As a young man diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability, recently out of high school Paul didn’t know what the future would hold for him. Little did he know, Picnic Day, Spring of 1972 would be a day he will still tell you, he will never forget. This would be the first time Paul laid eyes on the UC Davis Aggie Marching Band, as they marched past his family home in Davis, Ca. Mesmerized by the sheer size of the band and the sound of the drum line, Paul began to run alongside them the rest of the way as they marched through town. As soon as the band took a break, Paul ran right up to the director to find out how he could join. Ted Adams, the man who would ultimately change Paul’s life forever, told Paul to meet him in the band room the following week and the rest is history.

52 years later, Paul is retiring from UC Davis Aggie Marching Band. Paul has been a pillar of joy, laughter and musical genius these past 52 years. He has marched, played, danced and shook his tambourine for all the world to see. If you have Aggie pride, then you know our very own “Tambourine Man”. When Paul tells someone, anyone, that he is a part of the band, he smiles from ear to ear, he beams with pride. You want to talk about Aggie Pride, there is no greater example. A man that has made such an impact and brought so much joy to so many deserves to end a life changing career with bang!

Paul lives on a fixed income because of his diagnosis so his greatest joy in life has been the band. and we(Paul's support team) want Paul to know that he has brought just as much of a joy to the band if not more. We also want to be able to give him some once in a lifetime moments.

We have a couple of goals that we know would mean the world to Paul, mainly because he has talked about what his dreams would be if he could do anything for his retirement and in his life.

1). BEST RETIREMENT PARTY EVER:

-With as many past and present band members present as possible

-Catered affair (Paul loves Mexican food!)

-MUSIC (Of Course!)

-Retirement present (Maybe a plaque he can hang on his wall)

2) Surprise him with his sister. Paul’s sister lives in Colorado and he hasn’t seen her in almost 3 years. We would love to fly her out here and surprise him!

3) Lastly, Paul has always wanted to take a day trip or overnight trip with a couple of his friends from his Summerhouse Program. We Would love to raise enough Funds to be able to plan a trip for him and his friends this summer.

These are our goals. We know we may not reach them all, however, you can't touch the moon if you don't reach for the stars. We hope you will spread the word! If Paul has touched your life in some way and you are able to give, we will be so eternally grateful! I've also included the link to Paul's documentary for your viewing pleasure!

Paul is the Tambourine Man

Paul's Causeway Classic Tribute