TIPPERS HISTORY

The Tippers Club was founded in August of 1980 by entrepreneur and community leader Ernie Davis, owner of PIPS Personnel Services.  Co-founders were Mike Elmore, Stan Morgan and Valerie Kelly. 

The first meeting was held at the Holiday Inn Coffee Shop on Lakewood Blvd.  The club grew to approximately 15 members in the first year.  Over the years, the club has moved the meetings to various locations (Denny’s, Skylinks Golf Course, Mr. Robert’s, Kimber’s, Acapulco, and settled in at The Grand in 1998 where we still meet.  The club reached a high of 100 members in the early '90's and currently boasts 80+.

Sometime in the early years of the club, Tippers recognized a need for a choir.  After an exhaustive search, long time member John Morrison was appointed as Tippers Choir Director.  The choir provides monthly performances, often stunning guests.

During the mid-80’s, Tippers competed in the “Mr. Special Olympics Comedy Pageant”.  In 1984, Kent Harris won “Mr. SOB”; in 1985, Mike Elmore should have won but narrowly lost when politics took over; and in 1986, Rocky Suares --- well, he put in a good effort.

The Tippers Club competed in the Sand Sculpture Contest sponsored by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, taking 3rd place in 1982, 1st place in 1983 and 2nd place in 1989.

On June 9, 2007, the club was saddened by the passing of its founder, Ernie Davis.  Even though he had left the club and moved out of the area, he continued to drop in on meetings, show up for picnics to win all the prizes and dazzle Tippers at the holiday parties in his tuxedo and top hat.  Thus, he continued to be an enthusiastic father figure to the club.  Based on Ernie's early guidance and lasting example, the Club continues to thrive, having celebrated its 31st Anniversary in August of 2011.

The club now presents an “Ernie” award at the annual holiday party to the Tipper who most embodies the spirit of Tippers as Ernie envisioned it…and as it has continued to grow.  And since no ordinary trophy would do, Ernie’s infamous top hat became the award and is presented to that year's honoree to wear for the evening and at the following year's Holiday Party.

Ernie’s wife, Phyllis Davis, and his daughter, Debra Ferrelli, continue to be a valued part of our club.

"Gimme me a T!"