Paddling the Mississippi for ShelterBox

I am writing you to beg for your help for an urgent cause that will help Rotary, get us some good media exposure, educate some folks about another aspect of Rotary International, and be a great time.  The President of a Florida Rotary Club, Erik Elsea, is canoeing the length of the Mississippi this summer to raise funds for ShelterBox.  If you don’t know this organization well, look it up.,  They are a huge international partner with Rotary in responding to disasters.  They bring in totes from pre-positioned caches around the world that provide shelter, and a week’s worth of supplies for families left homeless.  In many cases they are the first boots on the ground from outside. 

As you can imagine, the schedule for this activity has been a bit flexible.  But Erik will be in La Crosse on Sunday August 5^th.  Tami Woods and Terry Bauer have worked together to put together an all-Rotary (and bring friends!!) social at the Pettibone Boat Club from 2:30 – 5:30.  Full details will follow shortly, probably with the help of Lyn Sheffer from the La Crosse club.  Lyn said she’ll have an online signup, so that the organizers can get a rough headcount.  Tickets will be purchased at the door, I believe, and will be $20, with part going to snacks and a drink, and proceeds going to ShelterBox.

 Next to polio, this may be one of the most important international efforts Rotary supports.  Please help us raise some funds to lend a hand.  Erik’s goal is to raise $100 per mile – that’s $255,200!!  With all the Rotarians in our area, we should be able to contribute something decent.  Bring your checkbook!  You may want to make an additional donation.  A ShelterBox kit will be on display for you to check out, and the organizers are working on some entertainment.

Come out, bring your whole club, and have a good time for a good cause!

To learn more about his Expedition, see: http://erikelsea.com/mississippiexpedition/

With Rotary Pride,

 Bill Hoel