Photos on this page are compliments of Evelyn Mangilet

PCH Year 2001 Drive a Success

Barryzona's Southwest Magic has concluded its 2001 drive for the bio-behaviorial unit of Phoenix Children's Hospital. With many donations from its members, and the profits of many items sold on Ebay, Barryzona's members were able to contribute approximately $1,800 of toys, videos, a karokee machine with CDs and television, and other age related items. Our presentation was made on December 12th to the above unit and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Through the year 2001, we have raised over $13,000 for charities in our community. Our members have been extremely generous during these years, and have opened their hearts and pocketbooks to "our kids."

The kids and staff at Phoenix Children's Hospital were very grateful, and we all had a super time playing with the toys during our presentation. The karokee machine was a big hit, and we know it will be put to good use in this bio-behavioral unit.

Some snacks and drinks were served, and candy canes were abundant for "our kids."

The hospital presented Barryzona with a beautiful plaque done in black, beveled glass. We were extremely touched by this gift to our club. The plaque shows a picture on the front with many, many kids all dressed in PCH tee-shirts in different colors, and a note in the middle saying,

Barryzona's Charity Year 2000 Drive
Phoenix Children's Hospital

Submarine Bay Sub-Acute has been our adopted unit since '97, and we were very pleased to see during our visit there just a few weeks ago, that all of our donated items have been put to very good use.

Right across the hall from Submarine Bay Sub-Acute, there is an "almost always forgotten" unit called the Bio-Behavioral unit, or more commonly referred to as the children's psychiatric unit. This particular unit houses 10 kids at a time, from the ages of 3 yrs. to 12 years. When they come to this unit, these "wee people" are totally out of control, so this unit acts as a "bandaid" so to speak to stabilize these kids. Their stay there is quite short, usually one to three weeks. After they are stablized then they can be returned to their home environment where they get continued care in out-patient or though private counselors.

During a trip to this unit recently, it was fairly obvious that this bio-behavioral unit is in need of many, many things. The unit is just about barren including a closet where toys are kept. Both the unit, and the toy closet, are void of many items that the kids need while staying there. It was pretty clear that we needed to put a lot of effort into helping this unit as well. This will be a real challenge for Barryzona's members and we feel we're up to this challenge.

So this year, in December of 2000, it is our goal to present Submarine Bay, Sub-Acute with a check so that they may purchase their needed VCR's, and to supply the Bio-Behavioral unit with lots of wonderful items for their unit.

We'll do a large presentation in the Bio-Behavioral unit the first week of December. Del Parent, our webmaster, has once again volunteered to assist our helpers donned in his Santa outfit. After all, elves can't go anywhere unless Santa comes also.

We're also negotiating with "Toys R Us" at this time to acquire "Jeffrey the Giraffe" for that same day. We hope to keep "Jeffrey," "Santa," and the "elves" quite busy. We know the kids will just be so thrilled, and we look forward to this day with eager anticipation.

We've already kicked off this drive, by selling candles, having an auction within Barryzona, and also listing donated items on Ebay. We've done very well with these three endeavors, but we still need help.

If you feel you could help in some way, please let Janice Jastowski know. She would be most happy to hear from you.

Thanks everyone for your participation and your support for our "little people."
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Barry Bargains

Barryzona's Southwest Magic offers many items for sale to help raise funds for our annual charity drives. If you would like any of the items listed on our Barry Bargains page, please let Janice Jastowski know.

All items are priced to include shipping, and are usually shipped within 10 to 14 days.

Go To The Bargain List                  Return to HomePage

Barry's June 2000 Birthday A Little Different !

We wanted to do something somewhat different this year for Barry's birthday.

We learned of a high school student named Robert who was in an accelerated Japanese program in his school. Robert, due to tragic circumstances was unable to raise enough money for his long-planned school trip to Japan, a topic very near and dear to his heart.

One of Barryzona's members spear-headed a drive within her state to raise $2,500 (the balance due), from corporations and private donations so that Robert could participate in his class trip.

Barryzona helped with this endeavor in the form of a check for $100 for Robert's fund, and it was donated in Barry Manilow's name.

We're most proud of our Barryzona member, Rachel, who saw a need, had a vision that Robert most deservedly should be able to go, and proceeded to raise funds to finance his trip to Japan. We're most happy to tell all of you that Robert did go to Japan, had an absolutely fabulous time, and just recently we received a thank-you card from him thanking us and Barry Manilow. This card has been forwarded to Barry along with some pictures Robert took of Japan which he enclosed with his note.

In addition to the donation for Robert, we asked our members much earlier in the year to select a facility of their choice where they thought they could be of some help, and make the arrangements to be a volunteer for whatever hours they were in a position to give for Barry's June birthday. All the hours donated would be given in Barry Manilow's name.

Our members did that, and donated in many areas of their communities, such as hospitals, schools, libraries, helping the elderly, and other facilities that needed help. In June, Barryzona's Southwest Magic sent a note to Barry to let him know that our Barryzona members had donated 1,260+ hours to their communities, all in his name. We were so delighted that we could do this for our community and for Barry.

Thank you everyone for supporting our effort for Barry's birthday. You guys are just super!!
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Our Christmas Charity Drive 1999 was very successful!

Photos displayed help tell our story.

Barryzona members Jacqui Parent, Donna Chapman and HIV Housing coordinator, Nancie Rossinow are shown with the car full of items purchased with your charitable donations.

It's rewarding to us all to know that since Barryzona's inception in June of 1997, our members have raised and donated $8,400 to various charities.

Barryzona's Southwest Magic closed its drive in late November, with total contributions in the amount of $1,400. Our drive was a big success, and we thank all of Barryzona's members, as well as all the great people who participated. Barryzona used several avenues to obtain the money needed to sponsor 14 HIV families with clothing, housewares and toys. We conducted an auction from our web site, conducted a Tupperware catalog party, as well as a Mary Kay catalog party.

A special thank you to Janice Jastowski and Barbara Breuer, and our own Volunteer Webmaster Del Parent, for their great endeavors to raise funds through these means. These people donated their proceeds and talent to help make this drive the success that it has been. Janice and Barbara also paid their own postage when sending out all the catalogs. You guys are just super. We thank everyone for their generous contributions and their support. It's because of all you that some of our HIV families had a super Christmas this year. Without Barryzona's help, there would have been nothing for Christmas for any of these families. Also a special thank you to Don and June Hollister of California for their very generous contribution.

Barryzona sponsored 14 families this holiday season, all HIV affected, by using a supplied wish list from their case managers. Donna Chapman and myself, accompanied by Nancie Rossinow from HIV Care Directions purchased all the items to fill the wish list needs. In addition to the clothing supplied for each child, and in some cases one parent as well, one toy was bought for each child. All of these items were delivered by the respective caseworker in time for the Christmas holiday.

From the bottom of my heart, a big thank you to everyone who helped with this endeavor. You never cease to amaze me year after year. The members of Barryzona deserve a huge pat on the back for a job well done, and though we probably don't say it often enough, you guys are the absolute best.

Since spring of 1999, Barryzona's Southwest Magic has raised and donated $3,400 to charitable agencies in Barry Manilow's name. And since Barryzona's inception in 1997, we've raised an overwhelming $8,400 for charitable organizations. Also, Barryzona's members raised additional funds for the purchase of a Star in memory of Bud Stephens, and to purchase theatre seats for Barry and Bruce Sussman as well.

This is a tremendous accomplishment for all of us, and each of you are to be commended for your great efforts.
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Barry's Birthday Event 1999

Our birthday gift to Barry in June of 1999 was a charitible donation in the amount of $2,000 in toys and clothing to the Child Crisis Center of the East Valley. CCC is a shelter for neglected and abused children ages 4 through 11. The Crisis Center is full about 98% of the time, and in recent months has had to turn away approximately 10 to 12 children a month. All contributions came from our generous Barryzona members who sponsored children from the center for this drive, and purchased clothing and one appropriate toy for each child.

This unit houses 42 children inclusive of the 12 boys ages 4 through 11 who reside at CCC on a permanent basis.

In addition, Barryzona sponsored a "Barry Birthday" party in honor of Barry, but conducted at the Crisis Center, where all of these kids were able to participate. Our items were given to the Child Crisis Center ahead of time, so that the CCC staff would be able to give the items to the kids at the appropriate time. We brought a beautiful sheet cake, all decorated in white and royal blue with a musical staff and notes in the upper left, and lower right hand corners. The cake read, "Barry Manilow and Child Crisis Center Kids", "This One's For You." The kids had an absolutely fantastic time with cake, apple juice, and ice cream. The real tiny little tykes ended up with blue faces from the cake, and it was so great to see them having such a wonderful time. After eating, we played some games with the kids, who just had an absolute ball. And all of us there, just had the greatest time enjoying these kids, and spending some quality time, with all these children.

My deepest thanks and gratitude to all of you who have supported this function and taken care of our children.

The expressions and laughter coming from these kids, was the most rewarding gift of all. My heartfelt thanks to all Barryzona's members, who constantly make me feel so proud to be part of our Manilow family!

We advised Barry of our party, and our drive, and we know he must've been very proud to have all of this done in his name.
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Second Barryzona Bash A Smash!!

Our Second annual Barry Bash was held one June 12, 1999 at the home of then Director, Jacqui Parent located in Arizona. This bash was truly a smash, with members attending from California, New Mexico, Chicago, Florida, and lots of Arizona members.

We shared goodies to eat, watched videos, listened to Barry's music, and talked and talked and talked. Some members tried out the pool, since the temperatures were well over 100 deg. We renewed old friendships, and made lots of new ones. We slept little, ate a lot, and just had an absolute ball. We also participated in a Barry lip synch, which was really fun. We especially enjoyed Susan Marek's sign language interpretation of "Let Me Be Your Wings." It is a gorgeous song, and was signed so beautifully by Susan.

We celebrated the anniversary of Barryzona at Marie Callender's, with a private room, and a boom box with Barry music. The food was delicious, and it was an absolute blast. Jacqui did her lip sync of "Sweet Heaven", with the full Monty, and the room was just consumed in laughter.

The bash concluded with a visit to the Child Crisis Center of the East Valley where we delivered our contributions of clothing and toys, and held Barry's birthday party with 42 children at the center.

What an absolutely great time. We hope more of you can join us next year to celebrate our 3rd Barryzona year.
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1998 Donations Exceed $4,000

In January of 1997, Barryzona adopted Submarine Bay, a sub-acute care unit of Phoenix Children's Hospital. This unit houses kids from 0 to 18 years of age, and their length of stay is from 3 weeks to 8 months. Many, many items were needed for this unit, and this drive was a huge success.

This year we gave Submarine Bay a check in the amount of $1,000 to purchase five VCR's for their unit so that the kids no longer would have to schedule VCR time. These five units totaled 30% of their total VCR need. The units have been installed in the individual rooms, and each VCR has a plaque on it saying they were donated by Barryzona's Southwest Magic in Barry Manilow's name. The five VCR's will help these kids a great deal to make their stay at Submarine Bay less stressful. In conjunction with the VCR donation we donated $3,000 in assorted toys from Tonka trucks and craft kits to videos and everything in-between, which satisfied all of the needs on their Wish List. This year, there was a greater need for items for the older age kids.

Some corporate sponsors were obtained this year to help with this fundraiser, but the majority of the donations came from Barryzona's members who dug deep into their pocketbooks and hearts to make Christmas a joy for this sick children.

On December 4th of 1998, members of Barryzona's Southwest Magic, accompanied by Santa, went to Submarine Bay with our donations. Santa listened to the kids' wishes and we gave out fun books and crayons. After leaving Submarine Bay, we proceeded to the psychiatric unit and continued there. Subsequent to that, we toured bed-to-bed in the Towers to approximately 160 kids, giving out fun books and rattles along the way. It was such a joy to see the faces of these sick kids when they saw Santa, probably for the first time that holiday season. When we entered one little guy's room, Santa said, "here you are....I've been looking everywhere for you." This child's eyes lit up like Christmas lights, and were as big as saucers and you could just see the delight on his little face. This was an awesome experience for us, and we're so happy we were able to help these kids.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who made this drive the success that it was. Each and every one of you should be so very proud of your accomplishments. You helped these sick kids get through the very stressful Christmas period, with lots of new things to share. And I believe, we can speak for Phoenix Children's Hospital when I tell you that you guys are absolutely awesome. Thanks for all your efforts. I pray that your 1999 will be healthy, prosperous, and full of love, and may God Bless.
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PCH 1997 Fundraiser Nets $1,100

In December of 1997, the members of Barryzona's Southwest Magic, and other internet Barry fans, provided PCH with approximately $1,100 in items, including baby bibs, rattles, teethers, and socks, as well as toys, games, puzzles, books, videos, crayons, Barbies, and many other gift items as well.

Some cash was donated and after receiving all the donations, on December 5th, Conni T and I went shopping at Target, accompanied by our NBC TV Phoenix affiliate who shopped with us....we shopped for toys with the money, and the manager of Target gave us an additional $100 to add to our PCH fund. Channel 12 in Phoenix was wonderful with lots of video taping of this event, and the guys themselves, we think, had a great time.

After the shopping, Channel 12 accompanied us back here to the house where we had all the other items put into containers for donations. They video-taped an interview with Conni and me to put into a segment regarding Barryzona's Southwest Magic, Barry, and the holiday drive for Phoenix Children's Hospital. The segment aired on our local Channel 12 on December 14th on the 6:00 p.m. news. It was wonderful, and extremely well done. They used Barry's "Because It's Christmas" song as background music.

On Wednesday, December 10th, Conni and I went to PCH, and, again accompanied by Channel 12 who video-taped the event, we presented the hospital with our items. The unit our contributions will help has only been opened since August; it's what they call a sub-acute care unit, or Submarine Bay, where children will be spending quite some time there, and this unit has nothing at all in the way of toys, or clothing, etc. So it was quite an awesome feeling to know that we had made a huge difference in the lives of these kids.

As soon as we were escorted to the floor of this unit, we were greeted by our official ambassador, a little three-year old guy in a wheelchair named Levi. His face just beamed from ear to ear when he saw the toys we were bringing in. Gosh, I really kind of lost it, and had tears streaming down my face...couldn't help it...this little guy just stole my heart away. We had a great time, playing with him and racing cars and getting hugs from him and throwing Kooshballs back and forth.

On the wall, was a huge sign that some of the kids at PCH had signed, and it said, "Barry Manilow Fan Club Thank You PCH Kids......" Gosh, it took my breath away to see this awesome piece of work by such great kids.......I think if Barry could've been there, his heart would've skipped a beat as well...It was an amazing experience all around, and I am so proud of everyone who helped make this drive the huge success that it has been.

A very special thank-you to all of you from Barryzona's Southwest Magic, and the children of Phoenix Children's Hospital.
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Front Row Center

We think it might be safe, to say that the best seats in any venue are those in the front row CENTER. And this is what Barry received for his June birthday. This is a life-time gift for "Our Man" to commemorate the launching of Harmony. Some members from Barryzona visited the theatre in June to look at the plaques displayed on the seats, and it just felt so great to sit in those seats.

The theatre has planned to display a seating plan with the seat-owners' names in each place, in an appropriate wall space which will be a permanent location for the seating plan diplay.

Also, once again, our wonderful "Barryzona" reporter, Mitch Truswell from NBC's Arizona affiliate Channel 12 was on the scene with his camera crew to report on this endeavor. The segment was absolutely great and aired during the Saturday morning news on June 13, 1998.
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Barry Acknowledges Gift

The Phoenix Theatre received a fax from Barry on June 18^th, which read as follows:

"June 18, 1998

Dear Mr. Meza:

What a great birthday surprise!

Thanks so much for the information about the fan club's gift. And thanks, also, for the birthday wishes.

My fans are the greatest people in the world and this thoughtful and beautiful gift just proves that fact even more. They never fail to move me and make me grateful for having them in my life.

Next time I'm performing in Phoenix, I'd love to come and see your theatre. I'll have my associate Marc Hulett call you.
Thanks again."

Barry Manilow

(The members of Barryzona deeply appreciate this fax Barry sent to the theatre)
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Theater Seats In Barry's Name

Barryzona's Southwest Magic purchased two seats at Phoenix Theatre, located in the front row CENTER, Seats 105 and 106. The money given to the theatre to purchase these seats seats will be used to help support the theatre in its future endeavors. Phoenix Theatre is the oldest theatre in Phoenix, and was established in 1920.

The backs of each seat hold a plaque measuring 1" x 8". One seat says Barry Manilow; the second one, Bruce Sussman.

The programs issued for all performances at this theatre state:

Barryzona's Southwest Magic
To Commemorate Harmony
Barry Manilow
Bruce Sussman

A seating plan is located in the lobby of the theatre on an easel which contains all the names of the seat owners. Barry and Bruce's names appear on this seating plan. When all the seats are sold, the plan will be framed and mounted on a special place in the theatre.

The members of Barryzona's Southwest Magic also received a note from Barry Manilow thanking the club for purchasing this birthday gift for him. He was very touched and moved.

We were so happy to have been able to purchase this wonderful and meaningful gift for Barry to commemorate the launching of Harmony.
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Barryzona Celebrates its First Year

On June 20, 1998, Barryzona held its first Barryzona Bash, which consisted of a work-day at Phoenix Children's Hospital, followed by a dinner at Marie Callender's in celebration of Barry's birthday and then a party at the home of Jacqui Parent.

To say, we had a ball would be an understatement. Thanks to those who attended: Joy Gourley, Tricia Gourley, Michelle Broberg, Renee Broberg, Beverly Garrissi from Whittier California, Cheryl Stuart from La Habra, California, Susan Marek, Conni Troisi, Laurie Picard and Carol Flood.

We shared lots of good food, listened to all of Barry's hits, and watched Barry videos. All our members were with us in spirit, and we hope all of you will be able to join us next time. Thanks everyone for a great successful year!!
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