Club Member Tony Tucker
spoke with us today about Old Newsboys, his wife’s health, and the landscape of charitable fundraising. Over 6800 children in our area benefited from the clothing and gifts provided by Old Newsboys, benefiting from the work of 4 full-time year-round workers and dozens of volunteers and donors who brave bad weather, crowded intersections, and distracted holiday drivers to support this organization. The UAW has long been enthusiastic in generating funds and “boots in the street” for the effort, but reduced plant sizes have had an impact on overall funding. Nevertheless, donations like a “matching grant” from the Williamson Foundation helped the Old Newsboys to reach a $50,000 milestone this past year. Other events like the Annual Golf Outing (at the Flint Elks course on August 4, 2025 – already “sold out”) and “Jingle in July” (at Scooter’s on Sunday, July 13) add to their annual street-corner “Newspaper Sales” (Friday, December 5, 2025) to keep the kids supplied, especially near the holidays.
Tony indicated that his wife’s recovery (she still is using a wheelchair) is allowing him to consider joining our meetings more frequently and that he has grown more appreciative of all that his wife has done for the family.
11 members shared information and fines after Dan Crannie opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Ken Cullen spoke the invocation.
Jeff Dennings reminded/instructed/cajoled members regarding Summerfest sponsorships (forms available HERE on Club website), and Cindy Sullivan reported that beverage supply issues have arisen as a result of our usual supplier’s loss of a couple of trailers.
Mic Goulet stated that Sheila Gafney will be here next week to speak with us about the Special Olympics event for which we are expected to man the softball throw with 8 volunteers. (Find your cup!)
Jeff Dennings also reminded us of the location of the next couple “Stammtisch” gatherings (at Kathy’s next week and The Draft at the following one) at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The “50/50 Progressive Pot remains unclaimed at $773!
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”