Meeting Notes for January 26, 2017

 
The San Ramon Rotary Club was called to order by our esteemed President, Kathy Gailey at 12:20 PM at which time we were reminded that John Germ was the RI President and the theme of the year was “Rotary Serving Humanity”.  Our Greeter, Edgardo Carrillo, shared the thought for the day:  Today is Today, Yesterday is Yesterday and Tomorrow is a Vision.  Edgardo also shared how proud he was to be a Rotarian contributing to the betterment of the world.
As is our tradition, guests were introduced.  John Sramek introduced Julio Perez a military guest.  Colette Lay proudly gushed her introduction of her son, Brennan.  Marvin Remmich introduced Harry Michaels, a possible new member and Kathy Gailey re-introduced our old friend, colleague and past Rotarian Michael Prilutsky who indicated his intention to rejoin the club.
Dennis Harvey had the honor of initiating three Red Badge members to Blue Badge permanent members.  John Milich, Mark Hornstra and Nina Voss have now joined the club with full privileges and responsibilities that accompany such status.
 
Dennis proceeded to provide an update on membership activities including consideration for introducing a “corporate membership”, identification of ten middle sized businesses and the development of a new orientation slide presentation featuring more pictures and video than our traditional approach.  Dennis also indicated that the sub-committee was considering shortening the length of the meeting to one hour beginning at noon and ending at 1 pm.  Lastly, Dennis announced that we will be hosting a Chamber of Commerce booth on 3/16/17 at 5:30 pm at Bridges.  Please email any suggestions that you might have regarding members to Dennis.
 
Ray Giles was asked to solve the cliff hanger left last week when he asked the question:  “How much of your contribution goes to program services for Rotary”?  And the long awaited answer is that 95% of your dollar goes to direct Rotary Service.  Rotary International invests funds over three years with half of the interest going to District and half of the interest going to the World Fund with the principle retained.  Market fluctuations cause Rotary International to earmark the 5% used for administrative costs when earnings from investment were insufficient to cover operational expenses.  Rotary was among 46 charities identified by Charity Navigator that received 100 of 100 points as a responsible steward of your charity dollars. 
Finally Ray recognized Dennis Harvey as a 6 time Paul Harris recipient!
Next in the Announcement Agenda was Marie Galbo asking members if they will be present for the Valentine Program which everyone expects Chris Gallagher to provide romantic entertainment.  (Surprise Chris!)
President Gailey began our Assembly by announcing the Young Professionals Conference that the six clubs were supporting to be held at Round House in Bishop Ranch.  While the club was asked to fund $1000, if the event is successful we may receive all or part of this grant as a refund.  Kathy shared that the club currently engages in three fund raisers: 1) Art and Wind Festival whose funds are used to cover club expenses 2)  Xmas Tree Lot whose funds are used for Community Grants to worthy community and world causes and 3) Auction of which 80% of the funds are allocated to the Education Foundation for use by the schools and the other 20% are used for scholarships.
 
Since over $100,000 is raised by the auction for the past two years, Kathy wanted to ensure its success in the coming year which entails full club member participation.  She proceeded to describe the auction process as follows:
 
  1. Collect items
  2. Log items and number them
  3. Organize items – take pictures and make baskets
  4. Verify item descriptions are correct
  5. Dump information into the software program
  6. Edit item and post pictures
  7. Once the auction goes live – make any last minute corrections
  8. At close of auction:  Run credit cards
    1. Run a report
    2. Highlight “bad” credit card information
    3. Bring items to the Run at Iron Horse School (except for wine)
    4. Collect all 400 items, match the item to the winner, insure bidder signs for items
 
In the past Jerry, Colette and Kathy were the key Rotarians who took full responsibility for these tasks.  This coming year (and the years to come), the tasks will be divided among a large number of Rotarians with identified discrete tasks.  The following volunteers stepped up!
 
Documents                         Mark
Item Loggers                      Patti, Marie, Glen
Verifiers                               Herman, Naeem
Distribution                        Mike, Dennis, Norbert
Mgt of Interns                   Colette, Patti, Geoff J.
Item Collectors                 ALL ROTARIANS
Sponsors                             Gary, Paula, Geoff D.
Appreciation notes         Ray and Patti
 
The auction is early this year (September) so during March Nina, Naeem (and maybe Chris Gallagher) will develop an organizational plan to collect auction items and assign members items from last year contributors, items for intern follow-up and new items.
 
Marketing will be done by Ana, Mark and Lucky.  One of the key recognition that the club received last year due to Colette’s efforts was being recognized as the Title Sponsor of the run.  The marketing group would seek to receive this recognition this year as well.
 
Gary will again take the lead on sponsors with the further development of the benefit matrix and work with Ray to insure individuals and business contributors of auction items and sponsorships are recognized with proper tax information. 
 
Kathy closed the meeting by announcing that Teen Esteem would be the program next week and Marco would be the greeter.