The much awaited Black and White Ball event of The 3000 Club was held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel. Nearly 300 people - valley community leaders, business owners, individuals, profit and non-profit organizations, members and supporters of The 3000 Club - have come together and made this evening a great success!

Lon Taylor strongly encouraged the attendees to support The 3000 Club because not only are we attempting to save over 30 million pounds of produce from being thrown in the dump every single year but we have started reclaiming medical equipment and supplies to have a greener future. Most of you have seen how The 3000 Club has evolved since its formal introduction in May of 2008. As we are creating more public awareness about the ongoing waste, we are also creating excitement with many who want to become involved.

We received numerous compliments from the attendees who enjoyed hearing the vocals of Eric Velada and Isabelle Davis and watching the Ballroom exhibitions from Carmi Racoma and Jessie Navarro. While many have ballroom danced, many have also enjoyed the line dancing which went on until midnight!

The Miss Asia Arizona Beauty Pageant Fashion Show was a great hit with the beautiful women displaying their evening gowns and national costumes. We thank Nina Kasuga, Miss Asia Arizona 2008 and her court Rachanee Jaurequi, Miss Asia Arizona 2008 First Princess, Kajal Patel, Miss Asia Arizona 2008 Third Princess and the other models and staff for a spectacularl fashion show.

Of course, this would not have been possible without the wonderful support from its Founder and Executive Director, Gene Flores. Gene founded Miss Asia Arizona Pageant in November 2002 with a vision of uniting the growing Asian/Pacific Islander community in Arizona. Gene Flores is a celebrity in his own right, dubbed the Ricky Martin of the Philippines and former Mr. Asia of California. We appreciate your taking the time from your hectic schedule to be a part of this big event.

I want to thank Les Gin, President of Asian Bank, my co-host for sharing the opportunity to recognize The 3000 Club Ambassadors and our Event Sponsors. He was able to work the entire room, acknowledging everyone and calling out the raffle winners .

The 3000 Club had its first annual Ball at the Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel with over 250 guests. Here are some highlights with Lon Taylor, Don Stewart, Ethel Luzario, Yolanda Soto and Kerry Ketchum.

Lon Taylor is the Founder of The 3000 Club which is a charitable organization that rescues 30 million pounds of fresh produce from being thrown away in landfills. This produce comes from the Nogales and is sorted, boxed, and loaded onto trucks to go to food banks. Help feed hungry children. Lon challenges you to become a sponsor for just $100.

On Friday, October 10, 2008, Lon Taylor, Ethel Luzario, Patty Figueroa, and Donna Anderson of The 3000 Club joined the delegation of the Lions members of Arizona District 21B and 21C and traveled to Caborca, Mexico. Caborca is located in the Northwestern part of the State of Sonora, 90 miles South of Lukeville, Arizona, and 200 miles Southwest of Tucson, Arizona.

The party brought with them a Phaco emulsification machine which was donated by the Phoenix Phil-Am Lions Club of which Lon and Ethel are members of. This particular machine will provide a safer and more effective method of eye surgery that will allow the patient to walk immediately after the procedure and resume their normal activities within a few days.

The 3000 Club was also instrumental in shipping over $225,000 worth of used medical equipment to Mexico last month. It is hoped that we will be able to transport used medical equipment more often, to benefit the underprivileged people of Mexico.

Plans are currently under way for a possible eye cataract surgical mission in the early part of January 2009, for which The 3000 Club is looking into partnering with the Phoenix Phil-Am Lions.