As we grow, we are constantly learning that for many of our members, Corvettes Anonymous is but an extension of their own reaching out to assist others. While The Couch is dedicated to providing Members an opportunity to talk about our collective and wonderful Problem, Kudos is dedicated to sharing some of the beautiful things several of our Members are doing. 

In my humble opinion, what we are trying to accomplish through Corvettes Anonymous pales in comparison. 

We are in awe and simply want to say THANK YOU! 

Names are presented only by permission so if you would like to share your activities, it would be ourhonor to add them to this page.



Richie Shields Has A Problem!  You only need to see his Couch session to realize that!  But Richie's problem isn't just his passion for Corvettes, or the fact that as President of Long Island Vettes he has a constantly full plate.  His problem is That Little Voice that as he puts it, "lives inside my head slightly above and a bit to the rear of my right ear I believe."

Last December, Richie was contacted by an anxious Mom who wanted to surprise her son with a very special Birthday Wish.

You see, her son has ALS ~ Lou Gerhig’s disease.

Richie’s response and Call To Action is a compelling story but you need to read it in his own words.  To read the story Click Here


Richie, KUDOS to you and to everyone who answered your Call.




Sometimes the Problem isn't the Corvette, it is finding time to enjoy it…. We have learned that YnkeDad and TXMomma give a tremendous amount of their time to charitable causes. 

YnkeDad shared this note ~ We're not members of a Corvette Club where Vetter's get together and do charitable events etc. for the needy. We're by No means against Corvette Club Membership! We just haven’t found the right club….Yet!

Instead, we are new to the Corvette scene and will attend as many events as we can, especially the ones for a good cause!  But, that isn't enough for us, so we joined Corvettes Anonymous.  It gives US another opportunity to do some good through our Vettes without being "Club Members".

My wife, two children and I participate in the soup kitchen on Thursdays, making meals and serving them to those in need. We also participate in Meals On Wheels every Tuesday, delivering hot meals to people who are less fortunate, or are just unable to prepare meals for themselves.

On a 24/7 basis here a home , we take care of three ladies who are mentally challenged. We teach them daily life skills as well as give them a place they can call home. They're now a part of our family, as they've been with us ranging from 4 to 6 years. 

Tom, keep up the great work!

We have also learned that in addition to all of this, Ray and Angel also sponsor two children in Africa through "Hope Child".  Kudos For Sure to YnkeDad & TXMomma from Weirsdale FL!






Fraternal organizations seem to have fallen out of favor in the past 15 years or so. I think one of the reasons this has happened is due the Public’s a lack of understanding of the real “good” that these organizations do for the community.  We sort of fly under the radar of public view.

 
The efforts of the Moose organization are not widely known, but we have Mooseheart; a "Child City" outside of Aurora IL, that occupies 1200 acres, has it's own power plant, utilities, and even it's own zip code. There, we take in orphans and children who need a home.

The kids are segregated by age, and live in houses that hold 8-10 kids each. Each house has a couple that serves as foster parents to the children and live in the houses with the kids. Many of the counselors ~ most of whom have Masters degrees ~ who live with the kids are former graduates of Mooseheart who believe they should return to help others.

That in and of itself is quite a compliment to the effectiveness of the program.

 I believe we have around 300 kids, ranging from infants to seniors in high school, residing there now. There is a K-12 school on site, and all graduates are offered college tuition.






We also have Moosehaven; a retirement home for Seniors that includes Assisted Living cottages, located on the East Coast of Florida.

I am Governor of our local Moose Lodge.

Every year we host Easter and Halloween functions for local kids and the average attendance is over 300 kids. 


We host a free Thanksgiving dinner for Seniors and people who cannot afford or do not have anyone to enjoy Thanksgiving with. This year served about 200 meals in our Hall and delivered 150 meals to shut-ins and Seniors on Thanksgiving day.

Additionally, our local Lodge also gives several thousand dollars each year in scholarships to our local high school graduates. Finally we offer our lodge facilities free for community events including benefits to raise funds for needy causes.

Our lodge activities are run entirely by volunteers, and all funds raised go to support Mooseheart, and Moosehaven, or to local charities and scholarship funds.

I might add that my Partner Kay, is very active in our lodge also.

She and I had the honor of attending High School graduation ceremonies at Mooseheart last year. When those kids stood up and applauded those of us that attended, it brought tears to my eyes.

I have been very fortunate in my life-I have a nice family, good job, great health, survived two tours in Vietnam, and I own a Corvette! Couldn't ask for more, so I have to try to give something to those not as fortunate.  Moose International is the website for our national organization.    Jim Pace and Kay Deist, Baxter MN

~ Post Script ~

Our Couch session is great, Tom!

In effect, what you have started is also a fraternal organization, a group of those with a shared interest that band together for the greater common good. I think all of us that are involved do so because we believe, as you have said, we should make a difference where we can and when we can.

I have always believed that if each of us would just try a little the combined effort would change the world into a much better place.

Who knows where CA may grow from here? I would bet the response has astounded you. There are good people everywhere ~ some just need a conduit they can trust.

Keep up the good deeds Tom, and you will find the personal rewards are unbelievable.

They have already been both staggering and humbling. Thank You Jim! 





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