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We can make a permanent mark for the DeVilbiss Class of 1960 and TIGER PRIDE at the Toledo Zoo. There has been an effort underway by an alumni group for
a number of years to fund the purchase of a male tiger for the Toledo Zoo to honor DHS. After our spectacular reunion, a number of us were inspired to see if we could get that campaign fired up to reach the goal
sooner rather than later. It's a long story, but the final conclusion is that acquiring a male tiger will probably not be feasible anytime soon. Our committee thoroughly investigated all of the options.
Our work did, however, turn up an interesting alternative project. The Zoo Director, after discussing some ideas with our committee, became enthusiastic about creating a "Tiger Plaza" in the area of their
recently rebuilt Tiger Terrace. Our "Tiger Plaza" would be located between the tiger/lion exhibit and the penguin exhibit. This plaza will be a family resting area, with paver bricks and benches, and
include a life-sized statue of a tiger and cubs that kids can climb on for fun and picture-taking. Phase 1 will involve design and construction of the brickwork, benches and landscape. Phase 1 belongs to the 1960
class. Phase 2 will finish it off with the tiger/cub statue. Phase 2 belongs to the alumni group. We-1960- have the opportunity to create this plaza as a TIGER PRIDE tribute to DHS through a directed fundraising
effort. Our class will not be solicited for Phase 2.
There are no other DHS classes that come close to ours in organization. We--the class of '60--can get this plaza designed and built (i.e., complete Phase 1) on our own, if we have the collective will to do so. Our
committee believes that $30,000, the anticipated cost to complete this Phase 1 project, is a realistic goal for our class to raise.
Phase 2, which will cost substantially more than Phase 1, will have to await sufficient funds. The Golden Reunion Committee that was previously hoping to get a live male tiger (and discovered from our probing that
they were not realistic) have adjusted their goal to complement our plan. Any contributions from our class in excess of the target amount (after paying for Phase 1) will go toward their broader-based effort to fund
a tiger statue.
In keeping with our initial aspirations for a live tiger, we will specify that the Zoo allocate 10% of the money we raise to the Species Survival Program, (SSP), with a designation that it is for the benefit of
tigers.
As an incentive for contributing and to mark the plaza permanently as "ours" (1960), the Zoo will let us place personalized inscriptions on paver bricks. (See the attached order form for details.) The
message is up to you, of course, but you may want to consider using your name and "DHS '60" as all or part of your message. You might also want to think about contributing a brick in the name of a departed
classmate or favorite teacher. These inscribed paver bricks will be placed throughout the plaza floor amidst plain, uninscribed bricks. You will be able to take your children and grandchildren to the plaza, point
out the names of your friends, and tell them of the silly things we all did when we were young (or maybe just reflect on them silently if you want to protect your dignity).
From a small group of instigators, we have already accumulated over $2000. We hope you will want to join us in this dream. There will be just one attempt at a follow-up call to answer any questions you may have, but
please understand that participation is entirely voluntary. If you could not attend the reunion, you really missed a great event. Here is another chance to reconnect with your classmates of 1960 and to show your
TIGER PRIDE.
With our class leading the way, DHS alumni can make this Tiger Plaza a lasting asset for future generations. It is a worthy goal for ourselves, the public, and the species that represented our school spirit so
admirably. Let's once again display our TIGER PRIDE.
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