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The Military and Veterans Committee
VP'S CORNER
Mike Esmond
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TCBA Vice President 2021-2022
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s view of overcoming poverty as an act of justice was grounded in his belief that the right to dignity and a decent life was a fundamental human right that requires protection. In that same spirit, members of the TCBA and TCBF generously devote their energy to countless organizations that help to improve the lives of needy Tulsans. Some of my earliest and fondest memories of participation in the TCBA and TCBF were working on the Community Outreach Committee under the leadership of Jodi Jayne (now Judge Jayne) and Chad McLain, and later serving as chair of the Committee myself. The Committee is currently chaired by Ashley Webb, and has been for the past several years. While some of the programs have changed over time, the central focus of the Committee has not. It continues to support charitable causes, like the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless and Family & Children’s Services, that strive to provide dignity and a decent life to Tulsans in need. While the Committee does good deeds all year round, its work during the holiday season is especially rewarding. Last month, the Committee coordinated one of its regular Eat Out for a Cause events, where Dalesandro’s donated 20% of food sales on November 18th for the benefit of Fostering Connections, an organization that strives to improve the lives of abused and neglected children in Tulsa and contiguous counties. This month, the Committee, in partnership with the TCBA Children & the Law Committee and the TCBA Juvenile Law Section, is conducting the annual Holiday Challenge to “adopt” families for the holidays through Family & Children’s Services and raise money to benefit children in foster care through Fostering Connections’ holiday program. These initiatives of the Community Outreach Committee help to make the holiday season special for families in our community. If you see Ashley, be sure to thank him for his dedication to the TCBA and the Community Outreach Committee and ask him how you can get involved.
