Another year has gone by and a different story to tell. Remember, last year when we told of our trip to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, with 36 surviving and critically injured First Responder families and their friends, enjoying more food, and more fun? Well, this year, there was more food and more fun, too, with 33 members of our First Responder posse!
Like last year, Hotel Allandale got us off to a rousing start with again … more food. Thanks to Catering and Marketing managers Lera Derrick and Craig Thibodeau, and owners Tom Blackwell and Bill Hale, we were treated to another delicious and mouth-watering array of breakfast meats, fruits, cereal, and dairy products, which left us fully energized to take on the waterpark … Schlitterbahn at New Braunfels!
Schlitterbahn is a German word meaning “slippery road.” Schlitterbahn’s catch phrase is “The hottest, coolest time in Texas!” The park allows customers to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. This is a rare feature among modern amusement parks, so we took full advantage of the opportunity.
At Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, there are miles of tube chutes; endless rivers; uphill water coasters; waves for surfing, splashing, and relaxing; plus kid-friendly water playgrounds. The folks at the site promote themselves as the “best waterpark on earth on 65 acres of fun!”
There was plenty of free parking, free tubes, and lifejackets. Oh, and did I mention we could bring our own drinks and snacks to munch on under much-needed cabanas that were reserved for us? Fortunately, the weather and suspect clouds held together and did not “rain on our parade,” so to speak, and contributed to a full day of positive interaction.
Based on the responses from the kids and adults alike, everyone seemed pleased because they could go on many rides as much as they liked … without a long wait! Apparently, the timing of the trip worked in our favor.
For many, it was their first visit to Schlitterbahn and, by the end of the day, the smiles they wore arriving were the same smiles worn leaving. Kudos to R&R Limousine and Bus for getting us there and back safely!
Check Presentations
April | May 2010
Clockwise from top: Walmart (9300 South IH-35) Store Manager Paul D'Spain (left) presents check to 100 Club President Chris Bratton.
Austin Automobile Dealers Association (AADA) President Jim Bagan presents check to 100 Club Executive VP Ginger MacMicking. Also pictured (left to right): 100 Club's Larry York; Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo; Austin Fire Department Assistant Chief Harry Evans; AADA Secretary-Treasurer Jim Olmstead; and 100 Club Chairman of the Board Earl Studdard.
McDonald's Co-Op President and Owner/Operator Dan Kinney and McDonald's Owner/Operator Allen Benton (third from left and far right, respectively) presented a check for $17,500 to the 100 Club of Central Texas. The McDonald's 3rd Annual Good Friday fundraiser exceeded all expectations with over 65 franchies participating. Accepting the check are Earl Studdard (left), 100 Club Chairman of the Board, and Ginger MacMicking, 100 Club Executive VP.
Peace*Love*Happiness Motorcycle Ride
April 10-11, 2010
The 8th Annual Peace*Love*Happiness Charity Motorcycle Ride, hosted by John Paul and Eloise DeJoria of John Paul Mitchell Systems and Gary and Laurie Spellman of Ultimate Face Cosmetics, attracted approximately 200 motorcyclists on April 10 and 11. Cowboy Harley-Davidson was the gathering place both days, with expert ride director Joe Peters coordinating both rides. Austin Police Department Motors escorted Saturday’s ride and Travis County Sheriff’s Office Motors escorted Sunday’s ride.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit was available to educate the public on the jobs they perform for the community and the highly-trained dogs they have as partners.
The weather could not have been better for the VIP ride on Saturday, and the overcast, misty Sunday was just another day for the hard-core riders.
Tim’s Porch (old Backyard) was the venue for an after-ride concert on Sunday. The DrumJam band got everyone on their feet before the award-winning Del Castillo and his band took the stage with their Latin-rock music. A huge thank-you goes out to The Recording Academy/Texas Chapter for coordinating the music. Mandola’s Italian Grill and Chisholm Trail BBQ furnished delicious food for the event. Katherine Kennedy was voted Miss PLH 2010.
This year’s PLH raised over $50,000 in donations for The 100 Club of Central Texas and its mission. The Club is fortunate to have such passionate sponsors and supporters. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and generosity.
Troy Kimmel emceed The 100 Club’s annual awards banquet again this year at the beautiful Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch in Buda. It was a gorgeous April evening that would set the mood to pay tribute to some of Central Texas’ outstanding first responders and administrative technicians.
There was fun for everyone. If you enjoy silent auctions, this was definitely one of the best. Vice President Carrie Schnoor did an outstanding job gathering items from local and not-so-local vendors. Long-time volunteer, Teri Howard, worked her magic by selling many chances to win the laptop package. Congratulations Bruce Haikola for purchasing the winning ticket.
Although the rings used for the wine toss seemed small, many bottles of wine were carried away by excited connoisseurs with exceptional aim.
Kelly Loredo’s creative and delicious appetizers were exceptional, which set the stage for Southside Market’s yummy Texas-style barbeque. No palette went unsatisfied.
Amanda Hurst, wife of the late Game Warden Justin Hurst, gave an update on the legislative changes to survivor benefits. Immediately following, Kevin Russell of the Shinyribs sang an awesome rendition of the song Stand by Me.
Outstanding Philanthropist Awards went to Bob & Kay Gregory of Texas Disposal Systems, Jim and Janet Gregory of Texas Disposal Systems, John Paul & Eloise DeJoria of John Paul Mitchell Systems, Gary & Laurie Spellman of Ultimate Face Cosmetics, Dan Kinney of McDonald’s, and Yvonne Melcher of the Melcher Charitable Foundation.
Local McDonald’s franchise owners held the 3rd Annual Good Friday Fundraiser on April 2nd to benefit The 100 Club. McDonald’s Co-Op President and owner/operator Dan Kinney presented a check to Executive Vice President Ginger MacMicking for $17,500.
Virgle Sutton, 100 Club volunteer, was presented with a life-saving award for saving the life of a gentleman on Lake Travis in 2009.
Chairman of the Board Earl Studdard and EVP Ginger MacMicking handed out awards and watches to outstanding first responders and administrative technicians.
The Jade Cruz Volunteer of the Year award went to Northern Sherrod, Vice President of Community Services and long-time volunteer. Northern works for Temple-
Inland as a Professional Certified Investigator.
Dr. M. James Moritz Scholarships were awarded to four worthy first responders: Lt. Kevin Leverenz, Austin Police Department; Melanie Tucker, Director for the City of Lockhart and Caldwell County EMS; Police Officer David Silva, Austin Police Dept; Sr. Officer Jesse Mendoza, Austin Police Dept.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAIC) Royce Curtin of the local FBI office gave a very real, very moving speech to the group regarding the challenges of being a first responder and the toll it takes on the family. ASAIC Curtin then presented the Officer of the Year award to Travis County Sheriff’s Deputy Theodore Ramsey and the Emergency Medical Services of the Year award to John and Jaelithe Eeten, Austin Travis County EMS.
The Shinyribs entertained everyone with their “country / soul / ghettotech” style music at the end of the evening.
Salute to Heroes Night with the Texas Stars
February 6, 2010
On February 6th, our 100 Club of Central Texas members and the community at large showed up at the Cedar Park Center for “Salute to Heroes Night” to watch the Texas Stars hockey team take on the Peoria Rivermen. The Texas Stars, who lost to the Rivermen the previous night, got a measure of revenge and sent the water rafters downstream without life preservers. Ironically, our police officers and firefighters came to the rescue at halftime and put on quite a show. The trash talking — e-mailing really — began before the actual gun and hose-down when it was alleged that an “unnamed” spokesman for the Cedar Park Police Department told the spokesperson for the Cedar Park Fire Department that the police department would not go down to the “wimps in brown.”
To which, the men in brown allegedly chimed in with “bring it.” Professional standards showdown? No. Tug of war in the county budget office? No. The two departments actually faced off in a much more personal arena, which came down to the battle of the co-ed team of police officers versus the all-male team of firefighters. There were no fitness requirements or certifications necessary for the job, just a “one and done” competition between two opposing first responders! Guys like Cedar Park’s Lt. Adam Story, Lt. Nathan Smith, Firefighter Jeremy Casares, Officer Anthony King and Firefighter Sean Cone lost the “tug of words” that became the “tug of war” to the likes of Cedar Park Police Association President John Hawkins, Secretary Melissa Fautheree, Treasurer Scott Linnborn, Member Kristy Britt, and Cedar Park Police Department Captain Mike Harmon. The firefighters’ excuse for losing was based on their footwear, which seemed to have had banana peels and sliced peaches for soles on a bed of ice. They showed little resistance, could not come to grips, and were easily pulled across the line when the police officers--with two women—out-dueled the team of five fire (men). Hmmm! Trash talk aside, both departments vowed to “bring it on” next year! Will the guns bring down the hoses … again, or will the hoses dispose of the men and women in blue? Stay tuned!
Also, for the audience’s “visual” entertainment and halftime enjoyment, there was a tricycle race around the ice rink. The expression “once a man, twice a child” was very evident and in full display with Commander Kevin Krienke, Williamson County EMS, winning the coveted prize of bragging rights over Scott Linnborn of the Cedar Park Police Association, and Lt. Adam Story of the Cedar Park Fire Department, who also competed in the Tug of War.
100 Club Holiday Party
December 4, 2009
The 100 Club of Central Texas hosted a holiday party at the Headliners Club in honor of our survivors, sponsors, and volunteers. All guests brought a toy for Brown Santa, including Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr with the Austin Fire Department who brought a toy fire truck. How apropos! Needless to say, we filled a huge Santa bag and then some. Thanks to everyone in attendance... many children in our community had a wonderful Christmas because of your generosity.
The 100 Club could not assist families of our first responders in their time of tragedy or need without our volunteers and sponsors. Their unselfish time spent and generosity given on our behalf assures our mission will continue each year. We truly appreciate everything you do for us.
Our central Texas survivors are very special to us. We continue to keep in touch with them and assist them in any way we can. We assure our central Texas community will never forget their sacrifice.
Dudley & Bob 100 Club Golf Tournament
November 9, 2009
On Monday, November 9, 2009, the 100 Club--along with Dudley and Bob from KLBJ-FM Radio--held its annual golf tournament with 100% of the proceeds going to help the families of first responders killed or critically injured in the line of duty. This year, the tournament was held at the gorgeous Twin Creeks Country Club in Cedar Park, Texas.
The teams and volunteers showed up bright and early for registration. Due to the slightly foggy weather, the start was delayed until some of the moisture had dissipated. But once play started, everyone had a good time and a great feeling about giving to their community’s heroes.
It was an 18-hole course with teams starting at different holes to prevent congestion. Apart from the main prizes, there were three prizes for a hole-in-one shot. The prizes were a Nissan Altima, an Audi A4, and a trip for two to the Masters Golf Tournament. Everyone had fun trying for these prizes, but, unfortunately, the three big prizes went unclaimed.
As the teams finished one by one, they went back to the clubhouse to have lunch while the winners were determined. This year, lunch was generously provided by Southside Market from Elgin, Texas. Thank you to Southside Market for the excellent barbecue!
We wish to thank all the participating teams, volunteers, and sponsors. Without all of you, this tournament would not be possible. In this economy, we realize how challenging donating or volunteering can be so kudos to everyone!
Dudley & Bob 100 Club Fishing Tournament
September 19, 2009
On September 19, the 100 Club of Central Texas, in partnership with Dale Dudley and Bob Fonseca of KLBJ Radio, held its 5th annual fishing tournament at Lake LBJ. The day turned out to be warm and cloudy with a mild breeze; perfect weather for fishing!
Although the weather was extremely cooperative for the tournament, over the summer, Central Texas experienced consistent 100+ degree heat and no rain. Due to the extremely hot and dry summer, the tournament was moved to Lake LBJ from the original location of Lake Travis, whose levels sank dramatically prohibiting any boating/fishing.
The 88 teams arrived early to register and were already on the lake as daylight was breaking. Meanwhile, the volunteer staff stayed behind to set up the prizes, lunch table, and raffle table. Texas Parks & Wildlife set up and monitored the Kids’ Fish Tank. This provided the younger set a chance to experience fishing in a fun and safe environment.
The teams began to arrive and weigh-in at 2 p.m. While waiting to find out the winner of the truck [donated by South Point Nissan], the fishermen sat at the picnic tables to have lunch, generously provided by Arby’s. As the weigh-in continued, the team members mingled and shared fishing stories. They also bought raffle tickets for the 42” flat screen TV [donated by Barton Creek Landing] and the Navionics HotMaps Chart, ultimately won by Steve Grove and Bernadette Ruiz, respectively.
Once all the entries were weighed in, Dale Dudley announced the winners of the fishing tournament.
A huge thanks goes out to all the hardworking participants, volunteers, and sponsors.
The 100 Club of Central Texas | P. O. Box 10126, Austin, TX 78766 | Ph: 512.345.3200 | email: info@100ClubCentex.com | webmaster
There was fun for everyone. If you enjoy silent auctions, this was definitely one of the best. Vice President Carrie Schnoor did an outstanding job gathering items from local and not-so-local vendors. Long-time volunteer, Teri Howard, worked her magic by selling many chances to win the laptop package. Congratulations Bruce Haikola for purchasing the winning ticket.
