The community that keeps on giving...

Discussion in 'Sun City General Discussions' started by BPearson, Apr 15, 2017.

  1. BPearson

    BPearson Well-Known Member

    Since day one of Sun City AZ, Jan 1, 1960, it's been a wholly different kind of place. Those first formative years were really about trying to get a sense of direction. We were the first of its kind and missteps were a way of life. Fortunately the Del E Webb Development Corporation (DEVCO), was flexible and willing to let go when something wasn't working.

    More importantly though was the realization there would come a time when they would walk away. Understanding this left them to push as much of the communities oversight onto the residents. Boards and committees were as much a part of Sun City as were the golf courses and rec centers.

    The concept of self-governance was at the core of who and what we were. Buyers embraced it because they knew we would only survive going forward if they were willing to take ownership. What came from that ownership was a process far different from where they came.

    As the community grew, they saw the need for an internal infrastructure that would fill the void of not having a municipal governing body; no mayor, no city council and no massive costs of paying people to do everything. Instead, they created organizations filled with volunteers to run and at times staff the jobs they built to service the community. It truly was and still is a sight to behold. And while the numbers of organizations has dwindled, there's still a boatload of options and opportunities for residents to give back to their community to keep it functional and reasonably priced. Rather than drag this on, Sun City opened to the beat of a new drummer and 57 years later, it still is a wholly different way of life for those buying and moving here.

    Nice!
     
  2. BPearson

    BPearson Well-Known Member

    For most newbies, the concept of Sun City is foreign. They've most often heard the slogan "the city of volunteers", but seldom understand how far reaching the term goes. I always write about the communities infrastructure and how important it is, but for most it's just words. The longer people live here, the better handle they get on how and why all of the organizations are so important.

    Just a quick glance at some of the volunteer options is always kind ot telling:

    * Boswell Hospital: Hundreds of volunteers.

    * Sun City Home Owners Association: Dozens of volunteers.

    * Del Webb Sun Cities Museum: About 50 docents, guides and board members.

    * Sun City Visitor Center: Two paid employees and the rest volunteers.

    * 130 RCSC Clubs: Everyone of them needs officers and monitors.

    * RCSC committees and board members: Approximately 100 more folks who donate their time.

    * Pride: 100's of Sun City residents working to keep the streets and medians clean.

    * Olive Branch Senior Center: Countless volunteers who run their food bank and meals program.

    * Meals on Wheels: Amazing volunteers who deliver hot meals to residents needing assistance.

    * Posse: Another 100 or so residents assisting County sheriffs.

    * Sun City Community Assistant Network: Incredible organization helping low income seniors in a dozen ways.

    * 31 Churches: The number of volunteers who help run church programs is staggering.


    This is just a down and dirty list off the top of my head with some rough estimates of volunteers. There's a number of other orgs i know of but i suspect you get the picture just how vital volunteers are to Sun City.
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2017
  3. BPearson

    BPearson Well-Known Member

    I've left off several foundations, the retirement association and all of the local thrift stores that have volunteers donating time and expertise.

    You are right about this E, scary to have this much stuff off the top of my head...no matter i can't remember much about anything else.
     

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