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The 1999-2000 Texas District Theme:  Members...The Heart of Pilot

Our Roots:

The Texas District of Pilot as we know it today, was born in the early 1930's. Originally known as District 5 and then District 8, Texas Pilots received the name Texas District of Pilot International in 1977. The 62 clubs are operating today as clubs of the Texas District.

Today's Membership

During the 1997-1998 Pilot year, the Texas District enjoyed it's strongest "growth spurt" since 1984 with the chartering of three new clubs -- the Pilot Club of Wills Point, the Pilot Club of Hughes Springs, and the Pilot Club of Highlands -- resulting in a gain of over 100 new Texas District Pilots. According to available records, the oldest existing Pilot Club in the Texas District is the Pilot Club of Beaumont, which conducts business under Charter No.67, dated October 27, 1937. The Pilot Club of Beaumont is also the home club of three Texas District Governors: Marguerite Dimerling, Kristal Krimmel, and Juanita Jenkins(deceased); Marguerite Dimerling has also served on the International level, as Pilot International President from 1953-1954.

As of October 10, 1998, the Texas District membership records indicate there are close to 1800 Pilots in the Texas District, engaged in wonderful "hands-on" service projects, through the activities of 62 clubs. The Texas District is one of the largest districts in Pilot International, second only to the Florida District in total membership. There is a determined effort being made within the Texas District during the current Pilot year to reach the "2000 in the year 2000" membership goal a year early! In addition, the Pilot Texans have been pitted against (excuse the pun) the Pilot Georgia Peaches, in a net membership gain competition, with the battlecry, "Remember the Alamo" being heard around the great Texas District as the year progresses, and membership climbs steadily. It is the philosophy, however, of the Texas District leadership, that most important in our quest for new Pilots is that we "RETAIN" our current core membership in each club. The best construction is done on a "solid foundation".

We Love To Get Together

A sincere "Ya'll Come!" is a familiar phrase in the ranks of all Texas District Pilots during the Fall and Spring of each year, for that's when the District leadership provides its members an opportunity to personally exchange ideas and develop and maintain many great Pilot friendships through Fall Workshops and a District Convention.

Fall Workshops are one day events in which members of the DEC and Appointees present topics of interest and officer training to Texas District Pilots who have gathered in geographical regions. The DEC and appointees travel from region to region for four weekends during September and October, touching as many as 400 - 500 Texas Pilots. Those Pilots in attendance find the day to be jam packed with exchange of ideas on projects and fund raising, PIF information is shared, and Anchor and youth activities are touched on. Motivational and Leadership speakers are secured -- from inside and out of the Pilot family -- and in general, Texas Pilots are treated to a great Saturday of fun, sharing and learning.

The Texas District Convention this year will be held in Houston on April 28-30, 2000.

Service Projects and Fund Raising In Texas

Texas District Pilots perform many and varied service projects within their communities. Favorite projects include participating in Alzheimer's walks and providing continued and regularly scheduled activities at nursing homes and centers for those physical and mental disabilities. The majority of clubs support a local scholarship program for high school students, and many are noticed for their participation in activities which support local family crisis centers. Texas Pilots can be seen taking part in beautification and restoration projects within their communities through involvement with Main Street programs, planting trees and flowers, community celebrations and holiday parades. Lifeline continues to be underwritten by many Texas District Pilot clubs.

Fund Raising within Texas District Pilot Clubs can also be considered "fun" raising as well. From the small clubs to the large, food is the center of many Pilot activities. There are spaghetti suppers and lunches, country suppers, salad luncheons, and bar-b-que sold by the plate and by the pound. Bake sales abound, and there are even several "A Taste of" Events. Autumn, Christmas and Spring find many clubs combining a food event with silent and live auctions, fashion shows, and give-aways to produce a big holiday extravaganza or even a National Secretaries Day observance. Grocery grabs have become popular, and one club even raises funds from selling the small decorative pins that Pilots love to trade at conventions.

Are you interested in finding out more about Texas District Pilots -- who they are and what they do? If so, contact the 1999-2000 Texas District Governor, Gay E. Kiker. She'll be happy to answer your questions, take your comments, and refer you to someone who can provide additional information about the Texas District of Pilot International.

Send E-mail: gay.kiker@twc.state.tx.us or kiker@sat.net

This website is maintained by Brian English.  For a website for yourself or your organization, contact me at elwood0@usa.net
For problems or questions regarding this web contact glenrose@sig.net.
Last updated: August 16, 1999.