Pat Cornett
December 2025 was a full month for the PebbleCreek Irish American Club as two selected organizations received charitable donations from the club. A sum of $8,000 was presented to Steve Vogel, President and CEO of Thrive AZ, which opened its doors in 2016 and provides hope and resources for at-risk families and youth transitioning out of foster care. Later in the month a sum of $4,000 for student grants at West-MEC was presented to Megan Mills, Asst Superintendent for Strategic Partnerships, and Marilyn Babyar, Executive Director for Student Services, to support Millenium and Desert Edge High School students enrolled in a Career Technical Education (formerly Vo/Tech) program who have a demonstrated need for support.
A new Board of Directors (BOD) for 2026 was introduced at the December monthly meeting. The eight BOD members are Pat Cornett, President; Ric Sorro, Vice President; John Brown, Treasurer; Janice Goodwin, Secretary; Maureen O’Brien and Joan Fafoglia, Co-Social Directors; Paddy Hoy, Public Relations; and Charlie Whiffen, Webmaster. A Volunteer of the Year honor was presented to Sandra Hand who has served the club for many years as the member contact for help with event registrations.
On Dec. 19, 168 guests enjoyed a gala evening at the annual Holly Ball where St. Nicholas in his traditional holiday suit stayed for more than an hour for pictures with guests who dazzled in their formal dress and Irish kilts. All the guests were very satisfied with their entrée selections of beef tenderloin or sea bass served by a wonderful cadre of servers.
Before the music began members thanked retiring President Terry Roth and Social Director Trudy Chambers for the four years each served in their respective roles. To express their gratitude, club members presented Terry with a decorated blown egg with a firefly figurine handmade by fellow member Eileen Tokita, and Trudy will enjoy a full day at LeMonds Aveda Salon and Spa at the Wigwam. A standing ovation with shouts of thanks brought a warm closure to the presentation. The music then began with a new band for our group—Joe Salamone and “The Rave”—who kept dancers on the floor for several hours with a wide variety of music from different decades.