tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88755417751981094332024-03-13T08:58:21.541-07:00Texas Lions CampChildren Can...With TLC!Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035323835015485214noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-26419090434868962282012-12-05T15:03:00.000-08:002012-12-05T15:03:01.784-08:00Steven King, Director of Operations<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">By Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It is my privilege to announce that Steven King’s
title has been changed to Director of Operations in order to more closely
reflect the scope of his duties at TLC. Steven has been an indispensable member
of the TLC professional </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">staff
since 2000, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">having been the </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Asst. Program Director from 2000-2004</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and until recently, the Client Services Director. Prior to
joining the professional staff, Steven was also a member of TLC’s seasonal </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">staff from 1990 - 1996.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As Director of Operations, Steven's duties will expand and
continue to include supervision of TLC's seasonal staff recruiting effort,
management of the Summer Camp Program as well as the operation of TLC's successful
leasing program. The leasing program currently adds </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">close to $150,000 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">per annum to TLC's operating revenues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Together with his wife Karen-Anne, the Kings have made the
continued success of Texas Lions Camp a family affair; as many of you know, Karen-Anne
is a Registered Nurse and serves with distinction as Medical Director of TLC’s
camps for children with physical disabilities. Congratulations Steven and thank
you for all that you do to advance the mission of Texas Lions Camp. </span></div>
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Stephen Mabryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00462101561045564035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-39196240137882922032012-12-05T14:53:00.001-08:002012-12-05T14:53:30.573-08:00Tipi Village: an Eagle Scout's Project<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">TiPi Village at Texas Lions Camp</span></b><span style="color: #9b9662; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">By: Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, <st1:stockticker w:st="on">CAE</st1:stockticker><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tipi Village at Texas Lions Camp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This past summer, Texas Lions Camp was the recipient of many acts of kindness and thousands of man-hours of service in preparation for the 1,383 children who attended Camp in 2012. To say it takes the expertise of many people to provide our services to so many deserving children is an understatement, as the Camp operation is actually a conglomeration of many smaller operations and systems that operate synergistically in order to create our program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Over the years, Texas Lions Camp has been the beneficiary of a number of Eagle Scout projects and it was my great privilege to get to know Evan Schaff of Houston, Texas as a result of just such a project. When I met Evan, he was classed as a "Life Scout" and was looking for a project that he could undertake in order to achieve his Eagle Scout classification.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There were a number of needs the Camp had at the time; however, one particular need seemed like a match too good to pass up for an Eagle Scout candidate, namely: TLC's Tipi Village. As I discussed this need with Evan, taking a project of this size and scope was understandably...well...daunting. After all, how many of us have ever erected a Tipi (let alone three tipis) or would even know where to begin?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Moreover, I asked Evan to conduct some research and to consider how the Native Americans present in the Texas Hill Country may have lived when planning artifacts to create and add to the village. Evan had many great ideas to share and of course the Camp had many objectives that had to result in order to create the safe atmosphere desired for the kiddos of TLC. After a number of meetings and idea sessions, Evan submitted his project for approval, and was given the approval to proceed by both his certifying body and Texas Lions Camp.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFGSXrNbEXY/UEEgme_xvSI/AAAAAAAAACE/M5qppKt2SRs/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFGSXrNbEXY/UEEgme_xvSI/AAAAAAAAACE/M5qppKt2SRs/s320/056.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On June 2, Evan mobilized with Troop 1001 of Katy, Texas and bivouacked on site at Texas Lions Camp. Throughout the weekend, the troop under the direction and leadership of its senior patrol leader, Evan, set about the task of constructing TLC's all-new Tipi Village. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One of the items that Evan decided to include, was an exhibit to demonstrate the tanning of hides which would have been used for clothing or other leather-goods needs.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ce7ioEP94_A/UEEkvUdn-EI/AAAAAAAAACY/no-W5pwHiBg/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ce7ioEP94_A/UEEkvUdn-EI/AAAAAAAAACY/no-W5pwHiBg/s320/008.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than just "Clowning" around...the tri-pod configuration is the beginning and foundation of the framework and must demonstrate integrity and strength before the remaining poles and framework can be added. Like anywhere else, the Texas Hill Country can produce some high-winds and thunderstorms on occasion and Evan was careful to construct the structures to withstand the potential for windy weather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Each tipi also has a center, anchor line that runs from the top of the frame, to a stake in the ground which helps to ensure the integrity of the structure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to the three full tipis, Evan and the team also erected two "shells" without canvas in order to give the impression of nomadic lifestyles. Lastly, Evan created a full-color report to document how to construct the Tipis as well as information and facts he had learned about how native Americans lived in the area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">When
asked about the project, Evan said, 'The only way that I was able
to do this project was with the unsparing and industrious help from the
scouts of my troop. These scouts and friends worked so hard on the
project that they are the ones who should really be applauded. They knew
how to do most of the tasks I assigned to them and if not, they were very quick
to learn. The majority of all the helpers I had out there working on the
project were scouts from my own troop, the rest were personal friends who were
in a different troop. I am with Troop 1001 in Katy, TX. We have
about 30 scouts in the troop and are always looking for new friends. We
go camping, every month and do a wide variety of things from fishing, kayaking,
backpacking, hiking, or just having a good time at one of our favorite camp
grounds. Feel free to check out our new website: <a href="http://www.troopmasterweb.com/troop1001" target="_blank">HTTP://www.troopmasterweb.com/troop1001</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yS6CBCXjOnY/UEEk5dBX4VI/AAAAAAAAADI/7A1ybzcuJVQ/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yS6CBCXjOnY/UEEk5dBX4VI/AAAAAAAAADI/7A1ybzcuJVQ/s640/097.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan Schaff and Troop 1001 from Katy, Texas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXj8d7lok2c/UEElA3gijmI/AAAAAAAAADY/oU9MaPzBfNc/s1600/DSC01299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXj8d7lok2c/UEElA3gijmI/AAAAAAAAADY/oU9MaPzBfNc/s640/DSC01299.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan with his Dad.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In mid-August, Evan returned with his family and dismantled the village in order to store it until it is needed once again next summer. To be sure, many long hours of planning, work and travel were freely given by Evan, his family and others, and it is with our deepest gratitude that I say thank you, Evan for a job well done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Congratulations on the achievement of your Eagle Scout badge Evan, an honor that was earned and well deserved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sincerely yours,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Chief Executive Officer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span><br />
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Stephen Mabryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00462101561045564035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-20190608035952407042012-06-06T09:35:00.000-07:002012-06-06T09:35:46.304-07:00TLC Specialty License Plates<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b>TLC Specialty License Plates</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">by: Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Ever wonder if TLC really benefits from your electing to place our specialty license plate on your vehicle(s)? In 2011, TLC received cumulative earning of $59,108.42. Already as of this date in 2012, we have earned another $7,114 in support of our operations or other Board designated expenditure. Thanks to all and keep showing your TLC pride when you drive...it's working! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">To learn more, or to order on-line, please visit us on the web at: <a href="http://www.lionscamp.com/LicensePlates.html">http://www.lionscamp.com/LicensePlates.html</a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Best regards,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Chief Executive Officer</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>Stephen Mabryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00462101561045564035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-5286509705945127782012-05-02T07:30:00.001-07:002012-05-02T07:41:26.169-07:00<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Frontier Village – What’s New at TLC in 2012</span></b><span style="color: #9b9662; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">By:
Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, <st1:stockticker w:st="on">CAE</st1:stockticker><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Chief
Executive Officer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">FRONTIER VILLAGE –
WHAT’S NEW AT TLC IN 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With over a
decade of planning, fund-raising and round-table discussions, Texas Lions Camp
is proud to announce the addition of Frontier Village as one of the many new
resources awaiting Children at Texas Lions Camp for the summer of 2012. The new
facility is a “themed” campsite that is constructed to remind visitors of the
frontier and “old west” style amenities that may have been seen in the area
with early settlements (except for ours has a foundation, reinforced steel
girders and over 24 ceiling fans).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Over-looking
a serene valley, campers will be treated to one-of-a-kind views, out-door
cookouts, and sleeping under the stars in an outdoor setting. The new site is
situated to the North of the main campus and overlooks the sports lake -
portions of which can be seen from inside - since the pavilion’s NW elevation
stands open to the view for campers to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Many campers
come from the inner-cities or for other reasons may have never had the
opportunity to camp overnight in nature. The new campsite will provide campers
the opportunity to experience nature and overnight camping at its finest while
never being more than 500 yards from the infirmary and the Camp proper. The
natural path leading to Frontier gently meanders through the woods and is both
wide and relatively flat, making the trek accessible to all, regardless of
their abilities or appliances used for ambulation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While the
design and concept for the new campsite had been adopted by the Board of
Directors some time ago, the price tag was rather steep at an estimated
$250,000.00 – that is, until Lions District 2-X2 stepped forward with a
$116,000.00 pledge for funding as well as a volunteer contractor in Past
District Governor Jimmie Muckleroy. In addition to owning a contracting
company, PDG Muckleroy is also director of a volunteer group of contractors and
handy-men known as the “Christian Church Disciples of Christ” whose mission
leads them to travel abroad, helping organizations erect structures so that the
organization can better accomplish their mission…and that certainly has been
the result at Texas Lions Camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Volunteer”
construction on this scale is outside the norm for Texas Lions Camp, and there
were many details and obstacles that had to be addressed in order for the
project to proceed. Moreover, both the distance and construction requirements
that are unique to building in the rocky, Texas Hill-Country, posed many puzzles
to be unraveled by PDG Muckleroy and his crew who are based in deep East Texas;
however, by working together, consulting and inviting the participation of a
number of Kerrville based contractors and a determination to overcome issues,
children visiting Texas Lions Camp from this point forward will benefit as a
result of this tremendous effort. My heart-felt appreciation and
congratulations go to PDG Jimmie for his tremendous work and sacrifice in
seeing this project through to completion. Many thanks also to Mike Dyal, of
Kerrville based Mike Dyal Custom Homes,
for his many hours devoted to the project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It is definitely
noteworthy to also let you know a number of Dads and relatives of TLC campers both
worked on this project and donated towards making this project a reality both
for their children and the children of others. I can’t think of many things
stronger than that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In addition,
I can’t express my appreciation and admiration enough for the many fine Lions
of District 2-X2. They have a long standing and distinguished record of service
to children through Texas Lions Camp, and have once again stepped up in a big
way on behalf of the children we serve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2mVl6dMey8/T6FDtAnmZ9I/AAAAAAAAABw/stHNyQvphoE/s1600/DSC01019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2mVl6dMey8/T6FDtAnmZ9I/AAAAAAAAABw/stHNyQvphoE/s400/DSC01019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lastly, I
would be remiss if I did not also mention the tremendous efforts of 2<sup>nd</sup>
Vice-President Leon Van Alstine and DG-elect, Nancy Van Alstine for their
tireless efforts in presenting their vision for Frontier Village to the
District of 2-X2. The many presentations and long trips they have made to
invite the financial support needed for the District to adopt and financially
support the project was the impetus and driving force behind our ability to
move forward to completion in time for Summer Camp 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am very excited for our kiddos and can’t wait to see the wonder in their eyes
as they enter this new facility that has been constructed just for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy
Camping…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stephen
S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>Stephen Mabryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00462101561045564035noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-76979365242839394922012-04-24T07:10:00.000-07:002012-05-02T07:38:47.642-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Fantastic Four</span></b><span style="color: #9b9662; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By: Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, <st1:stockticker w:st="on">CAE</st1:stockticker><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chief Executive Officer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FANTASTIC FOUR<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four
Fantastic individuals recently received four phenomenal offers, and I couldn’t
be more excited for the future of all four. <span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I am officially announcing that two (2)
key, full-time employees will be leaving Texas Lions Camp in order to accept positions
with other service-based organizations: Paul Brouse (Program Supervisor) whose
last day will be April 30, 2012 and Stephanie Hodges (Registrar) whose last day
was Friday, April 20, 2012. Both of these high-caliber individuals have served
with distinction and their talents will be missed, but at the same time, we are
excited to watch them embark on the next step in their personal journey through
life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a difficult thing to invest in
employees and to later have to say good-bye, but the <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">truth is “Cream Rises to the Top” and just as
quality people come in, they inevitably will rise to even greater challenges
and go out. Texas Lions Camp has a long standing tradition of celebrating the
natural flow of this cycle and for decades has invited those who have served
“to evaluate what they have given to TLC and what they have taken away from
TLC.” This cycle is true for all and occurs at varying degrees both large and
small…directly and indirectly…obviously and quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4FUdssUFf0/T5ay_plm_GI/AAAAAAAAABQ/vGlzUV3YUpc/s1600/Paul+-+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4FUdssUFf0/T5ay_plm_GI/AAAAAAAAABQ/vGlzUV3YUpc/s320/Paul+-+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Brouse - 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Paul Brouse
– Program Supervisor </span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Paul was the second person I ever met at Texas Lions Camp, over two decades
ago, as we both served on the summer staff at TLC in 1989. Even then, his calm,
steady and gentle way with people was legendary and well established. Paul soon
began his full-time career in organized camping at another organization and
returned full-time to TLC in December of 2008 as TLC’s Program Supervisor. Paul
has been an integral part of the TLC Team, devoting his time and efforts to
recruiting, supervising, and coaching TLC’s seasonal employees. Paul was also
charged with coordinating TLC’s Advanced Diabetes Seminar and facilitated both
the medical team and attendees of the seminars, since the seminar’s successful
inception in 2009. Paul has accepted a position at the University of New Mexico
where he will manage the University’s Camp Program for Children who have
Autism. Thank you Paul for your service to TLC and we wish you well in all of
your new adventures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9dTK79CIwU/T5azkn9p4oI/AAAAAAAAABY/mgwLa021TdA/s1600/Melissa_Stephanie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9dTK79CIwU/T5azkn9p4oI/AAAAAAAAABY/mgwLa021TdA/s320/Melissa_Stephanie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa Wilson (Left) Stephanie Hodges (right) - 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Stephanie Hodges – Registrar</span></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Stephanie came to TLC in January of 2009 in order
to assume the duties of Camp Registrar upon the retirement of long time
employee, Mae Nell Rhymes. To be sure, taking over for an employee with 46
years of experience in a role as important as the single registrar for 1,500
children who have special medical conditions is understandably intimidating,
but Stephanie proved that she was up to the challenge of mastering </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">numerous systems and
quickly met the needs of all concerned. Since 2009, Stephanie has coordinated
every child who has attended TLC and directly contributed to their safe return
home. Most recently and most notably, Stephanie was charged with the
implementation of taking TLC’s camper applications on-line for the first time
in TLC’s 63 year history. This new system was launched in January of 2012 and
is making registrations quicker and easier, setting the stage for faster and
more efficient responses to all concerned, not to mention faster and more
efficient access to information by our program and medical teams. Stephanie
will be joining Dani Johnson’s team, a motivational life coach who has appeared
on Oprah and others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though not
a requirement, it has admittedly become a pattern for TLC to promote from
within and many of those invited to join our full-time team have worked on our
seasonal team in the past. I am very proud to announce that two of our newest
employees are no strangers to our mission as both are former employees who are
merely coming home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt2Q27axZC8/T5az2zMVU_I/AAAAAAAAABg/vblNj0ApNCc/s1600/DSC01137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt2Q27axZC8/T5az2zMVU_I/AAAAAAAAABg/vblNj0ApNCc/s320/DSC01137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patti Rodgriquez - 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Patricia “Patty” Rodriquez – Program Supervisor<br />
</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Patty has been hired to take the position of
Program Supervisor, which was vacated by Paul. She is a recent graduate of the
University of Texas at Austin, where she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees:
1) Journalism and 2) Communications Studies. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Patty</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">was a member of the TLC Summer
staff from 2007-2011 having worked up to the supervisory level, and was one of
our Program Interns this past year from January – August of 2011, where she
actively participated in a supervisory role. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Patty</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">is fluent in sign-language
and is currently working to become a certified interpreter. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Patty</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">states that
working for Texas Lions Camp is her dream job and that she is still walking on
“cloud nine” since her dream has become reality. I am very proud to have </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Patty</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">join the TLC Professional Staff and to introduce her to </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">you, the TLC family – look for great things from her –
she will no doubt be a credit to us all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Melissa
Wilson, MS, CCLS, CPST – Camp Registrar</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Melissa has been hired to take the position of Registrar, which was vacated by
Stephanie. Melissa was a member of the TLC Summer Staff from 1996 - 1998 and
joined our professional staff in 2009 as Donor Relations Specialist, before
finishing her Masters degree in Family and Child Studies and then joining the
hospital staff of Christus Santa Rosa in San Antonio, as a Child Life
Specialist. Melissa’s undergraduate degree was completed in Psychology and
Social Work from Southwest Texas State University. Melissa’s favorite quote is:
“Life without compassion is like trying to dribble a football…it just doesn’t work”
and she has great plans to employ this philosophy to the duties of bringing
children to Texas Lions Camp. Melissa holds a special certificate as a Child
Passenger Safety Technician and is qualified to instruct families on the
installation and use of children’s safety restraints for vehicles. In addition,
Melissa is a Certified Child Life Specialist, with emphasis on bridging the gap
between the home and hospital for child patients. Melissa is notably fluent in
Sign Language and a Certified Sign Language Interpreter for the deaf. Oh, and
by the way…you might recognize the name...she is Glenn Wilson’s wife who is
TLC’s Equestrian Director. I am excited to have Melissa rejoin TLC’s
Professional Staff in this capacity and to have the benefit of her considerable
qualifications once again put to work on behalf of our kiddos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Congratulations
to these Fantastic Four…may you be blessed to prosper as you step into your new
roles.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sincerely yours,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>Stephen Mabryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00462101561045564035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-73407503108632163212012-01-26T15:40:00.000-08:002012-01-26T15:45:14.028-08:00Down syndrome Camp Comes to TLC<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Down Syndrome Camp Comes to TLC</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Down Syndrome Camp</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">For decades, when asked if children who have Down syndrome qualified to attend Texas Lions Camp, the answer was always disappointingly, “No.” This past summer, TLC opened a pilot program to test how Lions might provide services to this special population of children and families and turn that “No” into a “Yes.” And, on July 17, 2011, we did so for the very first time in our history.</span></div>
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<shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape alt="562.JPG" id="Picture_x0020_0" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 274.35pt; margin-left: 265.5pt; margin-top: -33.5pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 193.95pt; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-167 0 -167 21494 21550 21494 21550 0 -167 0"><imagedata o:title="562" src="file:///C:\Users\Stephen\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">As planning began to facilitate this exciting, first step, many methods of accomplishing the goal were entertained and there were many issues to be addressed. Should children with Down syndrome be mainstreamed into the general sessions? Should the age groups for this camp be the same? Or should it be more restrictive than the norm? Should the session be offered during summer or at another time period? If children with Down syndrome were to be offered their own session, how many children should be allowed to register?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsaU19yh3g0/TyHkExobQYI/AAAAAAAAABI/ck-WRWQIiFU/s1600/562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsaU19yh3g0/TyHkExobQYI/AAAAAAAAABI/ck-WRWQIiFU/s320/562.JPG" width="226" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Ultimately, our plan included inviting 75 children between the ages of 7-16 to attend a one-week session programmed specifically for their care needs. The session ran concurrently at TLC in conjunction with the Texas Burn Survivor’s Camp, though the two groups were completely autonomous and assigned separate areas of Camp so that they did not over-lap.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">So What Did We Learn?</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">It is a wonderful and terrifying experience to take a confident step into the unknown…and there were a number of unknowns as 75 children and their families arrived for check-in. Some of the things that became immediately apparent included, but were not limited to the following: </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Definitely, the decision to offer a specific session (rather than mainstreaming into the regular sessions) served the children well in the Texas Lions Camp setting</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">The 75 slots allotted for the Camp did not create a small camp…but a VERY-LARGE-CAMP</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">With a group of this size, the age limits should be shifted upwards to allow younger children the additional time to develop the skills needed to be away from home (and Mom)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Programmatically, our standard format and schedule needed to be altered in order to provide one of the things this population needs the most: Routine…Routine…Routine.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Behavior, rather than age, is more of a critical factor for this population to thrive in TLC’s setting</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">The parents/families of this population were very appreciative of the Lions and staff and were a privilege to work with</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">So What About 2012?</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">After observing the week, I met with the entire TLC seasonal staff who worked hands on with the kids in order to debrief and request their input for the future. Who better to answer the question, “Is TLC’s offerings in the best interest of these kiddos?” Honestly…I didn’t know what the final outcome would be as the week was a significant departure from our norm, but I expected there could be mixed reviews as to whether or not the program should be adopted in 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">To the credit of these young men and women who had just expended every last ounce of energy…there was not a single dissenting vote or negative comment about repeating the program. When asked specifically if they would recommend the program to continue, ~130 hands went enthusiastically skyward with zero stating they wouldn’t enjoy working with these kids again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">This past August, it was my privilege to make a full report to the Board of Directors along with a recommendation to include the Down Syndrome Camp in the schedule for 2012. The Board adopted the proposal and excitedly…we are now making preparations for a repeat program next summer.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">What to Expect in 2012</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Camp for children who have Down Syndrome will be offered on July 15-21, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">The ages for the program will be shifted upwards to include ages 12-16 </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">The program will include up to 75 children</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">The 2012 application will seek additional information about behavioral patterns and care needs of campers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">We are looking forward to another great season and anticipate the arrival of your kiddos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Happy Camping!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE<br />Chief Executive Officer<br />Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span></div>
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Stephen Mabryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00462101561045564035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-39966286456798783312011-07-15T10:20:00.000-07:002012-04-24T07:11:34.871-07:00New Sound System Comes to TLC – A Resounding Thanks!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">New Sound System Comes to TLC – A Resounding Thanks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Texas Lions Camp just completed installation of a brand, new public address system at the Camp’s amphitheatre. On average, TLC’s Kerrville based campus hosts 1,500 children per year from across the State of Texas and celebrates their accomplishments at the amphitheatre each Friday evening of the summer, camping season.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3_rfNEdW4I/TiB1jGMpePI/AAAAAAAAABw/8nFf7BTqcqo/s1600/best.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3_rfNEdW4I/TiB1jGMpePI/AAAAAAAAABw/8nFf7BTqcqo/s320/best.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">It is an amazing experience to collectively celebrate the accomplishments of these children. For many, this kind of opportunity remains elusive and a rare event…to have their name called from a microphone so that their achievement(s) can be publicly recognized as they move to center stage before a crowd of 600 people is a moving and powerful experience for all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">The new sound system is comprised of professional quality, outdoor components, that are a vast improvement over the temporary system that has been used since TLC’s inception. Our practice has been to setup a portable sound-system each Friday evening, which poses a hazard to both equipment and personnel, not to mention the additional time outlay in an already task-packed day. The former system has worked with some success, but has often left those in the back wondering what was said.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6P6pRb1DSeM/TiB1-VBv8aI/AAAAAAAAAB0/EKi15ZBmxcM/s1600/DSC01801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6P6pRb1DSeM/TiB1-VBv8aI/AAAAAAAAAB0/EKi15ZBmxcM/s320/DSC01801.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">The new system sports 4-two way high output speakers, 1 sub-woofer that you can feel from a distance, 2 Crown amplifiers, 1 Rolls mixer, and 2 high-end wireless microphones the latter of which are all encased in a weather-proof, secure cabinet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">What does a state-of-the-art, new sound system mean to an operation such as Texas Lions Camp? It is at the heart of our mission to improve the self-esteem of children with special medical conditions. Thanks to the generous gift made by the Odessa Downtown Lions Club, we now have an improved system by which to tell everyone present that Children Can…With TLC<sup>TM</sup>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">And now we can say it with more volume and clarity than ever before…well done and MANY THANKS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Sincerely yours,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span></div>Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035323835015485214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-19342669426085588052011-04-11T09:07:00.000-07:002011-07-15T10:33:33.779-07:00Our Living Heritage<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Our Living Heritage </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I have just returned from the Lions Legends Tribute, hosted by <a href="http://www.lions2s2.org/">District 2-S2</a>’s Past District Governor’s Association, and I am so thankful to have been a participant in this amazing ceremony. In an unprecedented act of patronage, three of our Camp Past Presidents (PDG Eddie Munger: 1967-1969, PDG Jimmy McPherson 1973-1975, and PDG Fred Hamilton: 1979-1981) were honored for their leadership and service to others before a crowd of ~200 Lions, family members and friends. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqjaZ8FtcY4/TaMmbXaUYGI/AAAAAAAAABs/TqJpiJq0gRk/s1600/DSC00994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqjaZ8FtcY4/TaMmbXaUYGI/AAAAAAAAABs/TqJpiJq0gRk/s320/DSC00994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The event was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Houston and included multi-media (courtesy Terry Landers), a reception, lunch and myriad speakers, of which I was one. Master of Ceremonies for this auspicious occasion was IPD Don Buckalew, who did a fantastic job as always. Also on hand to commemorate the occasion, was the <a href="http://www.nash3.com/">Nash 3</a>, injecting their flare for music and a celebration of patriotism and heritage like only they can do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">One of the highest callings we have as people is to esteem and honor our seniors – especially our senior, seniors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These living treasures possess a wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom…and when you look into their eyes, you are immediately confronted with the contrast of those who have learned first-hand what really matters in life. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">To honor those who have lived their life with such dignity and who have paved the way for us to flourish is cousin to the act of expressing thankfulness. We <u>must</u> practice the discipline of thankfulness early and often if we are to live on the high plain for which we have been called. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">My congratulations and heart-felt thanks go out to PDG, Dr. Irv Wishnow, PDG Ron Landers and the PDG Association of District 2-S2 for their tireless efforts in organizing this land-mark event.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I for one, found this to be a defining moment and a most welcome reminder of the things that really matter in life. I hope that the event is something that will not only be repeated in District 2-S2, but will become contagious and repeated as a matter of practice in the other 15 districts and beyond.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Best regards,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chief Executive Officer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span>Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035323835015485214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-50613841042323927562011-04-07T06:51:00.000-07:002011-04-07T06:51:04.199-07:00Champions for the Cause<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Champions for the Cause</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Texas Lions Camp has surpassed a number of milestones in her distinguished history, most notably of which is perhaps her 60 Years of Service to 60,000 children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our founders could not have known all that they were setting in motion so many years ago, but there is no doubt that we all have much to be thankful for as we reflect upon all that has occurred to bring us to where we are today.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">In the 1940s, a polio epidemic was devastating America, and the hardest hit were the very young. As Lions do, they began questioning what it was that they should do in response to the crisis that was attacking without mercy and leaving shattered lives in its wake.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">An idea sprang up in the minds of several Lions, who decided that a Camp should be built where children afflicted with the aftermath of this terrible disease could attend and begin work on their self-esteem.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">There were numerous individuals who deserve credit for their work and courage displayed early on for an idea that seemed impossible and doomed for failure. And indeed, it was not possible, and on paper, probably shouldn’t even be possible now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">In the midst of all that needed to be done, one man in particular stepped forward to Champion this impossible cause. The idea was not an easy sale, but in the end, all Districts endorsed the concept of a Camp for handicapped children, and the Charter of the Texas Lions Camp was signed by seven (7) founding presidents. They were:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">W.R. Rutherford of Dumas, Texas</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Schley Riley of Big Spring, Texas</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Jack Wiech of Brownsville, Texas</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Pat Jackson of Nacogdoches, Texas</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Reagan Smith of Conroe, Texas</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Virgil Minear of Halletville, Texas</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">J.I. Moore of Kerrville, Texas</span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Every great movement has a Champion. And indeed, with an operation the size of Texas Lions Camp, it takes Champions. However, the nature of our Organization requires that Champions be continually replenished. While we celebrate our heritage, and those who brought us to where we are today, it is not enough to rely on their courage and drive to carry us into the future. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">We must be ever mindful that the future mission will be in the care of those who will carry the torch where we cannot. Some of these Champions are here now, and are actively working, others have yet to realize their full potential to make a difference, and still others have yet to join our ranks…but will some day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">As we reflect upon the past, and take up position for the future, let each of us consider what we have to offer, and offer it. Let us invite others to join in this noble endeavor called Texas Lions Camp. This goes beyond the issue of asking for money, rather it deals with the heart of the matter, which is an invitation to become actively involved, sharing the God given talents and experiences that each of us can impart. May we be ever more determined, and be… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAMPIONS FOR THE CAUSE</b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Best regards,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Chief Executive Officer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035323835015485214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-83493814805697737892011-04-06T06:25:00.000-07:002011-04-07T09:45:23.255-07:00Our Case for Support<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Texas Lions Camp is blessed with many tremendous resources, but among her greatest treasures, are the people that are involved. Few organizations have both the quantity and quality of people involved that TLC enjoys, and this is why we have been able to accomplish what would otherwise have been impossible. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Together, we have been speaking a simple message for over 60 years now…a message that has been spoken and heard by over 60,000 children…a simple message that “YOU CAN” and we are here to help you do it. They have heard it…and many now speak it in their own voice…I CAN!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Our effort to increase the Endowment Fund by $25,000,000 is among the most important and ambitious tasks we have ever undertaken. Not since our founding, has such a monumental task been suggested. As we embark upon this CAMPaign to build the Endowment Fund, I am reminded that we did not arrive where we are as a result of one person’s initiative, but a collective response to a challenge. It is now that same collective response--that is born of each member doing their share--that suggests that our goal can be achieved. Together we can do this…we must do this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Our Case for Support is simply this…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Children should not have to face their challenges in life alone</b>. Our very act of coming together is in fact a declaration to them that they are not alone, and that as a result they can dare to explore their potential, in an environment that is determined to see them succeed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">The magic of Camp is that children often speak our message that “YOU CAN” to each other long before they learn to speak it to themselves. You see this in action at the ropes course when the only reason a child decides to attempt a climb is because a bunkmate says, “come on…you can do it!” or at the horse barn, when a horse seems too scary to climb on top of, until other campers are seen doing it. Think a child would enthusiastically run down in front of 500 people to accept an award if the crowd was stone silent instead of yelling YOU CAN? Think again…they believe it because we believe it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Thank you for joining this noble effort and being willing to give of your time and talents. It is together and by those that we will invite to join us that we will succeed, and thus pave the way for the success of children who have even yet to be born. Together, we are making <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TODAY’S PROMISE, FOR TOMORROW’S CHILDREN.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">All my best…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span><br />
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</div>Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035323835015485214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875541775198109433.post-72206494529774917232011-04-05T14:11:00.000-07:002011-04-07T07:05:57.934-07:00“Today’s promise for Tomorrow’s Children” - Endowment CAMPaign<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">“Today’s promise for Tomorrow’s Children” <br />
Endowment CAMPaign</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Imagine what it is like for a child who uses a wheelchair to participate in activities most people would consider to be out of their reach…to be included in activities such as riding horses, swimming, repelling, field sports and overnight camping just to name a few. What an incredible transformation is made when children who are normally told “You Can’t” experience firsthand in their own voice, the words, “I Can!” There are few replacements for building self-esteem than this kind of firsthand experience…and it happens every day at Texas Lions Camp because people like you choose to get involved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">In a visionary move to underwrite these experiences for future generations of children, Texas Lions Camp recently opened an Endowment CAMPaign, now known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Today’s Promise for Tomorrow’s Children.” </i> The CAMPaign is designed so that everyone, no matter their income level, can participate in our quest to provide Today…for Tomorrow’s children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Beginning in the Spring of 2011, the next phase of the CAMPaign will focus on the invitation to Texas Lions <u>Clubs</u>. TLC will be visiting and personally inviting Texas Lions through their local Lions Club to join in this most important effort of providing for children’s future by making a pledge to the Camp’s Endowment Fund.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">It is estimated that there are more than 250,000 children in the State of Texas that have some kind of disability – in addition to this tremendous need, many of the children who will need our services in the future have yet to even be born. In the face of such tremendous need, now more than ever before, it is vital that TLC position itself to meet the present and future needs of the many children who are depending upon us… today as well as tomorrow.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Focus on Facts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">TLC has $4,000,000 dollars in its Endowment Fund and current operational activities equating to $2,300,000 per annum. In order to ensure future generations of children are provided for, our CAMPaign has been organized to increase the Endowment fund by $25,000,000. Phase 1 of the CAMPaign has a target goal of $10,000,000 and is well underway. In fact, since beginning our solicitations in January of this year, we have already achieved pledges and cash gifts in excess of $1,340,000, including, our Board of Directors, individuals, foundations and staff of the Texas Lions Camp. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Gifts made to the Endowment CAMPaign fund will be held in perpetuity and professionally managed so that the earnings and dividends generated from this corpus may be used to provide life changing experiences to more than 1,500 children who have special medical conditions each year. Those gifts made to the Capital Projects of the Endowment CAMPaign will go to improve areas of need on campus and programs for summers to come.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">The Invitation</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">Texas Lions Camp representative will be visiting your Club soon. Join us and become one that ensures children are afforded the invaluable experiences that Texas Lions Camp can give designed to teach them important life lessons that every child should experience. There are many ways that you can give to Texas Lions Camp’s “Today’s Promise for Tomorrow’s Children” Endowment CAMPaign, from one-time cash donations to multi-year pledges of cash or other assets. Your Promise Today is truly an investment into the lives of Children Tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif";">For more information on ways to give, pledge forms or for answers to your questions contact Texas Lions Camp at (830)896-8500 and ask for Trish Wilson, Development Director or me. We look forward to our partnership of service together!</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sincerely yours,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.</span></div>Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035323835015485214noreply@blogger.com0