• GIVING Tuesday – Check to see if your city or state does one or do your own.
• Noon Network – Bid appetite
• Clinton – Christmas Candy Boxes
• OKC – Clay Golf
• Grapevine – Cornhole
• West Norton– Wine Tasting
• Enid AM Too”– Chicken Noodle meal
• Conshohocken – Restaurant Rally (sent email to 3 officers)
• Rock River Valley AM$BUCKS$ Giveaway
• Woodward Mid Day Harvest Festival Ponca City Noon MotoCross
• Ponca City Charity Angels Mum Sale, Wacky Golf, Fireworks Booth Edmond Trivia Owasso Snow Clearing Hutchinson Sweet Treat Shop at Kansas State fair
• Duncan pecan fundraiser Springfield State Fair Southwest: Derby Days (huge $$$$)
• Lubbock Caprock: High School Basketball tournament
• Veterans on Wheels – They manage one of the food/beer booths at the Saints game.
• Lawton, Mesquite, & Amarillo Palo Duro: Pancake Days
• Longview Too: Carmela’s Magic Santa land
• Irving: Purse Bingo, Bass Fishing Tournament, & Style Show Luncheon
• Grapevine: Poker Run, Festivals
• Lititz Craft Beer Fest West Norriton. Wine tasting & auction
• Savannah Adaptive Bowling league
• Sports leagues or concessions at games
• Danville annual $10,000 prize raffle. 300 tickets sold at $100.00 each. Tipping Ambucs working the summer music concerts. Bar stool Golf
• Greater Indy has done Christmas wrapping for Amazon
• Restaurants, like Applebees, have a program specifically for non-profits. Earn a % of the night if mention they are there to support AMBUCS.
• Yard Sales
• Bake Sales
• Craft Fairs
• Golf Tournaments

Thursday’s schedule started bright and early with the National Big Hat Club Business Meeting followed by a General Business Session. Greg Echols, from the Greater Birmingham Chapter, posted the American flag and Number 1 Superior District Governor, Bryan Jester, posted the AMBUCS flag. Diane and Lloyd Seitzer led the pledge of allegiance.

National President, Carmela Davis 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.

Our keynote speaker for the session was David DeSantis. David is an actor with Downs Syndrome who travels around the country sharing his inspiring message of perseverance. Set to music and incredible dance movies, David shared how he overcomes challenges and shares his gifts with the world. David left the audience with valuable lessons and demonstrated that change does really happen, even if just one person at a time.

After the session, Big Hatters rolled right into the National Big Hat Lunch and Auction. At the lunch, Luke Jackson became Big Hat President, Fina Nett, became Vice President and Terry Lanham came on board as Secretary/Treasurer. The event raised over $18,000!

The action continued Thursday afternoon with the Louisville Amtryke build. Conference attendees lined up to help prepare Amtrykes for the Great Amtryke Giveaway on Saturday. This year, 36 trykes were built for local Louisville residents.

Also on Thursday, attendees could join the annual Golf Outing, or spend the afternoon enjoying Louisville, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones.

Friday began with Region Caucuses, where chapters received many awards, conducted region business and heard from candidates for national office.

Friday’s activities began with Region Caucuses, where chapters received awards, conducted region business and heard from candidates for national office.

At the Foundation program, National President Elect, Donna Hingtgen, recognized 29 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, Kathleen Martin was named National Therapist of the Year. Kathleen holds a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy and has gone above and beyond to educate others, support AMBUCS, and promote Amtrykes in her community.

The special guest for the Foundation program was Danielle Pruitt. Danielle has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and was one of Bluegrass Chapter’s first Amtryke recipients in 2017. Despite her physical challenges, Danielle has excelled academically and inspired countless people. During her speech, Danielle shared about how much her Amtryke means to her, provoking a standing ovation.

Following lunch, attendees gathered for our Education Sessions. Topics included digital chapter management and promotion, AEFT training, Amtryke updates, fundraising, growing strong chapters, and supercharging scholarships. (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: Tyler Area, TX won for Newsletter, Ponca City Charity Angels won Visibility, Walker Chapter won Community Service, and Southwest Chapter, won the Charities Award with an average of $14,650 in giving per member!

On Saturday, the final day of the conference, started out with the 18th annual Trek 4 Trykes Walk-A-Thon to provide Amtrykes for riders on the AMBUCS National Wish List. Over 90 walkers enjoyed the riverside walk, sporting Christmas (AMBUCS magic) themed t-shirts! The event raised over $13,000.

At the Saturday General Business Session, Chief Executive Officer Jessica Wall presented the 2022-2023 annual report. The session culminated with the Ambucky Derby with Kelly Moore from the Conshohocken Chapter winning the race by a landslide.

Then, the afternoon so many had been waiting for arrived. The Great Amtryke Giveaway started at 1:00 p.m., and over the course of the next several hours, more than 30 Amtrykes were given away at the Galt House Hotel to riders of all ages. It was a great day, with dozens of 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. Special thanks to the Bluegrass chapter for facilitating the giveaway with local therapists and patients.

After a short break, the evening got going 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: Chuck Gibson (Greenbucs Chapter) won Project Manager of the Year, and Garry Tischler (Grapevine Chapter) won Ambuc of the Year.

Outgoing national, region, 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 Carmela Davis was recognized for her year of service and made her farewell remarks, becoming the Immediate Past National President. Donna Carlton-Vish of the Emerald Coast City Chapter, Danville Chapter and Greater Indy Chapter, was sworn in as National President- Elect. Donna Hingtgen of the Ponca City Charity Angels (Ponca City, OK) was sworn in as National President.

For her acceptance speech, National President Donna Hingtgen expressed gratitude and excitement 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 an success. Shoulders Together!

Since 1955, National AMBUCS, Inc. has awarded scholarships to students pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology and hearing audiology. In 2023, $202,800 in scholarships went to 247 future therapists. We’re thrilled to share this list of AMBUCS Scholars with you.

(Samuel Lopez, 2023 Scholarship Recipient)

On behalf of the National AMBUCS team, we are honored and excited for you to attend the 2023 National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Please see below for conference resources and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Shoulders Together!

Not yet registered?  Click here. 

Galt House Hotel 

140 N Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 7 on-site Restaurants and Bars, Pool, 24-Hour Fitness Center, Laundry and Dry Cleaning

See here for the Galt House website: https://galthouse.com/

Parking

Self-parking is available at a discounted rate of $8/day for all National Conference attendees in the covered garage attached to the hotel. Valet parking is available for $35/day.

Transportation

Uber and Lyft are available in the area, and the city has a robust bus system, the Metro Area Express (MAX). Bus 90, the Magic City Connector, is a tourist-friendly route that makes stops at the Birmingham Museum of Art, City Hall & Linn Park, Vulcan Park, and Downtown Homewood, all for 30¢/ride.

First Timers

If this is your first time attending a national conference, please join us on Wednesday, August 2^nd from 3 pm-4 pm in room Willow for a ‘First Timers’ meeting. Here you can get your questions answered, mingle with other First Timers, and learn about conference rules.

Sign up for Trek for Trykes

Join us as we put our mission in motion and get moving for our 18th Annual Trek 4 Trykes on Saturday morning. You can register in the AMBUCS Store (located in Room Dogwood) all week! 100% of the proceeds raised during this event provide funding for Amtryke adaptive tricycles to people on the AMBUCS National Wish List. Sign up here.

Sponsor an Amtryke 

On Saturday afternoon, we will give away 36 Amtryke to members of the Greater Louisville community at the Great Amtryke giveaway! Sign up to sponsor a tryke here.

Big Hat Club Raffle

The winner of this year’s National Big Hat Club Raffle is getting the trip of a lifetime! Choose from five exceptional adventures for a curated experience worth up to $12,000. $20 donation per ticket or 6 for $100. You can buy tickets from Big Hat officers at the conference, buy virtual tickets online, or mail a check to the AMBUCS Resource Center (postmarked by Friday, July 21) to National AMBUCS, PO Box 5127, High Point, NC 27262. More details on the raffle here.

Trip destinations options include:

• Nashville, Tennessee
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Vero Beach, Florida
• Argentina
• St. Martin

National Big Hat Club Auction

On Thursday, the Big Hat Club Lunch and Auction will be an afternoon of fun, fundraising, and fellowship. This event will also feature the election of the new National Big Hat officers. Support the auction by bringing unique auction items to drive support for the mission.

Do you plan on shipping your Big Hat to the Galt House?

Please see here for shipping rates and instructions. Galt House UPS info.pdf

Wear a Derby hat on Wednesday night (optional)

After the opening dinner on Wednesday, we will Cruise the Ohio River in style. Make sure to wear your finest Kentucky Derby Hat as prizes for Best Hat and Best Dressed will be awarded.

There will be a hat-shaping station in the AMBUCS store. Getting your hat shaped can help it fit better or restore its shape.

Hospitality Suite

Each evening after our program has concluded, the Hospitality Suite will be the place to gather and socialize with your fellow AMBUCS. The Hospitality Suite is located in East Tower Rm 346

President’s dinner 

There will be open seating and no voucher exchange at this year’s President’s Dinner. Only limited reserved seating will be available for speakers and special guests. The dress code is formal to semi-formal.

Louisville local eats and entertainment

See below for documents containing decadent eating options, popular watering holes, and famous tourist attractions.

Louisville 2023 Official Visitor Guide

Know Before You Go – Louisville’s Top Travel Tips.pdf

Schedule of Events: 

Wednesday, August 2, 2023  

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Conference Registration Table Open

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm First Timers Meeting

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm National Big Hat Club Executive Committee Meeting

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm Buffet Dinner at the Galt House

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Board the Belle of Louisville for Riverboat Cruise

7:00 pm Belle of Louisville Departs from Dock | Wear Your Finest Kentucky Derby Hat! Prizes will be awarded.

9:00 pm Belle of Louisville Returns to Dock

Thursday, August 3, 2023

7:30 am – 8:30 am National Big Hat Club Business Meeting

9:00 am – 11:00 am General Business Session

11:15 am – 1:00 pm National Big Hat Club Lunch and Auction (Big Hatters Only)

11:15 am – 1:00 pm Lunch on Your Own (For those not attending the Big Hat Lunch and Auction)

1:00 pm – Until  Free Afternoon/Evening

1:30 pm – 5:30 pm Golf Outing (Must register separately)

1:30 pm – Until Amtryke Build | Possibly Community Service Project

7:00 pm – Until Past National Presidents’ Dinner with Cash Bar (PNPs/Spouses/Guests Only)

Friday, August 4, 2023

8:30 – 9:45 am Regional Caucuses

10:00 am – 12:00 pm Foundation Program (Open to all attendees)

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Giving Society Luncheon (William L. White Society, Amtryke Ambassadors, Chapter Advocates Only)

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch for General Attendees

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Educational Sessions

3:15 pm – 4:45 pm Educational Sessions

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Awards Program (Merit Awards)

7:00 pm – Until Dinner on Your Own

Saturday, August 5, 2023

7:30 am – 9:00 am 18th Annual Trek for Trykes Walk-A-Thon

9:30 am – 11:30 am General Business Session

11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch on Your Own

11:30 am – 12:30 pm Training for Amtryke Giveaway Therapists and Select Volunteers (Lunch Provided)

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Great Amtryke Giveaway

6:00 pm – 6:50 pm President-Elect’s Reception (Cash Bar)

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm President’s Dinner with Cash Bar (Achievement Awards and Officer Installation)

Sunday, August 6, 2024

Safe travels home! See you next year!

A complete conference program will be provided upon your arrival.

We’re excited to announce that Ambucs can now view our new National Reports page in the HUB. This page is a real-time version of information formerly reported on the quarterly Blue Chip Report, and includes current chapter activity scores, current chapter membership, and current program giving totals. AMBUCS members can head on over to the HUB (hub.ambucs.org) and select National Reports in the top navigation menu on your Chapter home page.