Ed Rockland

The evening of March 9 saw the culmination of countless volunteer hours of preparation by members of the IronOaks Tennis Club, led by chair Carol Mellinger and co-chair Vivian Guimond. Over 150 lively folks turned out for the gala event at the Oakwood Clubhouse.

One feature of the evening was the chance to vie for dozens of specialty baskets laden with donations from local groups, individuals and businesses who enthusiastically supported the fundraiser for the Neighbors Who Care organization. In addition, attendees were able to bid, via silent auction, on a host of donated services as well as time-share stays in Prescott, AZ, and Indio, California, near the site of the 2019 BNP Paribas Tennis Open.

It was especially heartwarming for solicitors from IOTC to experience the unfailing positive responses and generosity of so many local individuals and businesses. It was a true win-win situation for the businesses and the organization, since 100% of raffle, silent auction, and basket sales went to Neighbors Who Care. This year the Cottonwood Palo Verde Foundation generously offered to match the contributed money raised at the event, thus doubling in value the donation to Neighbors Who Care! With the matching funds, IOTC and CWPV will be presenting Neighbors Who Care a check for $10,700! This will enable them to continue their wonderful charitable work assisting the homebound, disabled and frail elderly in Sun Lakes and South Chandler.

A fine dinner and dance was the perfect background for the fundraiser. Music, supplied by Thaddeus Rose, encouraged the dancers in the group to display their talent and enthusiasm for all to enjoy. The social interaction between old friends and new acquaintances added to the festivities. No one left hungry or without a smile on their face. A sure sign of the success of the event was the oft heard, “When are we going to do this again?” Stay tuned for announcements for the Third Annual 2019 Charity Dinner Dance.