"On behalf of Sun City Mesquite, we are so very proud and very pleased to honor you with $3,830 for the Mesquite Veterans Center," Deborah Demos said. She, along with Karey Belanger and Sydney Young, all representing Sun City Mesquite, presented the money to Cliff Jenkins, President of the Veterans Center, and Ken Maynard, Vice President of the Center, on Wednesday, July 18.

Demos explained that the money had been raised from putting tournaments, bingo, billiard tournaments, and raffles held in the Sun City Mesquite subdivision. "We even have one homeowner who donates all her notary public fees directly to the Mesquite Veterans Center."

Sun City Mesquite homeowners have frequently made generous donations to the Veterans Center over time, most notably raising $48,000 several years ago for its building fund.

This is the third year in a row that the residents have raised significant amounts of money during special events on Armed Forces Day that have helped provide operating funds for the Center. Sun City Mesquite also provides space and staff in its Recreation Center for an annual Veterans Health Day. The event is scheduled for some time in October this year.

"I don't know what to say," Jenkins commented as he accepted the gift. "I was there on Armed Forces Day and I could not believe that so many people were out there at 6:30 in the morning. It was a remarkable function. We are so happy to be a part of your community as well as the whole town of Mesquite."

"You kept the amount from me for a while," Jenkins teased, "but I never realized it would be this much."

"You'll be able to use the money for your operating expenses," Demos said. "We have officially dedicated every Armed Forces Day to the Mesquite Veterans Center."

"We thank you and all the residents of Sun City that are so involved all the time," Jenkins said.