California Regional News

September/October 2007

Eddie Reynoso, MDF Regional Director

Summer is in full swing here in California, so that means HOT weather and family vacations.

My summer started by heading north to Oregon. My first day there was to meet with Greg Erickson of the Redmond/Bend Chapter. Greg and I were able to close out their event and talk about their upcoming chapter project. This year’s event raised over $8,000 with a 50% net. The Bend Chapter helped install a new guzzler in the Bend area. This was their first major hands-on project, but I can assure you it will not be their last. The Bend Chapter has already begun planning and scheduling another MDF project.

My next stop in Oregon was in La Pine (Paulina Peak). State Chair Matt Bales and his chapter of volunteers were getting ready for their annual event. When I arrived Saturday morning, the chapter was already busy setting things up. Crystal Bales and I were able to sit down and go over all the fine details for that night. I had been looking forward to the event and the great meal they serve. The event sat just over 100 guests and raised $15,507 with an incredible net of 73%. Matt and his great chapter of volunteers currently hold the highest net for existing chapters this year. GREAT JOB PAULINA PEAK CHAPTER!

New Chapters – MDF has signed up a few new Chapters in California, but we need some help. Ripon, Calif., has set a new date for their event, and it will be on Saturday, December 15, 2007. Hanford has also set a new date of Friday, November 2, 2007.Coalinga is set for Saturday, September 29, 2007. Fortuna will hold their first event on Saturday, October 27.

Existing Chapters – Livermore, San Jose, Redding, Yuba City, Exeter and Bakersfield all have had events this year and are starting to set dates for 2008. Sonora, Vacaville and Lancaster did not hold events in 2007 but will be back in 2008. All of the existing chapters would love to have more help and see new faces at their meetings.

Possible New Chapters – I would love to see new MDF chapters in Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Fresno and Los Banos for 2008.

The last thing I would like to cover is the California TAC Committee meeting which will be held Wednesday, September 5 in Livermore. We will be reviewing several projects to fund in 2008 with the money raised in 2007.