The 102th Annual AMBUCS National Conference took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills from July 31st – August 3, 2024.
National Conference kicked off in the afternoon of July 31st with an exciting First Timers Meeting led by Melissa Lay and Alex Seltzer. Following the gathering, our opening night dinner was kicked off by National President, Donna Hingtgen, who welcomed over 300 AMBUCS members and prepared them for an exciting week of celebration, education, and reunion. Conference attendees then welcomed motivational speaker, Sean Lewis to the stage. Setting the tone for the week, Sean spoke about his experience with overcoming challenges and finding a new perspective when problems arise. The evening finished with song and dance provided via a private concert from Oklahoma City legends, The Stars Band!
Thursday’s schedule started bright and early with the National Big Hat Club Business Meeting followed by a General Business Session. Fina Nett, from the Oklahoma Chapter, posted the American flag, and National President-Elect, Donna Cartlon-Vish, posted the AMBUCS flag. Trenton Thompson, from the ABC of Springfield, led the pledge of allegiance.
National President, Donna Hingtgen introduced the National Board of Directors and officially called to order the first General Session of Conference. CEO Jessica Walls introduced the ARC team, conference volunteers and began role call, followed by the 2023-2024 Annual Report.
After the morning session, Big Hatters rolled right into the National Big Hat Lunch and Auction. At the lunch, Fina Nett became Big Hat President, Terry Lanham, became Vice President and Leo Hull came on board as Secretary/Treasurer. The event raised over $23,000.
The action continued Thursday afternoon with the Tulsa Amtryke build. Conference attendees lined up to help prepare Amtrykes for the Great Amtryke Giveaway on Saturday. This year, 30 trykes were built for local Tulsa residents.
Also on Thursday, attendees could join on the Tulsa bus tour, or spend the afternoon enjoying the city, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones.
Friday’s activities began with Region Caucuses, where chapters received awards, conducted regional business, and heard from candidates for national office.
At the Foundation program, National President Elect, Donna-Carlton Vish, recognized 63 William L White donors (gave at least $1,000) between last year’s conference and this year’s followed by recognition of Named Scholarship individuals and chapters. This award is given to those who reached the $10,000 milestone during the 2022-2023 and will now have Named scholarships in their honor or in honor or memory of a person of their choosing.
Also at the Foundation program, Matthew Taylor was named National Therapist of the Year. Matthew holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has gone above and beyond to volunteer and pour his heart and soul into supporting AMBUCS.
The special guest for the Foundation program was Amanda Dickinson. Amanda is a professor, writer, former public school teacher, and founder of the Mighty Miracles Foundation. In an emotional and inspiring presentation, Amanda shared about her son Kaleb and how her local AMBUCS chapter has been a constant source of support for her family.
Following lunch, attendees gathered for our Education Sessions. Topics included AMBUCS technology resources, AEFT instructor training, Big Hat leadership pathways, Scholarships, Donating as a Retiree, Graphic design tools, Storytelling, and an interactive session on building the new Amtryke model. (Visit the AMUBCS HUB to view presentations).
Immediately following the education sessions, everyone joined together for a high energy Awards Ceremony. The Achievement Awards given at this event included: Noon Network won for Newsletter, ETX AMBUCS won Visibility, Oklahoma City won Community Service, and Litiz Chapter, won the Charities Award with an average of $2,202 in giving per member!
On Saturday, the final day of the conference, started out with the 19th annual Trek 4 Trykes Walk-A-Thon to provide Amtrykes for riders on the AMBUCS National Wish List. Over 68 walkers enjoyed the riverside walk, sporting tie-dyed t-shirts! The event raised over $12,200.
Saturday’s General Business Session began with the presentation of colors from the Buffalo Soldiers. Later in the session, attendees were treated to a keynote speech by Dr. Brenda Rineheart. She shared her story of adopting her three girls with Down syndrome from China. After she spoke, her daughters were each presented with a new Amtryke that they had been fitted for earlier that morning.
Then the afternoon so many had been waiting for arrived. The Great Amtryke Giveaway started at 1:00 p.m., and over the next several hours, more than 30 Amtrykes were given away at the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills to riders of all ages. It was a great afternoon, with many volunteer therapists, mechanics, and runners working to fit the riders. The room was electric and emotional as AMBUCS donors, families, and community members cheered everyone on.
After a short break, the evening began with the President-Elect’s Reception, followed by the procession of national officers, and the President’s Dinner. AMBUCS members were well-dressed for the occasion.
The two highest AMBUCS awards were given out: Paula Watson (Woodward Mid-Day Chapter) won Project Manager of the Year, and Jackie Ruis (Mid Cities) won Ambuc of the Year.
Outgoing national, regional, and district officers were thanked, and new officers were sworn in.
Then, Sergeant-at-Arms Danny Blubaugh of Enid AM Chapter gave his report to much fear and laughter. Outgoing National President Donna Hingtgen was recognized for her year of service and made her farewell remarks, becoming the Immediate Past National President. Gordon Shaw of the Great Plains chapter was sworn in as National President-Elect. Donna Carlton-Vish of the Danville, Emerald Coast, and Greater Indy Friends chapter was sworn in as National President.
For her acceptance speech, National President Donna Carlton-Vish expressed gratitude, excitement, and her vision for the year ahead before pledging to faithfully carry out her office.
Thank you to all who attended and to those who helped make this conference a success. Shoulders Together!
