Back of the Boat—
The Whale Foundation News Bulletin
A Call for Volunteers
It takes a bit of planning to pull off things like the Whale Foundation’s
WingDing and Health Fair. One of the best parts about it is how much fun
we have making these events happen. If you and your friends have any interest
in spending some time helping us out we would greatly appreciate it and
we can definitely use it! Want to be a volunteer? Email and let us know
at MegViera[at]aol.com.
The Whale Foundation Health Fair
As part of the 2004 Spring gts, the Whale Foundation is proud to be sponsoring
its first-ever Health Fair. Aimed at promoting healthier lives and lifestyles
for the guiding community, the Health Fair will consist of volunteers
from the medical community (doctors, nurses, physical therapists) providing
a range of free basic screenings and information on a variety of medical
problems including: high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, skin cancer,
low back pain, and repetitive motion injuries. Vouchers to obtain free
or discounted medical tests will also be given and will include: cholesterol,
psa’s (for males at higher risk for prostate cancer) and mammograms
(for women at higher risk for breast cancer). The Health Fair will be
open to all guides and it’s free!
The Boatman Hotline
To date in 2003, the Whale Foundation has served sixteen people. This
includes over 64 hours of service. Since the Whale Foundation’s
inception in 1995 we have helped 134 people. If you need help in any way,
please call our confidential hotline toll free at 1-866-773-0773
www.whalefoundation.org
With the hard work of many, we are pleased to announce that we have launched
our new website where you can get loads of information about the Whale
Foundation including: confidential mental and physical health care sources,
financial planning assistance, transitioning sources, and Kenton Grua
Memorial Scholarship information. Check it all out at www.whalefoundation.org.
The Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship
The Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship application is available on the Whale
Foundation website at www.whalefoundation.org. It’s not too early
to be preparing your application for the 2004–2005 scholarships.
The deadline is June 1, 2004. During 2003 the Whale Foundation awarded
three $1,000 scholarships to Grand Canyon river guides.
WingDing
Calling the Grand Canyon guiding community—young and old, far and
wide! Your presence is requested at the Second Annual Whale Foundation
WingDing! We have had to change the date so remark the calendars!
What’s the WingDing? It’s a party! A fundraiser! A celebration
of the Grand Canyon river community!
This year’s event will be held Saturday January 31, 2004 from 6–11
p.m. at Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 Ft. Valley Road, Flagstaff,
az 86001.
Lasr year’s WingDing was so much fun we’re doing it again!
There will be a sit down dinner, live music, dancing, a live auction,
silent auction, raffle, and door prizes. The amazing Martha Clark and
Mosey’s Mobile Kitchen will cater the affair. We will ask for a
dinner donation and there will be a cash bar, but otherwise—it’s
free!
Community support is essential to the Whale Foundation’s success.
The WingDing celebration is our one and only annual fundraiser. Last year’s
event far exceeded our expectations and confirmed: the members of this
community not only genuinely care about one another, they are not afraid
to show it! We are deeply grateful to those supporters who have already
informed us of their generous donations to this year’s event; their
names are listed below. If you’ve not done so, there is still time
for you to be part of WingDing 2004. Any and all donations of time, artwork
or your financial support are greatly appreciated, will be utilized throughout
the year, and acknowledged at the WingDing. Your gifts allow us to accomplish
our mission: to serve the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health
of the Grand Canyon Guiding Community. Thank You!
2004 WingDing Sponsors include: Arizona River Runners, Inc., Hatch River
Expeditions, James P. Marzolf dds, Colorado River and Trail Expeditions,
Inc., JDL Medical PC, Cork ’n Bottle, Professional River Outfitters,
Dave & Sue Stilley at Sutcliffe Floral, and Joan Mitrius.
So, mark your calendar . Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to
celebrate our friendships, our talents and raise money for the Whale Foundation’s
programs.
Meg Viera
