Who are the Sullivan AmBucs?

AMBUCS^™ is an acronym of American Business Clubs or A-B-C which has been interpreted to stand for Americanism, Brotherhood, and Character. AMBUCS^™ is a national service organization which provide fun and innovative service opportunities for people who want to help their community but do not necessarily have a lot of time. By working together, Ambuc volunteers make the time they have more beneficial. "AMBUCS^™ are diverse group of men and women dedicated to creating independence and opportunities for people with disabilities, by service to their community, by providing 'Amtrykes' to disabled children, and by awarding scholarships to physical therapy students" Currently, there are approximately 6,000 AMBUCS^™ members in over 120 chapters located in 18 states.

What does AMBUCS^™ do?

During our life we are called in various ways to help or care for friends and relatives in need of our assistance and support. By combining "weird science",(some call it synergy) and our resource of highly talented members, our club has served Sullivan and Moultrie County  for more than 45 years. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for independence for people with disabilities by: performing community service, providing Amtrykes to children with special needs, and awarding scholarships for therapists

Community Service:

Here are just some of the charities to whom we have given financial support or sponsorship over the years:

· Sullivan Head Start Little Talkers Program

· Sponsoring Organization of Sullivan Cub Scout Pack 39

· Proud Supporter of The Sullivan Elementary School’s Autism Program

· Meals on Wheels

· Children's Rehabilitation Center

· Many, Many Others

AmTrykes ^®:

Every day we see children with special needs. Needs that significantly impact their growth and independence. With an "AmTryke" many of these kids could gain a higher leve of mobility and independence. Regrettable but the special materials, engineering and safety requirements on these therapeutic tricycles cause the price to be beyond many parent's budget. AMBUCS^™ can make a difference. Purchasing in large quantities direct from the manufacturer eliminates the retailer-markup. We pay only about a third amount of the individual retail price and this allows us to give AmTrykes to a greater number of needful children.

Scholarships:

Our Members support the National Scholarship Program through contributions to the "Living Endowment Fund", personal memorials, and donations from friends. We also believe that we share an obligation to our community. Therefore, we provide funding or administrative oversight for two local scholarships in the Sullivan area.

Ramp Building:
Building ramps to create accessible homes and businesses is another project which Sullivan Ambucs hold close to their hearts.  In the last years we have averaged 6 ramps per year, donating on average 50 BUC-hours per ramp.  Materials cost varies with the size of a ramp, with a 50 foot ramp costing right at $1,000.  Materials Costs are funded by fundraisers such as our newest, Shotgun Manor.

Why should I join AMBUCS^™?

In simple words, FUN, SERVICE, DUTY, & MUTUAL SELF-INTEREST.

FUN:

You would be joining a gregarious group of men who work together to help people and charitable organizations in their community. With AMBUCS^™, friendships are developed and many of those friendships last a lifetime. AMBUCS^™ provide a cheerful attitude without stress or demand. As you work shoulder to shoulder with your fellow volunteers, you'll contribute to club activities and goals. The pressure of competition is only what you demand of yourself giving you the opportunity to enjoy what you do.

SERVICE:

The majority of us are born with an instinct to help and look after one another. Service and help to others is what AMBUCS^™ are all about. When you join AMBUCS^™, you join a group that is ready to make a difference. Working on local and national service projects and raising funds to support these projects generate intense satisfaction and pride.

DUTY:

AMBUCS^™ believe that every responsible individual owes something, (civic rent), to the community in which they live. We are family with our community and our country, and we take pride in fulfilling our family obligations.

MUTUAL SELF-INTEREST:

To quote the poet John Donne...Meditation XVII: No Man is an island...

All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated...As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come...No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in [all] mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.^[2]

Attending AMBUCS ^™ meetings and special events as well as working on a wide variety of service projects increase people interaction and promote common causes.

How do I become an AMBUC^™?

Membership in AMBUCS^™ is by invitation only. However, we are alway looking for caring individuals who would like to join our club.
Are other civic clubs to demanding, to stiff and formal, to big, or just to expensive?
We may be the club for you. If you are interested in....

· a fun way to serve

· a fulfilling way to use spare time

· an opportunity to help children with special needs

· a way to give back for the blessing in your life

· the fellowship of good people

· lasting friendships

· a connection to your community

· a club that will make a difference in your life

YOUR SEARCH IS OVER! Make Sullivan AMBUCS^™ your club

Except for holidays we meet the first and third Thursdays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at the Ambuc Hall in Sullivan.

Come by or call (217) 728-7361 and ask for Gordie or email woodins@wireless111.com for more details on membership.