RAW Day

The day began with a long drive up to the Ranch. If you followed your GPS, you would have ended up, like some of us, driving on someone's private property, passing "Do Not Enter", "No Trespassing", and "Violators will be Prosecuted to the FULL extent of the Law" signs. In addition, you probably drove down a rutted dirt road, almost popped a tire, and sat and contemplated speeding up to make it through that 3 foot deep puddle of water at the end of, what appeared to be, the path.

Lucky for this brave, yet foolish soldier, we were confronted by the owner of the property seconds before taking that 1987, very low sitting Cadillac through what may have been her last road traveled. With a kind smile and a hint of curiosity, the gentleman helped guide the lost pack to the correct road for travel. Had we only relied on ancient techniques, such as using our heads rather than our electronics, we could have followed the detailed directions given to us by Dr. Paul Coleman.

As we slowly accelerated up a windy dirt road, we wondered if we would be headed to another shallow trench. In reading the directions, we were told to ignore the man with the rifle (which as a joke was funny, but was almost too real) and keep on driving. Eventually we pulled up to a huge area, where lie a Ranch; the Buckheart Ranch.

We were greeted with friendly faces, hard working people, and a few random animals. Projects included, stripping and repainting hen house, stripping and repainting a water tower, planting roses and strawberries, brush clearing, repainting and refurbishing a water fountain, weeding, removing a fallen tree; to say the least.

The boys at the ranch provided lunch where we had pork & beans, cornbread, lemonade, and a selection of pies (including cherry pie, chocolate (mud) pie, and lemon pie ... yum).

The members of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club were joined by their spouses and kids, Boy Scout Troop 688, members of the RYLA retreat and our very own ROTARACT Club from Mesa College.

By the end of the day we all felt accomplished, satisfied, and tired. We had shared the day with amazing people doing amazing things, and we were all grateful for the opportunity to make a difference for people who dedicate their lives to helping others.

This letter was received the day of the event:

To all Rotarians from District 5340:

I like to thank all Rotarians involved in any project that will take place, is taking place or did take place (depending on when you did read this message) this fifth Rotarians At Work day.

You are the reality of a dream, a dream dreamt by the late PDG Bob Watson.

As we go though the work done this day I urge you to take a minute to remember Bob and this magnificent idea of RAW day.

Imagine yourself as a part of the big picture that someday will be a reality, all Rotarians doing a service project on the same day around the world and feel the energy of Rotarians doing good world wide, yes worldwide.

This year 39 districts will work on 345 projects involving over 100,000 Rotarians!

The ball is rolling and you are the soul of it.

Thank you for keeping the flame burning, Bob will be very happy watching his idea being kept alive and growing.

God bless you all.

PDG Fernando Favela