Guest Speaker George Wallace (no, not THAT George Wallace, but indeed a distant relative – grandfathers were brothers) was invited to speak with us today by John and Joe Farah (all seen in above photo). He has been a traveler, collector, retailer, and fund-raiser, making connections with several notable celebrities: he has sat with Muhammed Ali and talked through the middle of the night at McCormick Place in Chicago (“but not about boxing”), he has negotiated with Toby Keith’s publicity staff to exchange a used horse bridle (from “Justify”, an undefeated Triple Crown winner) for backstage passes, autographed merch, and more in fund-raising, and waited at the airport for Ted Williams to disembark from an arriving plane to meet with him and taking some teasing and ridicule from people who thought that George had been “stood up”. Imagine their shock when Ted disembarked with the pilot, having literally flown the plane in! George denies being a good speaker, but he certainly had a lot of stories that are engaging, captivating, and amusing for 14 attending members!
President Rich Lewis called for announcements, and
- Jeff Dennings noted that “Week 1 Winners” have been announced in the “Lions Squares Drawing” and anyone can check on the status via the Club website;
- Matt Strnad noted that Big Brothers/Big Sisters is looking for and welcoming sponsors for their November 13 fundraising dinner at St. Michael’s;
- Steve Schlott has several of Traci Pigott’s business cards and offered them to all interested members;
- Cindy Sullivan announced that the Optimist Presidential Installation will be on October 21st at 5:30 p.m. at Paul’s Steakhouse with ordering off the menu and a private room reserved;
- Jeff Gauger reported that the recent Sleep in Heavenly Peace “Build Day” was not as well attended by volunteers (or even our Club members) as most are but was nonetheless successful and had good weather. A large quilt, with squares created by several SHP supporters (including our own members) was given to Karen Gasperosky in appreciation for her dedication and diligence in leading this operation. (Check out previous newsletter.) Another “Build Day” is being organized for October 25 at Millington Church of God. Jeff also celebrated that interest in starting a new SHP chapter is voiced by a fellow in Mount Pleasant who spoke with Jeff and revealed that he is an Optimist Club member there!
- Deb Hawley is soliciting help to deliver (NOT assemble) beds for area veterans, if anyone wishes to assist.
- Greg Hilliker passed around sign-up sheets and “shopping lists” of speaker options for this coming Optimist year’s meeting. Many thanks to those who committed: Dan Crannie (December), Joe Cozart (March), Mic Goulet (April), Cindy Sullivan (May), Phil Holmblade (June), & Jeff Gauger (July).
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”