A vote by the IMPACT of Southern Arizona board of directors set in motion the transfer of the food bank serving greater Vail to a newly formed 501 (c)(3), Greater Vail Community ReSources, trade name ReSources. The transfer is effective January 1, 2017.
In 2012, a local group recognized there were people in the greater Vail area whose needs were not being met, said Mark Tate movement founder. It was then that the decision was made to partner with Catalina based IMPACT. This decision to partner with IMPACT was because of their non-profit status, their experience with the Tucson Food Bank, and their services to the residents of Northwest Tucson, Tate said.
“ReSources recognizes and appreciates IMPACT and their efforts to establish the foundation needed to successfully provide services for our community,” said Tate, who is President of the Board of Directors for the new local organization. Now it is time for neighbors to serve neighbors.
Mark is modest. Without his leadership and passion for the people of the greater Vail area, we would not be launching this new organization, said Richard Katz, who was active in the planning committee that supported the original partnership with IMPACT.
Serving with President Tate on the executive committee is Vice President of Operations Connie Plummer, Vice President of Communication and Development Linda Long, Treasurer Rob Williams, and Officer at Large Marcia Reinagel. These officers are a part of a twelve-member board of directors composed of greater Vail residents.
There are more people struggling to make ends meet here than I realized until I served on the IMPACT board and began to volunteer at the Vail food bank, said Mrs. Reinagel, a resident of the Senior Academy Village.
The partnership with IMPACT has allowed us to become more knowledgeable, the result was the creation of ReSources, said Mrs. Reinagel. She stressed the importance of our community serving its own.
It is our plan for Vail resident Karen McNinch, who currently serves as program manager, to continue in that position for ReSources, said President Tate. All existing volunteers will be welcome as well. Those people currently being served will continue to be served without interruption, Tate said.
ReSources short-term plan is to continue the food bank and other food programs and to open a thrift store. The thrift store, along with donations and grants, will make ReSources financially solvent. As funding allows, more services and educational programs may be added.
To achieve these goals, several fundraising events are in the works. On November 12th, ReSources will hold the First Annual Vail Championship Cup at del Lago Golf Club. The tournament will tee off at 8:00 AM and include a Ball Drop Contest and a Silent Auction. Other events are being perused including a family oriented “Movie Night under the Stars” and a “Clean Comedy “evening.
To make our mission and vision a reality, we need support from businesses, organizations, and individuals, Tate said. He urges everyone to visit the website www.ReSourcesVail.org to learn more and offer support.
