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Record breaking donations resulted from the Salvation Army bell ringing effort of Mesa West Rotary and friends, family and cooperating organizations recruited by members and bell-ringing coordinator, Don LaBarge. The 2017 effort netted $17,420.91 surpassing our previous high recorded in 2015 of $14,400.00 by nearly 21%.During 28 ring days, with five 2-hour shifts each day, most with two ringers, and some with three or more, 560 hours of bell ringing were recorded. We owe thanks to 120 non Mesa West Rotary members who aided us in our effort. The Mesa West bell ringing effort exceeded the largest amount of donations taken at any of the others of the thirty Mesa kettle locations.
Gold Canyon Superstition Mountain Rotary club took a whole day shift spearheaded by their member, Ed Shockley.
The Mabry family took a whole day shift in honor of their father and Mesa West member, Al Mabry and his wife, Helen. Al passed away on February 12, 2010. Al was the chair of the Salvation Army Kettle program for our club for many years. Helen was also involved in our club and volunteered by sewing other club’s banners on our display.
Chris LaBarge and her ASU Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority ladies took a whole day shift. Some of their girls took individual shifts later because they were not available to ring on the day Chris selected for the Sorority.
The Gilbert High School Basketball team took a whole day. They rang all ten hours.
Boy Scout Troop 451 took numerous late shifts, ringing from 600-8:00 PM on 18 of the 28 days we rang. Their effort was coordinated by Assistant Scout Master Alan Harris. This is the scout troop from which we have sent two boys to RYLA each year for the past few years. We have also sponsored Eagle Scouts and donated to their new used truck fund.
Fountain Hills Rotary Club donated $175.00 in checks to be put in our kettle at Bass Pro Shop. Gary Law from Tempe South Rotary Club rang twice. Alex Gutierrez of Phoenix East Rotary also rang for us.
Many of the nonmembers who rang are neighbors, friends, and family of our members. Many of these nonmembers have been ringing for many of the past years. One such person is Marcia Shields husband, Glen. Marcia used to play the piano for our meetings, but she has been ill the last few years.
Member, Steve Ross worked on the project every day delivering kettles each morning. In addition, he took a whole day shift.
Tim Troy and Chuck Flint each took whole day shifts. Chuck Flint filled in a couple of times when ringers had to cancel. Members of Mesa West who rang three shifts or more were: Allan Cady, Polly Cady, Jim Crutcher, Terry Diedrick, Chuck Flint, Lucinda General, Don LaBarge, Jeanie Morgan, Jack Rosenberg, Steve Ross, Tim Troy, Geoff White, Lolita Wiesner, Ted Williams, and Warren Williamson.
Hats off to Don LaBarge for coordinating this successful five-week-long community service project!