Vice President Chuck Veltrie, Devin Defendis from New Life Center and Frankie Veltrie, Social Committee at the PC Democratic Club February meeting; Photo by Phil Korzilius.
Alisa Moore
Every year, the PC Democratic Club makes a substantial donation to a local not-for-profit organization. Last year, the club presented the Arizona Branch of Hayden’s Hope Totes with $1,000 to help provide 100 duffle bags for foster children who were removed from homes where domestic violence events had occurred.
At the club’s February meeting, Devin Defendis from New Life Center in Goodyear provided the history of the center and statistics about the uncomfortable topic of women, men and children who are experiencing horrific abuse from partners, parents and significant others in their households. Abuse may consist of physical battering, sexual assault and/or emotional or psychological abuse and generally escalates over a period of time. Anyone may be a victim of abuse, regardless of socio-economic level, religion, cultural, ethnic or educational background. Last year, New Life Center provided safety, shelter, outreach services and support to more than 1,000 traumatized people, more than half of whom were children. The center welcomes cash donations, goods and in-kind services and volunteers to assist at the shelter. In addition to housing, counseling and other services, the 501(c)(3) runs Hope’s Closet, a thrift store which assists survivors with clothes and household items. Visit www.newlifectr.org.
The club members also caught up just passed-activities and upcoming events.
* Every Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., members, friends and potential members gather at Eagle’s Nest for breakfast. No RSVP.
* The January 26 Pub Nite had a great turnout; club members again filled three tables. Games upcoming March 16 and 23 at Eagle’s Nest.
* The WigWam “Arts in the Park Live” free PebbleRock Band concert on January 27 drew over 1,000 attendees. Those from the PC Dem Club had a great time!
* The club’s Newcomers’ Brunch on January 20 was the largest ever held.
* The Women’s Luncheon at Mimi’s on January 24 drew a substantial crowd as did the Men’s Breakfast. Women’s Luncheon’s date and place vary. The men meet monthly at Eagle’s Nest on the second Wednesday at 8:15 a.m.
* The theatre events were virtually filled: February 12 at the Herberger Theater, KAX Stage for A Company of Warriors and February 21, AZ Broadway Theatre’s An American in Paris.
* There are still tickets for March 3, 2:00 p.m., Theater Works in Peoria, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
* Tickets available for the April 6 party, “Blast Back to the Past Buffet Dinner: Music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s,” Tuscany Falls Ballroom, 6:00 p.m.
The club’s March 6 meeting at Tuscany Falls will feature Habitat for Humanity. Social hour begins at 6:00 p.m., meeting at 7:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome.
For information on joining the PebbleCreek Democratic Club please visit www.pcdemclub.org. Come join our more than 200 members for social, educational and community service opportunities.