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Our History
2025 Year in Review

2025 Year in Review.pdf

2024 - Our first full year as Streams Charity Bridge
2024 - Our first full year as Streams Charity Bridge

2024 Year in review.pdf

Our Board 2022/2023
Our Board 2022/2023

Hurd Baruch, Secretary-Treasurer; Ruth Houkom, President; Kathy Parker, Membership; Philip Lattavo, Charity Advisor

Card Dealers:  Armin Cicala, Sam Sagi

Reservations:  Doug Cain

Tournament Directors:  Hurd Baruch, Bob Griffin, Ruth Houkom, Sam Sagi

Webmaster:  Dick Bryant

2022 Year in Review

2023 Year in review

Our Board 9/20 to 12/21
Our Board 9/20 to 12/21

Education: Mike Smith/Jack Shoemaker

Board Members:  Greg Dent - Operations, Ruth Houkom - President, Hurd Baruch - Secretary/Treasurer, Phil Lattavo - Charity, Kathy Parker-Membership

Tournament Directors:  Kathy Klammer, Bob Griffin, Ruth Houkom, Jack Shoemaker, Mike Smith, Len Hall

Webmaster:  Dick Bryant

2021 Year in Review

4/20 Article in Bridge Bulletin
4/20 Article in Bridge Bulletin

At Tucson Club, every month is charity month
By Jennifer Jacobs, Tucson Charity Bridge

Tucson Charity Bridge (aka "Streams") was established by its president, Ruth Houkom, in 2011to create a community of beginning and intermediate players, as well as to help the greater Tucson community by contributing to local charities.
Each month, a charity is nominated
by a member. The charity usually receives about $3000 - a base of $2500 plus additional amounts based on how often each player plays. In December, we celebrated giving a total of more than $300,000 to charity over the past nine years.

A significant reason why the club has been able to put aside so much money for charity is that it is run by volunteers. Organizers and directors are unpaid, and players volunteer for kitchen duties, bring snacks, and help put away game equipment. The club's venue, Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church, also contributes by offering us reduced rent. The club is nonprofit and takes donations.
In the past nine years, donations have been made to over 50 different charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warriors, Literacy Connects and the Humane Society.
The club offers limited games six days a week. There are about 200 regular players and about 250 occasional players.
Ruth is a powerhouse, keeping things together along with the other board members: Hurd Baruch, Kathy Parker, Robert Yanal, and Phil Lattavo. Ruth has been recognized for her work by an appointment to the ACBL Charity Committee.            

Board 2018-20
Board 2018-20

Front (L to R): Kathy Parker, Education; Ruth Houkom, President; Hurd Baruch, Secretary and Treasurer

Rear (L to R): Robert Yanal, Webmaster; Phil Lattavo, Charity

2018 Year in Review.pdf
2019 Year in Review.pdf
2020 in review.pdf

 

Board 2017
Board 2017

From Left: Phillip Lattavo (Charity Advisor), Bob Yanal (Webmaster),

Kathy Parker (Education Chair), Ruth Houkom (President), Hurd Baruch (Secretary/Treasurer)

2017 in Review

2016 Board & Donations
2016 Board & Donations

Back Row: Diana Galis, Reservations Chair; Hurd Baruch, Corporate Secretary & Treasurer; George Kersels, ACBL Liaison

Front Row: Patsy Fontaine, Charity Advisor; Ruth Houkom, President; Jim Kerr, outgoing Reservations Chair

Not Pictured: Judy Farris, Hospitality Chair until she moved in August.

2016 Year in Review.pdf

2015 Board & Donations
2015 Board & Donations

Hurd Baruch, Corporate Secretary & Treasurer; Patsy Fontaine, Hospitality; Ruth Houkom, President;
DiAnn Plunkett, Charity Advisor; Jim Kerr, Reservations

2015 Donations to Charity.pdf

2014 Board & Donations
2014 Board & Donations

Hurd Baruch, Corporate Secretary & Treasurer; Caron Weinstein, Ventana Hostess; Patsy Fontaine, Streams Hostess;
Ruth Houkom, President; DiAnn Plunkett, Charity Advisor

2014 Donations.pdf

2013 Board
2013 Board

David Jaskar; Caron Weinstein, Charity Advisor; Ruth Houkom, President; Marty Zuckerman, Treasurer; Hurd Baruch, Corporate Secretary

2013 Year in Review.pdf

Patti Knight's Article in Daily Star
Patti Knight's Article in Daily Star

Hurd Baruch, Patsy Fontaine, Jim Kerr, DiAnn Plunkett, Ruth Houkom

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SUCCESS?  

Making people happy?

Helping people enjoy a game of bridge?

Donating thousands of dollars to charities that help others?

Ruth Houkom, had an idea that changed what bridge clubs can do.

Just 5 feet tall and with a heart of gold, this lady used these concepts and with the help of her friends made it all happen.

In January of 2011 Ruth formed a new bridge club and she called it the Tucson Charity Bridge Club.  Its name indicates a mission, namely to assist Charities in the Tucson area by contributing a major share of the Club’s table fees.  STREAMS in the Desert Lutheran Church, in Tucson, agreed to make its meeting hall available for weekly games for a small fee.  The second mission was to create an atmosphere where less experienced players can learn both from instruction and from playing to readily earn master points.  Game directors are assisted by members, volunteering to set up, and take down, the bridge tables, cards and bidding boxes.  Members bring fresh vegetables,  fruit, cheeses and cookies, while coffee and iced tea is provided by the Club without charge.

As it happened, the first game was played right after the tragic shooting rampage in Tucson that took the lives of 6 people, and seriously injured our House of Representatives member, Gabrielle Giffords, and several other people.

A beautiful 9-year-old girl by the name of Christina-Taylor Green was one of the people fatally injured. The Club donated our proceeds that month to the Christina-Taylor Green Fund, to help children in our community, in her memory.

The Tucson Charity Bridge Club owes its thanks and appreciation for the hospitality extended by Pastor Tom Dunham, and church volunteer Will Gokey, who keeps the premises clean.  In appreciation, each year a significant donation is made to Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church, in addition to the small monthly rental payment that Streams charges the Club.  The startup costs, made by the Houkom’s, have been paid back. 

New charities are chosen upon the recommendations of members and vetted by Mrs. DiAnn Plunkett, the Director of Charitable Contributions.  The Board of Directors then passes on proposed organizations for the Bridge members to approve, thus giving all members the feeling of success.

Donations to the Charities have continued to grow as has the Club’s membership.  The number of games offered, has increased.  Some games are sponsored by the Club, under Mrs. Houkom’s  ACBL sanction, and there are other games that are facilitated by experienced bridge instructors who operate games under their own ACBL sanction.  The number of tables keeps increasing because of the relaxed atmosphere and the joy people get from giving to the various charities every month.  The total donations to date are over $82,000.00

One of the essential tools for the Bridge Club is our website, www.bridgewebs.com/tucsoncharity.  It facilitates learning by showing immediately after each game, what contracts can be made for each hand through good play against good defense and also showing how each pair actually did on the hand.  Our online reservation system, allows a player to sign up with a partner or declare themselves available to be paired with another single player.  This is very helpful in the winter months with the increasing number of players.

Thank You,

A friend of Bridge, Patti Knight

520-299-2900

2012 Our Incorporation
2012 Our Incorporation

Brian Gersten, Webmaster; Hurd Baruch, Corporate Secretary; Marty Zuckerman, Treasurer
Ruth Houkom, President; Caron Weinstein, Charity Advisor

2012 Year in Review.pdf

Tucson Charity Bridge. A History, 2011-2018

Ruth Houkom, after 3 years of play, recognized that there was a need for a bridge club in Tucson that had a mission to develop new and junior players, especially in an atmosphere that would not cause them to feel intimidated by Life Masters.

And so, in January 2011, she formed a new bridge club, the Tucson Charity Bridge Club. Its name also indicated a second mission, to assist charities in the Tucson area by contributing a major share of the Club’s table fees. Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church, on Pima just west of Craycroft, agreed to make its meeting hall available. The Club was incorporated in 2012, and in 2017 was granted 501(c)(3) status as a public charity. Donations to the Club are now tax deductible.

As it happened, the Club’s first game was played right after the tragic shooting rampage in Tucson that took the lives of 6 people, and seriously injured our Congressional Representative Gabrielle Giffords and several other people. A beautiful 9-year-old girl by the name of Christina-Taylor Green was one of the people fatally injured. We donated our proceeds that day to the Christina-Taylor Green Fund, to help children in our community, in her memory.

From that time on, the Club has made a monthly donation of all proceeds in excess of expenses (with only a small amount retained as savings). A list of these charities can be found under the “Charities” link. Charities are nominated by Club Members and are then vetted by the Club's Board.

A significant reason why the Club has been able to put aside so much money for charity is that it has no employees and, with rare exceptions, it has not had to pay anyone to direct its games. Board members are unpaid, and players volunteer for kitchen duties and to help putting away tables and chairs. Snacks are supplied by members.

Our games, and membership in our Club, are open to anyone during 2019 who has fewer than 1000 points, and during 2020 anyone who has 1100 points or fewer. To become a “Member,” a person need only play in one game sponsored by the Club. To become a “Regular Member,” entitling the person to vote, one need only play in 20 games sponsored by the Club in a twelve-month period. 

TCBC, Inc. By-Laws Effective 10-6-22

 

By-Laws Effective 10-6-22.pdf

Articles of Incorporation & Amendment 1

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF A TAX-EXEMPT Pursuant to A.R.S. §10-3202 (Arizona Non-Profit Corporation)

1. Name: The Name of the Corporation is: Tucson Charity Bridge Club, Inc.

2. Purpose: The purpose for which the corporation is organized is: To be a recreation club for players of duplicate bridge.

3. Character of Affairs: The character of affairs of the corporation will be: To facilitate the play of duplicate bridge by club members.

4. No part of the net earning of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 2. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements,) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501c(7) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or: (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 501c(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Laws).

5. Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all its assets exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such a manner, or to such organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purpose as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501c(7) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Laws) as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Superior Court of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purpose or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purpose.

6. The power of indemnification under the Arizona Revised Statutes shall not be denied or limited by the bylaws.

7. Board of Directors: The initial board of directors shall consist of 1 director. The name and address of the person who is to serve as the director until the first annual meeting of the members, if a member corporation, or Board of Directors, if the corporation has no members, or until her successor is elected and qualifies is:

Name: Ruth L. Houkom   Address: 6381 N. Whaleback Pl.

City, State, Zip: Tucson, AZ 85750

The number of persons to serve on the board of directors thereafter shall be fixed by the Bylaws.

8. Known Place of Business: (In Arizona) The street address of the known place of business of the Corporation is: same as the statutory agent

9. Statutory Agent: (In Arizona) The name and address of the statutory agent of the Corporation is:

Name: Ruth L. Houkom   Address: 6381 N. Whaleback Pl., Tucson, AZ 85750:

10. Incorporators: The name and address of the incorporator is:

Name: Hurd Baruch   Address: 6578 E. Ventana Crest Pl.

City, State, Zip: Tucson, AZ 85750

All powers, duties and responsibilities of the incorporators shall cease at the time of delivery of these Articles of Incorporation to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

11. ţ Check this box, if this provision will apply to your corporation. DISCRIMINATION: The Corporation will not practice or permit discrimination on

the basis of sex, race, national origin, religion, physical handicap or disability.

12. MEMBERS (Check One) ×The corporation will have members

¨will not have members.

Executed this ____ day of January, 2012 by all of the incorporators. Signed:___________________________ _________________________________

HURD BARUCH [Print Name Here]

PHONE  520-299-9171

FAX 520-299-9318

Acceptance of Appointment By Statutory Agent

The undersigned hereby acknowledges and accepts the appointment as statutory agent of the above-named corporation effective this _______ day of January 2012.

Signed ___________________________________________

RUTH L. HOUKOM [Print Name Here]

___________________________________________ [If signing on behalf of a company serving as statutory

agent, print company name here]

ArizonaCorporationCommission Page 4 of 4              Corporations Division

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

to

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

of

TUCSON CHARITY BRIDGE CLUB, INC.

Pursuant to A.R.S.  §10-11003

(Arizona Non-Profit Company)

 

1. Articles 2 through 5 are hereby amended in their entirety to read as follows:

2. Purpose: Tucson Charity Bridge Club, Inc., is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

3. Character of Affairs:  To the extent that the following fall within the scope of charitable or educational purposes authorized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, the following are activities which the Club proposes to engage in: 

            (a) Offering opportunities for socialization of senior citizens through scheduled sessions of card playing, at low cost, in a controlled and friendly environment which adheres to the “Zero Tolerance Policy” of the American Contract Bridge League (the ”ACBL”), prohibiting unacceptable behavior such as badgering and rudeness; 

            (b) Providing mental stimulation for senior citizens through competitive games and tournaments of duplicate bridge, in accordance with regulations and ethical standards promulgated by the ACBL;  

            (c) Providing classes of instruction in the game of duplicate bridge, and the regulations pertaining thereto, for beginners as well as intermediate players;

            (d) Supporting a wide variety of section 501(c)(3) charities through the regular periodic donation of a substantial portion of the Club’s net income;

            (e) Acquainting members with charities that they may not have donated to before, through presentations by representatives of those charities, and offering them an opportunity to augment the charitable work of the Club by adding their own contributions.

4. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 2. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue laws); or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue laws).

5. Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all its assets exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such a manner, or to such organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law), as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Superior Court of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purpose or to such organization or organizations as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purpose.

2. This amendment was duly adopted by act of the Board of Directors, with the approval of two-thirds of the Regular Members voting at a Special Meeting of Members on October 13, 2016.

Executed this ____ day of October 2016, by Ruth L. Houkom, President.

 

Signed: ____________________________________________

Ruth L. Houkom

Phone: 520-615-3231