getting youth on bikes, and they in turn are teaching, inspiring and empowering other youth to ride, enjoy and love bikes.

*Includes $198 from Mike's Play & Learn and $500 Anonymous

$1,000.00

Bob Helitzer, Armin Cicala, Mary Cooper, Joe Bianco, Linda Grissom, Sam Sagi

We celebrated the memory of Max Cooper by donating to his favorite charity --  he loved dogs so New Beginnings is perfect -- they have prisioners train dogs so the dogs can be adopted into loving homes.  

$300.00

Mark asked for his donation in recognition of his achieving Life Master status be donated to Casa de la Luz Foundation in honor of Frank Williams. Frank, now retired, worked as a spiritual advisor and bereavement counselor at Casa for 11 years and helped Mark through 2 very difficult times in his life.

Nominated by Bob Yanal

$3758.00*

Handi-Dogs is dedicated to helping older adults and people with disabilities gain independence and improve their quality of life through specialized training of dogs. Here Scott Gimpel and Danny Simone accept our check for $3758.

*Includes $247.40 from Mike's Play & Learn and $500 anonymous
Does NOT include $182 to ACBL Education Foundation

Betty Stauffer, Jane Jacobs, Kathy Jacobs

$10,994.00*

Nominated by Marge Curvin

Betty, the ED of Literacy Connects thanked everyone and discussed how important the ability to read is for everyone's self esteem.  Jane talked about how important teaching and education were to her dad.  She thanked our Club for being a place where her parents could still enjoy time playing bridge when many other activities weren't as easy as they once were.

*$3,044 for July, $1,000 in memory of Steve, $1,000 from Kathy in memory of Steve, $5,000 - Houkoms, $500 - Baruchs, $250 - Kathy Parker, $200 - Plunketts 
*Does NOT include $186.00 to ACBL Charity Foundation

Jeanie Byrd and Sally Johnson

$3,156.00*

Nominated by George Kersels

Since 1994, Operation School Bell has provided children with the greatest need in Tucson with appropriate clothing to encourage regular school attendance and improve self-esteem.  Letters of appreciation from Schools:  Miller Elementary  Davidson Elementary  Pueblo Gardens PK-8  Robles Elementary

*Includes $258 from Mike's Play & Learn
*Does not include $210.00 to Junior Fund

$1,000.00

Pictured are Ruth's husband, Mort and Beverly Forest who was a favorite partner of Ruth's. Mort delivered a beautiful eulogy. We learned many interesting things about Ruth's life. Ruth was a wonderful wife and mother -- also a bridge teacher.

$400.00*

New Beginnings is a charity that Linda and her husband were instrumental in getting into Tucson with the help of our Humane Society.  Prisoners are taught to train dogs so that they can be adopted into a forever home.  It is beneficial to the prisoners, the dogs, and to the new owners of the dogs.
$300 is from TCBC and $100 from an anonymous donor.

$1,000.00

In honor of Ted Lane's awesome work for TCBC in developing our reservations system and then donating it to us, we have donated to his favorite charity.  Each year they take several veterans to NM to go fly fishing.  Each person comes back changed due to this amazing experience.

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

$4,396.00*

Nominated by Linda Akerman

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona responds to the root causes of hunger and seeks to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people living in poverty. Our mission is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.  Brittany left our Club with a very nice check and a trunk full of donated food, thanks to our members!

*Includes $1,000 in memory of Noel Justus and $180 from Mike's Play & Learn, $100 from Plunketts
Does not include $250 to ACBL Charities Foundation

$600.00

Jane Wienke chose Casa Maria for her $300 donation from the Club which she matched.  CONGRATULATIONS, Jane, and THANK YOU for your generosity to charity and support of our Club.

$300.00

Donated to Literacy Connects in honor of David earning his Life Master Status.  CONGRATULATIONS, David!

$600.00

Gill chose TROT to receive our $300 donation in her honor and matched our donation.  CONGRATULATIONS, Gill, and thank you for your generosity to charity!

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

$4,132.00*

St. Luke’s Home is a holistic, assisted-living community for people aged 55 and older of limited financial means.  Paul & DiAnn hired the St. Luke's Caterers to treat all of us to a very special lunch.  It was FABULOUS!

*Includes $500 from Plunketts, $100 from Baruchs, $50 from Griffins.
*Does not include $286 sent to ACBL Charity Foundation.

$3,536.00*

Nominated by Sandra Millar

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) is a dropout prevention program that supports the high school graduation and continued success of homeless, unaccompanied youth in Pima County.
*Includes $407 from Mike's Play and Learn Charity Bridge
Does not include $328 donated to Education Foundation

$1,000.00

Jim's wife Margaret joined us for a celebration of Jim's life.  Margaret baked 5 huge trays of cookies and bars in Jim's memory.  Besides his family, his 2 passions were bridge and golf so she chose First Tee to receive our donation.  Jim was truly a pleasure to have at the Bridge Table.  He is MISSED!!

Nominated by Bob and Elizabeth Griffin

$3,484.00*

For over 50 years, Hermitage has been dedicated to the shelter, protection, and care of homeless cats, especially those that are often not considered adoptable by other organizations. Hermitage is a cage-free facility where the cats are able to roam throughout their designated areas (including catios) and interact freely with staff, visitors and volunteers. 

*Includes $253.60 from Mike's Play & Learn and $100 from Baruchs
Does not include $282 to ACBL Junior Fund

Nominated by TCBC Board

$3,384.00*

We have a wonderful partnership with Streams where we hold most of our bridge games. They have given us extremely reasonable room fees due to the fact that we give every dollar we can to charity. They have allowed us to expand as much as possible by using 2 rooms and extra parking on the lot south of the Church.  

*Includes 216 from Mike's Play & Learn
Does not include $429 paid to ACBL Charities

$300.00

To Colibri Human Rights Center in honor of Elliott Weiss receiving his Life Master.

$3,426.00*

Nominated by Harriet Kronman

For many Tucson women experiencing homelessness Sister Jose Women’s Center (SJWC) is their only safe haven and the first step to recovery from homelessness. Their low-barrier day center provides unaccom-panied homeless women with a stable and safe environment to recuperate from the daily struggle of homelessness and extreme poverty.

*Includes $100 from Baruchs, $50 from Griffins and $241.20 from Mike's Play & Learn
It does NOT include $308 to ACBL Education Foundation

$600.00

Jeanne is our first member who has earned her Life Master since TCBC instituted a program to donate $300 to the the new LM's favorite charity.  Jeanne chose Hermitage No Kill Cat Shelter to receive the donation in her honor and matched the $300 from our Club.  Bob & Beth Griffin who work tirelessly at Hermitage were there to accept the donations and thank our Club and Jeanne.

$3,000.00*

Nominated by David Jaskar

The Mission of Casa de la Luz Foundation is to provide superior care to patients and their loved ones, so that they may complete their mission on this earth in comfort, dignity, and harmony.

*Includes $262.80 from Mike's Play & Learn
Does NOT include $302 donated to ACBL Junior Fund

$2,738.00*

Nominated by Pastor Tom Dunham

Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is a nonprofit, social services agency serving Pima County, Arizona, including metropolitan Tucson. 
For three decades, ICS has shown what a caring community can do. ICS helps those less fortunate meet basic living requirements.

*Includes $180 from Mike's Play & Learn
Does not include $446.00 to ACBL International Fund

$3,722.00*

Nominated by Philip Lattavo

Laura told a very touching story about a little boy who had lived in a “leaky” house before moving into a Habitat for Humanity Home. 
When asked what is the best part of your new home, his reply was, “When it rains, I don't get wet any more.”

*Includes $1,000 from Lattavos, $208.20 from Mike's Play & Learn
Does NOT include $280 to ACBL Junior Fund

Maria McCabe (Dave's wife), Elliot Weis, Mike Smith, Hurd Baruch, Julie Evans (ED of Casa Foundation), Ernie McCray, Ruth Houkom, Tina Mendenhall

$5,220.00*

Howard and Joyce prepared wonderful food for everyone to enjoy.  Julie from Casa de la Luz Foundation thanked us for our donation and talked about how important it will be in supporting hospice patients and their families.  Maria told about their life together and how much Dave enjoyed learning and playing bridge. Hurd talked about Dave's career and awesome credentials.  Ruth talked about what a blessing Dave was to our Club and to each of us personally.  

*Includes $1,000 in memory of Dave, $3,000 in advance because Dave had nominated the Foundation for our October charity, and $1,220 in personal memorials from our members

$1,000.00

As a thank you to St. Alban's Episcopal Church for their kindness and generosity to us during the first 11 months of our Monday Game.  Bill Goeking (next to Ruth) set up our tables and brought in our equipment each week, Fr. Bruce was always most accommodating and even cleared out a closet so we could lock up our expensive stuff, and Kristen Flocco always made sure our games were on the calendar.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you did for us.

$3,736.00*

Nominated by Marge Curvin

Betty Stauffer, the Executive Director, shared this statistic with us when she came to receive the checks: In the 2017-2018 fiscal year, Literacy Connects had 135 adult students from both Adult Basic Literacy and English Language Acquisition reported either getting promoted in their job or getting a new job. This increased their annual income by a total of $2,182,379, or an average of over $16,000 per family.

*Includes $208.80 from Mike's Play and Learn and $1,000 from Houkoms
Does not include $226 to ACBL Education Foundation

$2,720.00*

Nominated by George Kersels

Since 1994, Operation School Bell has provided children with the greatest need in Tucson with appropriate clothing to encourage regular school attendance and improve self-esteem. 

*Includes $216 from Mike's Play and Learn 
Does NOT include $232 paid to North American Pairs

$2,790.00*

Nominated by Patti Teik Schadow

El Grupo is a youth cycling organization that provides youth with experiences that are fun, skill-building, and bike centered, so that they can acquire the self confidence and leadership skills to be active and healthy members of the community.

*Includes $255.60 from Mike's Play & Learn. 
Does not include $218 donated to ACBL Grass Roots

$1,000.00

Fr. Bruce, Barry Curseaden, Ted Lane, Paul Plunkett

Ted & Barry drove about 8 hours to be here to accept our donation in honor of all Ted has done for us with the Reservations Website.  THANKS to Paul for introducing us to Ted and to Fr. Bruce who opened his Church to us.  Barry told very touching stories about the veterans they have taken fly fishing on the San Juan River.  It is truly a life altering experience for these veterans to be out in nature.

$3,820.00*

Nominated by Kay Santarelli

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Fisher House located on the campus of the Tucson VA Medical Center provides a "home away from home" for loved ones of Veterans or Active Duty personnel receiving inpatient care from the Tucson VA.

*Includes $288 from Mike's Play & Learn, $1,000 from generous members.
Does not include $363 donated to ACBL Charity Fund

$3,104.00*

Tucson Charity Bridge Club, Inc.

$4,950.00*

I just want to tell you how grateful I am that Tom and I found Ruth Houkum and Tucson Charity Bridge.  When Tom retired, he couldn’t wait to join me here for duplicate bridge.  I suggested that he take lessons from Brian Gersten to update his bridge knowledge from Goren bridge days, and explained that there were rules of decorum in duplicate – no snapping cards or taking too much glee in setting someone and I told him that I played with Sandy, he would have to find his own partner.  In spite of all these obstacles, he persevered and played with many of you over the years.  He finally found his bridge wife, Pat and I want to give a special thanks to Pat for being so caring.

After Tom passed away, my children came over to stay with me and they read all the emails and cards that we received, a large number of which were from the wonderful people we had met here.  There was a recurring theme in the cards and notes from Charity Bridge people.  Many mentioned what a kind and gentle man he was.  Now I am not saying that he wasn’t a kind and gentle man, but after a while my kids looked at me and said, who is this man and what did you do with my dad?

When the stories about Tom came pouring in from his work associates,  one theme was how they called him Walter (after the Jeff Dunham ventriloquist puppet).  Now this fictional Walter character is grumpy and curmudgeonly.  He worked as a greeter at Walmart and would say,  Hey there, get your stuff and get out only he didn’t say stuff.  Now Tom identified with Walter and loved being called Walter.  He even dressed up like him on occasion (red bow tie and all).  The kids agreed that this is the dad they knew.  So you can see he had a great sense of humor and could laugh at himself – traits I loved.  

But I wanted to thank you all for helping Tom get in touch with his kind and gentle side and giving him a place to be comfortable doing what he really loved.  When it was too much effort to do anything else, he always made the effort to come play bridge.  Thank you for your loving embrace, your generous donations in his honor and this wonderful ceremony.

By Pam Shoemaker

His associates at Rincon Research prepared this memorial:  Shoemaker_Memorium 3.pdf

*3,950 donated by members of the Club.  $1,000 from the corporation

$7,064.00*

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

TROT enriches the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs.  My husband, Ralph, has volunteered here for 10+ years.  He comes home with AMAZING stories about students whose lives improve substantially because of their time riding horses at TROT.

*Includes $389 from Mike's Play & Learn, $2,110 from members with a match of $2,110 from Houkoms. The rest came from anonymous donors.
*Does not include $308 donated to ACBL Junior Fund

$2,854.00*

We have a wonderful partnership with Streams where we hold most of our bridge games. They have given us extremely reasonable room fees due to the fact that we give every dollar we can to charity. They have allowed us to expand as much as possible by using 2 rooms and extra parking on the lot south of the Church.  

*Includes $274 from Mike's Play & Learn

*Does not include $308 donated to ACBL Junior Fund

St. Luke's Home

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

$3,392.00*

St. Luke’s Home is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality levels of service and care for its Elder community members who are all of limited financial means. The community includes 64 studio apartments located on the edge of the University of Arizona and serves females, males, and couples.
*Includes $500 from Plunketts, $100 from Baruchs, and $319 from Mike's Play & Learn
*Does not include $258 donated to ACBL Charity Foundation

Interfaith Community Services

$2,924.00*

 Nominated By Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Pastor Tom

Everyday, ICS helps many local individuals and families obtain the necessities that they might otherwise be forced to go without. ICS makes the words "faith in action" a reality.

*Includes $205.00 from Mike's Play & Learn, $234.00 from table fees, and $100 from Annonymous.

Does not include $286 donated to ACBL Education Foundation

Elliot Weiss, Pam Circuit, Hurd Baruch, Ruth Houkom

Warren & Nancy

Nancy told us that our Club was what Lu had been looking for his whole life -- a friendly but challenging place to play bridge.  When I spoke with her privately afterwards, she said she could feel the wonderful love and energy in the room and understood why Lu felt like he did.  He taught us a LOT about being a gentle, kind person at the bridge table and in life.  Lu was a college professor, brilliant mathmatician and engineer.  He designed and built beautiful "straw bale" homes in the Tucson Mountains. 

Casa de la Luz Foundation

$2,864.00*

Nominated by Dave Jaskar

The premier organization enhancing the mission of Casa de la Luz Hospice through the acquisition and disposition of funds to help transform the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well.

*Includes $324.00 from Mike's Play and Learn, $137.50 from Mike Smith's classes, $680.00 from Hurd's Classes, $100 from Baruchs. 
Not included above is $306 donated to ACBL's Junior Fund.

Handi-Dogs of Tucson

$2,690.00*

Nominated by Brian Gersten 

Promote independence, freedom, health, and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs. They train service/assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs.
*includes $252 from Mike's Play and Learn
Does not include $212 donated to ACBL International Foundation

Youth on their Own

$2,646.00*

Nominated by Sandra Millar

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homless youths by providing assistance, basic human needs and guidance.  These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

*Includes $234 from Mike's Play and Learn, Does not include $170 donated to NAP

$1,000.00

Thank your note from Betty Stauffer, the ED at Literacy Connects:

As I reflect on the progress we've made, I am humbled and grateful to the donors, volunteers, and other community leaders who are rolling up their sleeves and helping create the community we all envision:

• Every child graduates from high school
• Crime and poverty rates are the lowest in the nation
• A skilled workforce fosters a thriving economy
• The lively arts and culture environment is second to none

Thank you again for your donation in honor of Louise.  With your help, lasting change will be made in our community!

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

Nominated by Patsy Fontaine

$2,912.00*

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, anticipates and meets the food needs of the hungry in our community.

*Includes $225 from Mike's Play and Learn, $250 from Fontaines and $50 anonymous
Does not include $184 donated to ACBL Junior Fund

Operation School Bell

$2,716.00*

Nominated by George Kersels

Since 1994, Operation School Bell has provided children with the greatest need in Tucson with appropriate clothing to encourage regular school attendance and improve self-esteem.

*Includes 249 from Mike's Play & Learn
Does not include $166 donated to ACBL Education Foundation

Literacy Connects 

Nominated by Louise Geare

$3,200.00*

Literacy is not just the ability to read and write — it is the bedrock upon which each of us builds our lives.  Today and in the future, learners must develop a range of literacy skills and strategies to be able to acquire, create, and communicate information. Literacy Connects is committed to offering learning opportunities for a wide-range of individuals in our community, from birth through adulthood, reading to computer skills, English acquisition to artistic self-expression.

*Includes $255 from Mike's Play & Learn, $500 from Houkoms, $200 from Plunketts
Does not include $252 donated to ACBL Grass Roots

El Grupo

$2,981.00*

Nominated by Patti Teik Schadow

El Grupo helps youth of all ages build their capacity as individuals and community members through expecting commitment, cultivating discipline, accountability, and coaching riders to overcome obstacles in achieving success.  They use bicycles as the means.

*Includes $222 from Mike's Play & Learn, $256 from charity games, and $200 from Houkoms, $25 Anonymous

$1,000.00

Ted Lane has worked countless hours in developing our reservations website with no pay because he is passionate about our mission to give donations to charity.

His is also pasionate about Wounded Veterans and their annual trip to New Mexico to teach disabled veterans how to fly fish.  He says that the people they have taken will never be the same after their experiences on this trip.

Rain likes our check!

$9,233.00*

Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Today Rain's rider was a special-needs little girl.  When the class came to an end, she leaned over to kiss Rain on his mane.  When the instructor lifted her off, the little girl reached up to put her arms around Rain's neck.  Rain reached his head around the girl to give her a hug back.  Then she went to his nose and gave him a kiss.  There wasn't a dry eye amongst us.

*includes $393 from charity games, $339 from Mike's Play & Learn, $1,850 in donations from members, $4,243 match from Houkoms.
Does not include $332 donated to ACBL Education Foundation

Mike Bording, June Beehler, Kristin from YOTO, Mark Beehler

$1,000.00

June told a story about going to a duplicate game in the midwest where no one spoke to them and when they defeated the opponents contract, one opponent actually threw his cards on the table.  She told about how much Woody enjoyed our players and our food.  Woody's career included being a principal of junior high school so giving to YOTO where they help homeless teenagers graduate is the perfect charity to receive money in his memory.

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

$13,000.00*

We have a wonderful partnership with Streams where we hold all our bridge games.  They have given us extremely reasonable room fees due to the fact that we give every dollar we can to charity.  They have allowed us to expand as much as possible by using 2 rooms and extra parking on the lot south of the Church.  This year we have an extremely generous donor who gave $10,000 because of our games and the generosity of the Church.

*$10,000 Anonymous, $500 Houkoms, Mike's Play & Learn
Does not include $330 donated to ACBL Junior Fund

Fisher House Tucson

Nominated by Kay Santarelli

$2,526.00*

Fisher House provides temporary lodging for family members of our Veterans and Armed Forces during a medical crisis. It offers a warm compassionate environment where families find support and encouragement from others in similar circumstances.

*Includes $321 from Mike's Play & Learn, $100 from Baruch, $26 from Sharon donating tickets to Botanical Gardens and Gill buying them.

Humane Society

Learn about the Humane Society by clicking on the above link.

$1,000.00

In memory of Ruth Davis

Steve sent a lovely note to Ruth. The following is paraphrase of that note.  Our family is grateful to you and your organization for your memorial donation. Ruth loved playing at Streams. She loved the people, the bridge and the food. She always appreciated the kindness rendered to her while playing. “...I am inspired by your willingness to make a difference in the lives of others. The planet is richer for your presence and generosity.
In honor of whom you are,

Steve Miller

Sister Jose Women's Shelter

Nominated by Harriet Kronman

$2,715.00*

Sister Jose Woman's Shelter is dedicated to the care and nurture of homeless women within our community. It provides a safe harbor and a path to a sustainable existence

*including $189 from Mike's Play and Learn, $100 from Hurd Baruch, $ 200 from Ruth Houkom, $15 from anonymous

Hurd Baruch, Pastor Tom, Caroline Snead

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Community Garden

$2,000.00*

Caroline Snead brought in a form to have her husband's company match their donation to Streams Community Garden.  Then Hurd and his wife decided to make a donation to be matched by other members of the Club.  All of a sudden we had $2,000 to put toward this project.  Pastor Tom believes they will be able to complete the Community Garden by spring.  Our donations made a huge difference!  THANK YOU!!!!

*by individual member donations

Old Fort Lowell Live-at-Home Program

Nominated by Elliot Weiss

$2,400.00*

Neighbors volunteering to assist neighbors in maintaining their independence, thereby strengthing a sense of community and belonging for all.

*Includes $448 from Mike's Play and Learn

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$2,800.00*

Nominated by Seymour Einstein
Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

*Includes  $204 from Mike's Play and Learn, $100 from Baruchs, $200 from Houkoms, $100 from Anonymous

Interfaith Community Services

$2,900.00*

 Nominated By Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Pastor Tom

Everyday, ICS helps many local individuals and families obtain the necessities that they might otherwise be forced to go without. ICS makes the words "faith in action" a reality.

*Includes $228 from Mike's Play & Learn, $100 from Baruchs, $200 from Houkoms, $200 from Plunketts.

Casa Maria 

$3,100.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

Casa Maria has been in existence since 1981.  The soup kitchen is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and exists on private donations. They provide meals daily to those in need, as well as helping with different emergency needs of people in the community.

*Includes $279 from Mikes Play & Learn, $200 from Baruchs, $100 from Fontaines, $200 from Fries, and $200 from Houkoms

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

$3,030.00*

Nominated by Patsy Fontaine

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, anticipates and meets the food needs of the hungry in our community.

*Includes $160 from Mike's Play & Learn, $200 from Ruth Houkom, $100 from Hurd Baruch, $30 from Mike Smith, $300 from the Fontaines

Youth on Their Own

$1,000.00

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

Ed Dean Obituary.pdf

Note from Ed's Wife:  Thanks for the photos Ruth.  They are a lovely memory to add to my "Ed" folder.  It was a joy to meet you and to experience the incredible energy of the Charity Bridge Club.  Now I understand why Ed so enjoyed it.  Love, Mabel

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$1,200.00*
Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

*Includes $1,000 from TCBC, $100 from Plunketts, $100 from Houkoms

Seymour Einstein Eulogy 5 18 16.pdf

Casa de la Luz Foundation

$3,700.00*

Nominated by Dave Jaskar

The premier organization enhancing the mission of Casa de la Luz Hospice through the acquisition and disposition of funds to help transform the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well.

*Includes $214.00 from Mike's Play & Learn, $1,000.00 from Judy Farris, $200.00 from Ruth Houkom, $100.00 from Hurd Baruch

St. Luke's Home

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

$3,200.00*

The Mission of St. Luke’s Home is to provide for the care and well-being of elderly women, men, and couples of limited financial means in a caring environment, respectful of the residents’ rights and the regulatory guidelines.

*Includes $357 from Mike's Play & Learn, $500 from Plunketts, $200 from Houkoms, $100 from Baruchs

Emerge!

David Myers standing between his twin daughters, Kate Hiller from Emerge! on the right. 

$2,000.00

The families of both Ted and Mimi chose Emerge! as the charity their parents would want to receive donations in their memory.  (Please read below about what Emerge! does to make Tucson a safer, happier community.)

Ventana Charity Bridge had a Club Championship Game on 4/18 in memory of Ted & Mimi Myers.  They were such loyal, lovely members of our Bridge Club.  We will all  miss them. 

Can you imagine how proud Ted was when he became the Grandpa of twins?  Then Ted became a great-grandpa 4 months ago.  David loved taking pictures of his granddaughter to show Ted during his last days.  He said Ted would always smile when he saw the baby. Mimi also loved having David come.  They shared many hugs and tears.

David came to the ceremony wearing a Ventana Cap with 1984 on it in memory of his dad joining Ventana Golf & Racquet Club in that year.  David remembers when his Dad joined and talked about how important Ventana was to his dad and also to Mimi.  As our brief ceremony ended, one of the twins said, "Now they're in heaven playing bridge!"  What a perfect tribute!

Handi-Dogs of Tucson

$2,400.00*

Nominated by Brian Gersten

Promote independence, freedom, health, and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs. They train service/assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs.

* includes $312.50 from Mike's Play and Learn.

EMERGE!

$2,900.00*

Nominated by Sallie Tofel

Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse provides domestic abuse crisis intervention and housing, prevention and education, and support and advocacy services to women and children.

*Includes $351 from Mike's Play & Learn, $200 from Plunketts, $300 from Mike Smith

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

Nominated by TCBC Board

$3,000.00*

On the Fifth Anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to again recognize Streams because of their generosity to our Club and the Community.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store an enormous amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, to clean up after us, etc. etc. etc.   The Church is a lifeline to many members of the Tucson Community.

*Includes $174 from Mike's Play & Learn and $500 from Houkoms

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

$4,600.00*

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Enriching the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs.  My husband, Ralph, has volunteered here for 10+ years.  He comes home with AMAZING stories about students whose lives improve substantially because of their time riding horses at TROT.

*Includes $171 from Mike's Play & Learn, $100 from Baruchs, $100 from Fontaines, $2,000 from Houkoms, $200 from Plunketts. $200 from Mike Smith 

$1,000.00

Lea Ann Perkin was passionate about the game of bridge.  She was an avid supporter of our Club and very much enjoyed the aspect of us giving to charity.  Her favorite charity was Wounded Warriors.  We chose the organization in Pinetop who raises money each year to take several Veterans on Fly Fishing Trips to New Mexico.  The veterans and the people who take them all come back changed from the experience.

$1,000.00

Betty was a huge supporter of our bridge club and of art.  She spent many hours dedicated to the Tucson Museum of Art.  Our donation will be used to underwrite some of the expense to create an exhibit at the museum in Betty's memory.  Her family donated a large bronze sculpture to the Museum when she died -- something we all want to see!

Hermitage

Nominated by Bob & Beth Griffin

$2200.00*

We are both an adoption facility and long-term sanctuary for felines considered “adoption-challenged,” including felines who are FIV or FeLV-positive, or have other types of chronic health issues. Bob &
Beth both spend several hours a work volunteering for Hermitage!

*Includes $183. from Mike's Play & Learn, $200. from the Houkoms

Nominated by Sherry Cain

$2,700.00*

Our Program was designed to assist low income children lacking food on the weekends.  The program has grown from assisting 30 children to 100 children at Wheeler Elementary School (400 students, 83% at poverty level) since 2012.

* Includes $237. from Mike's Play & Learn; $330. from Sherry and Doug Cain;  $170. from the Houkoms; $200. from the Plunketts

Nominated by Ruth Ganeles

$2,200.00*

The mission of TSWA is to provide free music education to children from Tucson's low income families.

*Includes $270 from Mike's Play & Learn and $200 from Houkoms

Youth on Their Own

$2300.00*

Nominated by Sandra Millar

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

* Includes $225. from Mike's Play & Learn, $200. from the Houkoms, $100. from the Plunketts

Assistance League of Tucson

$2,400.00*  

Nominated by George Kersels

Assistance League of Tucson is a volunteer philanthropic organization that provides essential goods and services to improve the lives of disadvantaged men, women, and children in the greater Tucson area.

* Includes $147. from Mike's Play and Learn; $300. from the Houkoms; $100. from the Plunketts 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS CORONADO AREA 

$2,300.00*

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

Mission statement:  The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing gifts skills and friendship with their families other Special Olympic athletes, and the community.Since 1975, the organization has served Tucson and has 2700 athletes from 6 to 77 participating with no expense to them. 
*Includes $252 from Mike's Play & Learn, $102 from Spardames Charity Bridge, $15 from Ace of Hearts Charity Bridge, $200 from Houkoms, $100 from Plunketts.

Our Family Services

$2,310*

Nominated by Sari Gersten

We provide shelter and support to homeless children, youth and families. We promote peace and understanding by helping people talk to each other. We help some of Tucson’s highest-risk children learn to read. We help troubled families cope with addiction and find healing. We help people learn to be better parents, improve their lives and their relationships, and build stronger families. We help older and disabled people live safely and with dignity in their own homes.

*Includes $168. from Mike's  Play and Learn, $141. from Spardames, $84. from Ace of Hearts, $210. from the Houkoms, $100. from the Plunketts

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

$3,000.00*

Nominated by TCBC Board

On the fourth anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to recognize Streams because they have contributed a huge amount to the success of our Club.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store a huge amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, etc. etc. etc.   The benefit to the citizens of Tucson will be that the Church will be able to do more for the community and the charities they support.

* Includes $506. from Mike's Play and Learn, $201. from Spardames, $102. from Ace of Hearts, $200. from the Houkoms, $100. from the Plunketts

St. Luke's Home

$3,100.00*

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

The Mission of St. Luke’s Home is to provide for the care and well-being of elderly women, men, and couples of limited financial means in a caring environment, respectful of the residents’ rights and the regulatory guidelines.

*Includes $399. from Mike's Play and Learn; $162. from Spardames Charity Bridge; $117. from Ace of Hearts Charity Bridge; $200. from the Houkoms; $550. from the Plunketts; & $100. from the Fries; $100. from the Baruchs.

Gabriel's Angels

$1900.00*

Nominated By Nelda Clark

To deliver healing pet therapy to at-risk children, nurturing their emotional development and enhancing the quality of their lives forever.

*Includes $192 from Mike's Play and Learn Charity Bridge, $204 from Spardame's Charity Bridge, $100 from the Plunketts

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

$2,000.00*

Nominated by Patsy Fontaine

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, anticipates and meets the food needs of the hungry in our community.

*Includes $111 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge, $150 from Spardame Charity Bridge, $200 from Fontaines, and $100 from Plunketts.

SEND A KID TO CAMP

sponsored by the Arizona Daily Star's Sportsmen's Fund

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

$ 1,700.00*

The Arizona Daily Star's Sportsmen's Fund raises money so children from low income households and military families can attend overnight YMCA, Boy Scout and Girl Scout camps.  The Sportsmen's Fund, founded in 1947, is one of Southern Arizona's oldest 501C charities.  Since its inception 36,548 children have attended camp.  The goal is to have 700 children camp in 2014.  Since 1947, $2,000,000, has been raised, with 98% of the funds used to send  children to camp.

*Includes $93 from Mike Smith, $117 from Ann Hinge and $100 each from Plunketts and Houkoms

St. Elizabeth's Health Center

$2,400.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

We are a Community Health Center dedicated to serving those who are uninsured and underserved.  Volunteer Health Professionals partner with our dedicated staff for a dynamic continium of service.

*Includes $214 from Mike Smith, $174 from Ann Hinge, $100 each from Baruchs, Fontaines, Fries, Houkoms, Plunketts,

Handi-Dogs of Tucson
$2,000*

Nominated by Brian Gersten

Promote independence, freedom, health, and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs. They train service/assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs.
*Includes $169 from Mike Smith and $200 from Houkoms

EMERGE!

$2,500.00*

Nominated by Sallie Tofel

Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse provides domestic abuse crisis intervention and housing, prevention and education, and support and advocacy services to women and children.

*Includes $416 from Mike Smith and $100 from Plunketts

$4,400.00*

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Enriching the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs.  My husband, Ralph, has volunteered here for 8 years.  He comes home with AMAZING stories about students whose lives improve substantially because of their time riding horses at TROT.

*Includes $2,100.00 from Houkoms, $204.00 from Mike Smith, $100.00 from Baruchs, $100.00 from Plunketts

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

$2,200.00*

Nominated by TCBC Board

On the third anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to recognize Streams because they have contributed a huge amount to the success of our Club.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store a huge amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, etc. etc. etc.   The benefit to the citizens of Tucson will be that the Church will be able to do more for the community and the charities they support.

*Includes $371.00 from Mike Smith

Youth on Their Own

$2,100.00*

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

*Includes $178 from Mike Smith and $250 from Friends of Mitzi.

Ronald McDonald House of Tucson

$1,100.00*

Nominated by Donna Moser

The Ronald McDonald House, provides a “Home Away from Home” for families who must travel to Tucson for medical care. Our families are from all walks of life, seeking treatment for illnesses such as cancer, birth defects, pre-maturity and life-threatening trauma.

*Includes $111 from Mike Smith

*Includes $60 charity donation resulting from "Cats" Basketball tickets donated by Ruthie Zales & Ken Greenfield, purchased by Plunketts.

Beads of Courage

$3,000.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope. Since March 2005, we have been working diligently to transform the treatment experience for children coping with chronic, life threatening illness through our arts-in-medicine programs.

* includes $1500.00 from Hurd Baruch

* includes $66.00 from Mike Smith

Our Family Services

$1,150.00*

Nominated by Sari Gersten

We provide shelter and support to homeless children, youth and families. We promote peace and understanding by helping people talk to each other. We help some of Tucson’s highest-risk children learn to read. We help troubled families cope with addiction and find healing. We help people learn to be better parents, improve their lives and their relationships, and build stronger families. We help older and disabled people live safely and with dignity in their own homes.

* includes $114.00 from Mike Smith

* includes $56.00 from Rose Fries

Beacon Group

$1,100.00*

Nominated by Nelda Clark

Since our beginnings in 1952, Beacon Group has been committed to providing employment related opportunities to people with disabilities. We provide training, development and access to real work for a segment of our community that traditionally bears a 70% unemployment rate. We help people go from tax-supported to tax-payers.

*Includes $159 from Mike's Play & Learn Bridge and $100 from Faith Alster

Literacy Connects Coalition

$1,250.00*

Nominated by Louise Geare

Literacy is not just the ability to read and write — it is the bedrock upon which each of us builds our lives.  Today and in the future, learners must develop a range of literacy skills and strategies to be able to acquire, create, and communicate information. Literacy Connects is committed to offering learning opportunities for a wide-range of individuals in our community, from birth through adulthood, reading to computer skills, English acquisition to artistic self-expression.

*Includes $140 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge

St. Luke's Home

$2,000.00*

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

The Mission of St. Luke’s Home is to provide for the care and well-being of elderly women, men, and couples of limited financial means in a caring environment, respectful of the residents’ rights and the regulatory guidelines.

*Includes $500 from Paul Plunketts and $113 from Mike Smith.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson

$1,800.00*

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

Our Mission is to create and support one-to-one adult-to-child mentor relationships guiding youth from a position of risk to one of achieving their highest potential.

*Includes $435 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge and $300 from anonymous members!

Tee Up for Tots

$1,500.00*

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

We have a dedicated corps of volunteers who work directly with pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tee Up For Tots will give IMMEDIATE grants for family travel expenses, groceries and other emergency needs.

*Includes $407 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge

CASA Support Council

$1,950.00*

Nominated By TCBC Board in Memory of Allen Baron 

CSCPC is an all volunteer charity established in 1995. There is no paid staff and more than 93% of contributions are directed for the unmet needs of CASA children and for funding the recruiting and training of CASA volunteers. Each CASA is assigned by a judge to mentor and advocate for a neglected or abused child in the care of the Juvenile Court system. Last year, 175 CASAs donated more than 18,000 hours of time, drove more than 120,000 miles and spent untold personal dollars for their children.

*Includes $200 from a Board Member and $130 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

$1,800.00

Nominated by TCBC, Inc. Board of Directors

On the second anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to recognize Streams because they have contributed a huge amount to the success of our Club.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store a huge amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, etc. etc. etc.

Streams has plans to install solar panels in their parking lot which will serve as covered parking and also cut their electric bill by $3-4,000 annually.  When that construction is completed, they will need to do work on the parking lot -- our donation will be earmarked for that project.  The benefit to the citizens of Tucson will be that the Church will be able to do more for the community and the charities they support.

Gabriel's Angels

$915.00

Nominated By Nelda Clark

To deliver healing pet therapy to at-risk children, nurturing their emotional development and enhancing the quality of their lives forever.

St. Elizabeth's Health Center

$1,470.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

We are a Community Health Center dedicated to serving those who are uninsured and underserved.  Volunteer Health Professionals partner with our dedicated staff for a dynamic continium of service.

*Includes $100 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge and $20 from Sunday Social Bridge Group.

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$2600.00*

Nominated by Seymour Einstein

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

*  Includes $150. from Mike's Learn & Play, $162. from Spardame Charity Bridge, $700. from Seymour Einstein, $200. from the Houkoms and $100. from the Plunketts

Make Way for Books

$590.00

Nominated By Marlee Millman

MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS promotes early literacy, especially in limited-resource areas in Tucson and southern Arizona. We provide a full continuum of services that give young children (birth through age 5) the opportunity to fall in love with books and reading.

Arizona's Children Association

$945.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

Our mission is simple: Protecting Children. Preserving Families. Our vision is that every family creates and sustains a healthy home environment.

*Includes $100 from Adobe Bridge Club given in appreciation of our dealing boards for their Club.

Arizona Blind & Deaf Children’s Foundation

$770.00

Nominated By Nelda Clark

Arizona Blind & Deaf Children’s Foundation invests in the future of Arizona’s blind and deaf children. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that all of the 4,000-plus blind, deaf, low-vision, and hard-of-hearing children throughout the state have access to experiential learning in key areas that encompass, and expand upon traditional education. By focusing on these areas, the Foundation aims to prepare the young people it serves to be self-sufficient, contributing members of society.

Casa Support Council of Pima County

$570.00

Nominated By Caron Weinstein 

CSCPC is an all volunteer charity established in 1995. There is no paid staff and more than 93% of contributions are directed for the unmet needs of CASA children and for funding the recruiting and training of CASA volunteers. Each CASA is assigned by a judge to mentor and advocate for a neglected or abused child in the care of the Juvenile Court system. Last year, 175 CASAs donated more than 18,000 hours of time, drove more than 120,000 miles and spent untold personal dollars for their children.

Youth on Their Own

$695.00

Nominated by Sandra Millar

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

From Teresa Baker, Executive Director: YOTO is successful because of you and people like you that believe in education,giving disadvantaged kids a chance, and changing lives for the better.

SAVAHCS Hospice

$870.00*

Nominated by Marjorie Crook

In loving memory of Jim Withey, his family requested that we make donations to SAVAHCS Hospice which is an“Auxiliary Program” affiliated with the VA Hospital in Tucson where Jim spent the last few weeks of his life. All funds are used to bring comfort and special care to Veterans which are not covered under the government programs. Our donation will go specifically to the Hospice Program where Jim spent his final days.

Deborah M. Brookshire, M.Ed., CAVS Chief, Voluntary Service:

"Rest assured, the memoriam in honor of JIM WHITHEY will benefit America's heroes. We appreciate your support of our Tucson-Southern AZ VA HCS hospitalized veterans"

Assistance League of Tucson

$880.00

Nominated by George Kersels

Assistance League of Tucson is a volunteer philanthropic organization that provides essential goods and services to improve the lives of disadvantaged men, women, and children in the greater Tucson area.

Read this heartwarming note from a child who benefitted from our donation to Assistance League.

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

$850.00

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Enriching the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs.

From Marcie Fritz-Reichenbacher - Development Director: "We are honored to be a recipient of your club's fundraising efforts. Please extend our thanks to all the members."

Emerge!

$960.00

Nominated by Ruth Panelley

Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse provides domestic abuse crisis intervention and housing, prevention and education, and support and advocacy services to women and children.

From Kimberly Thompson - VP of Philanthropy: "Our gratitude to your club for this generous support."

Literacy Volunteers of Tucson

$755.00

Nominated by H. Louise Geare

Literacy Volunteers of Tucson transforms lives and enriches our community by teaching adults to read, write and speak English. LVT creates the shortest distance to individual, social and economic development.

From Betty Stauffer - Executive Director: "Thanks so much, Ruth. Your group’s support will help many people to improve their lives."

Tucson’s Ronald McDonald House

$365.00

Nominated by Donna Moser

The Ronald McDonald House, provides a “Home Away from Home” for families who must travel to Tucson for medical care. Our families are from all walks of life, seeking treatment for illnesses such as cancer, birth defects, pre-maturity and life-threatening trauma.

From Diana Sheldon - Executive Director: "Your investment in our work makes a difference in children’s lives by keeping families close when they need it most. Thank you so much!"

Interfaith Community Services

$615.00

 Nominated By Pastor Tom of Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

Everyday, ICS helps many local individuals and families obtain the necessities that they might otherwise be forced to go without. ICS makes the words "faith in action" a reality.

From Bonnie Kampa - Executive Director and Deborah Carr - Development Director: "Please remember that you have changed lives with your gift AND we are truly grateful. Your support means so much to us."

Children’s Clinics

$300.00

Nominated by Sandy Cohen

Children’s Clinics, on the Tucson Medical Center campus,is a non-profit organization providing family-centered, comprehensive out patient medical and therapy services. It is accessible to the entire community, serving children from birth to age 21 including those with complex health care needs.

From Mireya Riegert - Accounting Manager: "We are so grateful to receive your generous donation. I am equally pleased to learn of your organization - it is a truly wonderful concept."

Beads of Courage

$235.00

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope. Since March 2005, we have been working diligently to transform the treatment experience for children coping with chronic, life threatening illness through our arts-in-medicine programs.

From Ashley Ethridge - Director of Communications: "We received your very generous donation of $235.00 from the Tucson Charity Bridge Group. We are humbled that your group chose to make a donation to Beads of Courage to help to further our mission in providing and designing innovative arts-in-medicine programs."

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

$300.00

Nominated by Fran Gordon

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, anticipates and meets the food needs of the hungry in our community.

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$310.00

Nominated by Seymour Einstein

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

New Beginnings for Women and Children

$425.00

  Nominated by Sari Gersten

Our mission is to help homeless women with children by providing the housing, supportive services and opportunities for growth that will create financially independent families.

From Patti Caldwell, MSW - Executive Director: "Your contribution goes toward the vital programs and services that help homeless women with children become financially independent. We are grateful for your support."

Handi-Dogs of Tucson

$380.00

Nominated by Brian Gersten

Promote independence, freedom, health, and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs. They train service/assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs.

From Joanie Mauger, MPA - President/CEO:  "Thank you so much for your very generous gift. We greatly appreciate it."

Tucson Medical Center Hospice (Peppi's House)

$485.00

Nominated by Ann and Pete Parker

Our players voted to honor Rupert Friday, a much loved and loyal player at TCB, by sending our March contribution to a local charity he would have chosen. Ann and Pete Parker (his daughter and son-in-law) requested Peppi's House, where Rupert received fabulous care during the last few days of his life. It is a 16-bed home for TMC Hospice, opened in 2007, in the northwest corner of the Tucson Medical Center campus.

From Michael J. Duran, J.D. - Vice President: "We hope you will find comfort knowing that your gift will allow us to continue to help and care for our hospice patients, families, and their loved ones."

Casa da la Luz Foundation

$435.00

Nominated by Dave Jaskar

The premier organization enhancing the mission of Casa de la Luz Hospice through the acquisition and disposition of funds to help transform the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well.

From Carol Clark - Executive Director: "We are so very thankful for your kind and generous support! Please relay to all they are champions for those in need at the end of life."

Community Foundation for Southern Arizona

$200.00

Christina-Taylor Green Fund Nominated by Sari Gersten

Christina was a beloved 9 year old caught in a shooting spree the week prior to our first game. We donated the proceeds from our first game, $65.00, to this Fund to ensure her legacy for the children in our community. Then Phil and Carol Lyons from Ventana started a scholarship fund at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona in honor of Christina-Taylor Green and Daniel Hernandez, Jr. to benefit students in the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona. We donated the rest of our proceeds for January, 2011, $135.00, to the Green-Hernandez Scholarship Fund - our donation will be matched by the Lyons.