Club Assembly
Peter Loescher served as moderator of the Club Assembly at which all aspects of the Club’s life were on the table for discussion and questions.
Financial Report. In Richard Kaplan’s absence Peter reported that the Club has approximately $45,000 in the bank. A budget has been adopted for 2016-17 projecting income of $90,000 and expenses of $87,000. Dues, lunch charges and special events are the 3 largest sources of funds. Dues are $220 per member. In the past the Club has billed for lunches on a quarterly basis in advance. As to lunch charges, after much thought the board decided to offer a pay-as-you-go option, and the budget is based on the assumption that most will choose this method. Holding special events is the way the Club raises funds for the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation. 80% of the net profit from each event goes to the Foundation, but 20% is allocated to the Club for administration and overhead. On the expense side, the Club pays $40 per member to the District, and $62 to Rotary International.
Providence Rotary Charities Foundation. Randy Dittmar, foundation administrator, reported that the Foundation has $1,600,000 of investments, approximately $200,000 of which is restricted to use for scholarships for students in a small city in Spain pursuant to a restricted gift from Rotarian David Harrison. Each year the Foundation receives funds from the gold bowls, from the end-of-year appeal and from special events such as the Street Painting Festival and the Paint-off, as well as smaller events such as theater engagements at the Barker Playhouse. This year the street painting festival netted approximately $25,000. Rockland Trust manages the Foundation’s investments.
Events. Don Saracen reported on a recent Events Committee meeting. The Club sponsors events to raise funds for the Foundation. Another important goal is to build member engagement. For 2016-2017 the Club has established a goal of raising $50,000. Our major events have been the Street Painting Festival and the Paint-off. Liz Messier pointed out that smaller events are also important (a recent theater night at the Barker Playhouse raised $1,400). Geoff Gaunt reported that preliminary results from the Paint-off show a net of $14,000. He also noted a few ideas to improve results in the future.
Service Projects. Art Norwalk reported on the first work day in the new service project at the Harry Kizirian School. Rotarians provided willing labor to spruce up the building with fresh paint and remedial gardening (i.e., weed whacking and pulling). There will be more opportunities to take part.
Social Events. Rob Black reported that “Rotary After Dark” returns the first Thursday in July and August. The July get-together will be at the G-Pub.
Membership. In Pat Germani’s absence, Mary Brewster reported that the committee has been re-energized. The application process has been streamlined. Members of the committee have conducted exit interviews with former members to learn how the member experience could be improved. The committee also hopes to establish an informal mentor program for new members. Mentors needed!
Roger Williams Park Project. In the absence of George Burman and Bill DiBiasio, President Mike Kelly reported progress on revitalizing the Rotary monument in Roger Williams Park. A site has been approved near the museum and overlooking a park lake and the project will be accomplished in stages. The Club expects there will be fundraising opportunities (e.g., sale of memorial paving bricks).
Speakers Program. Don Saracen requested help from all members in booking interesting speakers for our meetings.. Upcoming speakers are listed in the left column of your newsletter and on the club web site.