2015 September Bulletin

Dedicated to the 2015 Field of Honor September 10^th through the 13^th

Letter from our Butte Exchange Club President, Lauren Kippen

I would like to thank everyone who joined us this year at our Field of Honor remembering members of our Armed Forces, First Responders, personal heroes and all of the children who were victims of child abuse. This amazing display of patriotism was made possible through the generosity of our business event sponsors and individual flag sponsors along with the countless number of volunteers who helped set up and take down the display and who worked during the event. A heartfelt thank you goes to all of the volunteers including those from Northwestern Energy for your hard work and participation in honoring our heroes.   I would like to personally thank Chief Executive Matt Vincent for his support in enlisting area students; Fire Chief Jeff Miller for helping to arrange our keynote speaker; FDNY Retired Lieutenant Kevin Shea, whose address was both meaningful and inspirational; Sheriff Ed Lester; The United Veterans Council; Reverend Brian Miller and Deacon Doug Cameron for their unique contribution to our opening ceremony.

My sincere appreciation goes to the Field of Honor Committee for their endless hours of planning, working and involvement on this project along with members of the Butte Exchange Club for their unconditional support and hours of volunteer work.  It was truly an honor for me to be part of this community event.  I could not have happened without you all.

The net proceeds from the 2015 Field of Honor will benefit local charities: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Butte Rescue Mission, Butte Family YMCA, Butte Cares/Family Droug Court, Child Evaluation Center, Butte Shriners Transportation Fund for area children, and the United Veterans Council.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Lauren Kippen, Chairmen Field of Honor and

President of the Butte Exchange Club

 

Summary of the 2015 Field of Honor provided by Doug Rotondi

The 2015 Field of Honor was another success story thanks to the committee, the leadership of Club President Lauren Kippen, and the many Club members who helped in so many wonderful ways. You were there at 8:00 am on Thursday for set up and remained until the last flag was loaded and the trailer pulling away.

Some of the highlights were the opening ceremony keynote speaker Lt. Kevin Shea (ret). NYFD RESCUE ONE. Kevin was severely injured while rescuing victims of the first World Trade Center bombing. Kevin, serving as a “Good Samaritan”, was at ground zero shortly after the second aircraft crashed into the second tower. He spent several days searching for victims along with fire fighters, peace officers, EMT’S, and other first responder’s. These were men and women just doing their jobs. Not hero’s to themselves; however,” to me they were all hero’s” according to Lt. Kevin Shea.

Our sponsors came through once again. Please look over the list of our sponsors and please patronise them and thank them too.

Our PR team did such a fantastic job of getting the word out about the event. They sent out and made contact with all our media outlets and issued many press releases. They also sought out and a got a photographer and videographer to record the event.

The on-site information booth was staffed throughout the 3 day event. They stayed fairly busy with flag sales, answering questions, taking sponsors out to their flags and many other chores.

Northwestern Energy surveyed the Field once again. All the liability, safety, bridge building and, many other details were handled very professionally and efficiently.

Our volunteers were fewer but dedicated and convicted. They had the 1000 Flags up in 50 minutes. We had East Middle School 7th and 8th grade students arrive at 9:00 am and help set up the Circle of Honor and Circle of Honor for the child abuse victims. About triple the amount confirmed last year in Butte, Silver Bow. We had many mainstay volunteers who know how everything runs. They are all such a blessing to our community.

Many touching storys were shared, tears shed, smiles given, hugs received and given, understanding revealed, unanswered questions answered and some not. Healing and Honor were the feelings that permeated the calm warm air, mild breeze, and gentle wind, on those beautiful end of summer days.

Many thanks go to all the committee members and Club members who made this Butte Exchange Club’s 2015 Field of Honor another outstanding community event.

Respectfully submitted

Doug Rotondi

*Special thank you to those who provided photographs of the Field of Honor for our bulletin.  More photographs are available on our Facebook Page.

UPCOMING

Speakers

• September 29th               – Jason Dobes from the Butte Cobras
• October 6th                       – Drs. Massouh and Nash from the St. James Cancer Center
• October 13^th                      – George Everett’s recap and upcoming events
• October 20^th                      – Distribution of Field of Honor Proceeds – Butte Country Club
• October 27^th                      – Student of the Month 

Events

• October 20^th                       The Field of Honor Awards Banquet, noon at the Butte Country Club  ( in place of our normal meeting.)        

Announcements

The annual Funraiser has been rescheduled for February 12, 2016, at the Butte Country Club. More details to come.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

Update and Reminder

The Communications Committee would like to remind you that we rely on committee chairmen and all club members to send us meeting announcements, stories and photos since we cannot be present at Club events. Please use your cell phones and capture some fun photos to send us.

Please send all details on upcoming events & speakers to:     info@butteexchangeclub.org

If you have taken photos at Club events that you want to share, please send them to:info@butteexchangeclub.org (cell phone shots are OK)

Need help? Call: Elyse Lewis –Public Relations Chairman – 565-0801

Bulletin Editor – Penny McElroy

Mobile: (406) 490-1946 Home: (406) 494-2731

E-mail: pamcelroy7@gmail.com