Having been part of the Rotarian Family for just over a year has been inspiring and compelling. To be surrounded on a weekly basis with a group of people whose mission it is to impact humanity locally and internationally is profound. That being said, it is an honor to be involved on this year's Flight Committee where our local chapter of Rotary will strive to make a difference in School District 11. With the commitment from fellow Rotarians, local leaders and the community, last year The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs, through the Flight Gala, was able to raise over $100k and provide grants to District 11 and our Club Service Fund, including funding a purchase for green screen technology for Palmer High School.
This year at the Gala, in addition to the Butterfly Auction and Silent Auction, we will be offering a Wine Pull. This is a fun opportunity to help us raise additional funds. If you are not familiar with a wine pull, the idea is to donate $20 and draw from a barrel of wine corks to win a fabulous bottle of wine. To make this fundraiser possible, we need your help! The Committee is asking that if possible, each Rotarian contribute a bottle of wine for the Pull; with a value of $20 or more. Any donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Please bring all contributions to the Friday club lunch.
In advance, we as a committee want to thank you for making this year's Flight a huge success!
We will not have a regular meeting at The Antlers on Friday, Sept 23rd. We'll be at The Hotel Elegante, I-25 & Circle. We will have a plated meal -- no buffet.
Are you too big to dig in the dirt or talk to the animals? We hope not, because we’d like your help with a Rotary effort on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The time commitment is four hours, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Sad but true, the hail in July doomed the pumpkins that Venetucci Farm would otherwise be giving out at its annual Pumpkins for Kids event. (Maybe you were one of those lucky kids who got to see the farm and take a free pumpkin home.) However, this year the farm celebration goes on. Docents are needed to introduce the kids to activities such as digging for worms in the worm bin, making compost, or visiting animals like draft horses, sheep and goats. Other volunteers help with logistics, such as coordinating parking.
For the past 8 years, various schools have been bringing preschoolers, kindergartners and first-graders to Venetucci, which now is owned and operated by the Pikes Peak Community Foundation. David Rudin, PPEF’s education director for Venetucci Farm and Pinello Ranch, says, “Docents aren’t reciting speeches but rather interacting with kids, having fun, and keeping things safe.” Kids are always accompanied by teachers or parents. You don’t need to attend any meetings ahead of time, because David will have concise info sheets at each station to give volunteers some tips and background on the area they’re helping in.
We need at least four volunteers to make this a club effort. If you can give an hour that morning, please contact Katherine George (director of local service projects) no later than Monday, Sept. 12, at 635-8947 or kgeorge2131@gmail.com.
