Friday, December 16, 2005
My Tucson: Bicycle giveaway a tradition of generosity
BARNEY BRENNER
Tucson Citizen
At noon Sunday, a heartwarming event will commence at the El Casino Ballroom of the Latin American Social Club on Tucson's South Side:
In the annual Grand Christmas Party bicycle giveaway, 600 brand-new bikes will be presented to needy kids sponsored by their schools, churches, neighborhood associations and other agencies.
Those who have attended in past years know the priceless sight of each kid leaving with a bike and a smile.
The Latin American Social Club started holding Christmas events for kids more than 60 years ago, and the bicycle giveaway started in 1991.
Only five or six bikes were presented at the first event, says event organizer Jesse Lugo.
The club also engages in other acts of service; it recently raised funds for a new air-conditioning system at St. Margaret's Church. But the bicycle giveaway has become its premier event.
The Christmas party took off in 2000 when club President Eddie Lopez and Manager Fred Martinez asked Lugo to get involved.
The club wanted 25 kids to each get a much-needed Christmas present. They doubled that expectation.
With the subsequent involvement of local radio talk-show host John C. Scott, elected officials, business leaders and the added publicity afforded by Scott's show, they more than doubled the contribution again the following year. And more than doubled it again in 2002.
The event is run entirely with private funds. It's all neighbor helping neighbor, businessmen helping their community.
Lugo figures, "If Jerry Lewis can raise millions of dollars on TV for his cause, we should be able to raise a few thousand to help kids in our own community."
They'd like next year's event to be even bigger, but they've reached the facility's limit, so other options are being considered.
The public is invited to the event, which will feature South Tucson Police Chief Sixto Molina escorting Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus into the ballroom and the red-suited couple providing greetings and lunch to each child.
For those who would like the pleasure of participating, there's still time.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, you can join the army of volunteers assembling the bikes in preparation for the event.
All you need to bring are 13-, 14- and 15-millimeter combination wrenches, an adjustable wrench, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers and a willing pair of hands.
No pay but great benefits!
The ballroom is at 437 E. 26th St. at the corner of Second Avenue.
Lugo says he wants to be involved in these festivities as long as he's able, but he also hopes to see these kids grow up into the next generation of Tucson business men and women who will carry on this tradition.
"We're trying to be good examples and role models," he says.
Considering the way Lugo, Lopez, Martinez and Scott have made this affair so successful, it'll be tough to find better.
Barney Brenner (barneybrenner@cox.net) is the former owner of Barney's Auto Parts and a past president of the Pima County Republican Club.
