As the first month of the New Year comes to a close, our club has never been stronger financially or in membership numbers. I am grateful to each of you for putting the club in this position. The After-Christmas Appreciation Party was a fun time with great food and fellowship. We give many thanks to Ron Gorman and his committee. The second annual Baseball Awards Banquet was also a huge success. Thank you Jon Koch and Marvin Felux for coordinating this fundraiser. I know that Kent Ochel is working fast and furious to get a golf tournament scheduled for the near future. As always, I encourage all members to encourage others to get involved in Sertoma. May God bless and be with you.
President,
Jim Greene
Our latest fundraiser, the 2nd Annual Round Rock Express Winter Baseball Banquet, took place on January 26 at the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond. A grand total of 20 high school, college and professional players were honored for their prowess on the ball field.
About 280 guests began arriving around 6PM for an hour of conversation and the opportunity to bid on a number of baseball memorabilia signed by the players. At 7PM they enjoyed a delicious steak and chicken dinner followed by a great dessert. Our own Charlie Culpepper who welcomed the guests in Sertoma’s behalf and gave them some idea of what Sertoma is all about kicked off the main program. This was followed by each honoree being presented their award. Sertoma hired a professional photographer to document all the proceedings. A picture of each player accepting their award will be sent to them.
Nolan Ryan gave the keynote speech following the awards. He reminisced about his high school days in baseball, describing his trials and tribulations in trying to get recognized by professional team scouts. Despairing of getting to go professional out of high school he tried to get into the Texas A&M baseball program, but was rebuffed. As it turned out he was drafted by the NY Mets and pitched in the majors at the age of 19. He says, "I'm one of few people who tried and failed at being an Aggie".
Nolan Ryan telling stories about his career
Maxine, Dot, and Flo welcome guests to the Baseball
Banquet
Above baseball co-chair Jon Koch (l) is shown with
Sertoma President Jim Greene and Father Paul, Pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic
Church in South Austin and an avid baseball fan. Father Paul gave the
invocation and blessing to begin the Second Annual Baseball Banquet.
Reid Ryan, Suzanne Brooks and husband
Is that a thorn among the roses?