Good afternoon, all, and welcome to another issue of our weekly newsletter. Today was a good reminder that spring weather can be chaotic—but as they say, at least it's good for the flowers. See you at Rotary!
NK
This week: Justin Cook and District Governor Carole Barnhard
This week, we'll be hearing from Justin Cook (not Jon, as previously reported. We regret the error!) on private aviation in the area. We'll also be hosting District 5970's District Governor, Carole Barnhard, here for a special presentation!
Next week, we have the opportunity to serve with Families Helping Families, assisting them in organizign clothing donations and packing them for their summer garage sale! This will be from 12-1 on Wednesday, April 24, at FHF's location at 6000 7th St. W, Cedar Rapids.
FHF is a nonprofit supporting children in foster care, working to create positive opportunities, relationships, and better overall health for youth removed from their homes. This is a great chance to help a great cause.
Last week: Al Pierson and Lisa Ramlo on the Shakespeare Garden
Last week, we got to hear from Lisa Ramlo and Al Pierson on the great progress being made on the Shakespeare Garden revitalization project. This presentation tied in perfectly to our support of that effort, which is our 2023-24 and 2024-25 Metro Rotary project. It sounds like things are off to a great start, and we'll have the chance to help more later this summer!
Obtaining sponsorships is the most successful method for us to raise funds for the Big Drop. You can remind prospective donors that these funds are going to great local causes like our Kirkwood scholarships, the LBA Foundation, and the Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success. Kirkwood needs no introduction, and these latter two organizations have a proven track record of success in supporting local students to improve their educational outcomes.
If you haven't yet, please talk to your employers and local business about supporting the Big Drop. There are multiple levels of support that make it an option for any advertising budget. Remember that this is our chance to make a big impact for local education - and thank you!
Zach Fisher, Chair of the 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Award Conference, reports that they are seeking a few more Rotarian volunteers to make this year's conference a success. RYLA Iowa will be taking place from July 13-19 at Grinnell College, and volunteering at RYLA is a great opportunity to help get involved with youth programs and helps support our next generation of leaders here in Iowa. Your mentorship helps guide and support them as they refine their leadership skills for the future!
Rotarian Volunteer Dates are June 15 for training in Grinnell, July 13-19 for PreRYLA and RYLA itself, and July 27 for an optional debriefing at Grinnell or via Zoom.
Apply Today! Rotarian Volunteer applications close April 30th! Apply by visiting IowaRYLA.org or by clicking here.
.png)
