2009 Sunset Jeep Tour

In October we had our second annual Sunset Jeep Tour provided for CHART by Trail Dust Adventures here in Tucson. The weather man cooperated; it was a lovely Sunday afternoon and evening. Allyn Haines Catering supplied the terrific barbecue and Don Wallace, a wonderful Country Western Singer, added to our enjoyment of the evening. Jim Click’s Automotive Team contributed $1,000 to sponsor our event. Kroger’s Foods again supplied us with $250 gift card so we could add chips and salsa and soda at no cost to CHART. This really is the highlight of our year and we thank everyone who helped make it so.

 

CHART's Biggest Fund Raiser

CHART’s biggest and best fundraiser so far has been the annual Sunset Jeep Tour. Trail Dust Adventures provides the jeeps and the drivers. Trail Dust Adventures is the premier jeep tour company in Arizona. Owner, John Polaski is so supportive and helpful to CHART we can hardly say thank you enough.

The authentically western-dressed drivers are very knowledgeable about the Arizona desert flora and fauna. During the tour, they stop along the dirt trail to point out different types of cactus and explain how the early Indians and settlers burned the thorns off and ate the cactus when necessary. Then, the jeep passengers get a taste of the sweet cactus.

The drivers also bring several desert creatures along for show and tell. While all passengers enjoy hearing about the snakes and tarantulas, some are happy to have them walk up their arms; others would just as soon watch. The trip is both educational and fun. Each driver delivers a unique presentation; so you can take the same trip with different drivers and learn more each time.

This year, following the trail ride, there was a barbecue dinner at the ramada on the ranch close to the horse corrals. It’s a wonderful setting for a sunset dinner. In early October the sunset is directly to the west filling the sky with bright oranges and reds. Allyn Haines Catering provided the terrific barbecue beef and wonderful side dishes. Allyn and his wife served the food and made our job much easier. For the second year, the Good Egg in the Crossroads shopping center in Tucson donated the best brownies you’ve ever eaten.

During dinner Bob Wallace, an authentic western entertainer, regaled us with western music. He arrived with sound system and guitar and played and sang for an hour or so. That was a real treat for all of us.

For at least a month prior to this event Joan Hillman and Jo Tennyson worked hard to bring us 25 fantastic raffle gifts. There was everything from a Trader Joe’s Food Basket to a one-of-a-kind turquoise necklace designed by Karen Kennedy Evans. Gail Klosiewski donated several original paintings to CHART; two of them were among the many raffle gifts. Not to be out done, Kurt Klowiewski, Gail’s husband, donated two hand made walking sticks. Jim Mulligan provided a hand painted shirt. These are just a few of the raffle items.

If you happen to frequent any of the establishments on this list please tell them how much we appreciate their gifts.
Jim Click has been very kind to us over the last two years. This year he donated $1,000 to help sponsor our Sun- set Jeep Tour. As you may know Jim Click owns several automotive businesses in Tucson and gives a great deal of money to charity. The $1,000 he donated to CHART covered our expenses and made it possible for us to reach our goal of earning $6500.