Spotlight 01-05-16, Vol. 78, No 1

Posted by Donna Craig 
on Jan 06, 2016
 
PROGRAM/CLUB ASSEMBLY: Carole Bullion-Mincy provided the luncheon program and speakers, Sarah Ruddle and Rhonda Callanan, from The Torch
 
GUESTS:     Steve Monet (week 3), Joe Bottum (week 3), Heather Bullion (week 3), Ken Horn, and our speakers from The Torch, Sarah Ruddle and Rhonda Callanan. 
 
Birthdays –  January birthdays included Lori Lalama (1/2) Piet Lindhout (1/5), Steve Monet (1/6), George Moses (1/20), Mark Cook (1/21), Terry Gill (1/24) and Beth Walker (1/27).  Brad Cooper, the husband of Abby Cooper celebrates a birthday on 1/21).
 
Wedding Anniversaries –   David Plait and his wife celebrate 20 years of marriage on January 20th.
 
Rotary Anniversaries -  January Rotary anniversaries include: Bill Anderson (20 years), Mark Cook (14 years), Tony Gelardi (3 years), Scott Griffith (34 years), Dennis Kallio (13 years), Mike Rogers (13 years), Ron Cleveland (16 years), Bill Gartley (16 years), Scott Spitler (6 years), Mike Archinal (3 years), Adrienne Knack (5 years), Nancy Johnson (8 years),  Donna Craig (3 years) and Terry Gill (9 years).
 
TWO TRUTHS & A LIE:  Michelle Bouhana and Tom Zizka were to present this week, but unfortunately Michelle Bouhana had a death in the family and was not present.  Michelle Bouhana and Tom Zizka will present next week.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The practice SAT test will be on January 16, 2016.
 
Anyone wishing to nominate a deserving woman to the Brighton Area Women’s Roll of Honor, nominations are currently being accepted.
 
Dash or Crash – Thanks to Brighton Ford and Scott Spitler for being a $5,000 sponsor again this year for the Second Annual Dash or Crash.  If you know of any other possible sponsors, contact Rich Perlberg.
 
Brian Donovan thanked everyone involved in last month’s ramp build.
 
Bill Anderson announced he has a new granddaughter, born 2 weeks ago.
 
Pam McConeghy announced the engagement of her twin sons.
 
Upcoming Events:
2/20/16                         Midnight in the Tropics, put on by the Sunrise Rotary Club
5/13-15/16                    Rotary District Conference, Chatham, Ontario
6/25/16                         Second Annual Mt. Brighton Dash or Crash
 
PROGRAM:  Sarah Ruddle and Rhonda Callanan from The Torch presented today’s program.  The Torch is  nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the state of Michigan by utilizing a mobile food truck to bring free freshly prepared meals to those in need.  The Torch was founded on the promise that every dollar donated will go back into the organization and be used to help those in need by offering a variety of free services; free food from their licensed and equipped food truck; tutoring by teachers and other qualified professionals; haircuts by licensed cosmetologists and more.
 
Rhonda and Sarah’s journey to establishing The Torch came as a result of finding themselves homeless, and in spite of being college educated finding very difficult to find jobs, eat and find shelter.  As a result of their challenges they started The Torch to help the homeless.
 
Knowing what it was like to be homeless, Sarah and Rhonda dedicated themselves to helping the homeless with dignity and compassion.  Feeling that God was directing them, they met some gentlemen who built them a food truck.  They use the truck to bring food to neighborhoods in need and where they are invited. The first full year on road with the food truck was 2014.
 
Their newest drive is to establish the Torch 180, to help disabled people become employed in the food industry.  Rhonda contracts with LESA and works with disabled students at Brighton and Pinckney High Schools.  As they started talking about expanding The Torch.  The first summer they were out in the food truck.  Soon they will have their first culinary class for students.  They are currently using the Methodist Church to teach culinary arts.  They are also looking to having a fully functional restaurant, serving the public.
 
Their current need is to find a building where they can remodel and put in a commercial kitchen.   They would also like any input people have to help them fundraise.   If you can assist them with their needs, please feel free to contact them or put them in touch with the right people.
 
Drawing:   Brian Donovan gave his winning ticket to Sarah Ruddle from The Torch, who along with Bonnie Corrigan were unable to find the Ace of Spades.    But Joe Petrucci found the Ace of Spade and gave The Torch speakers the money he won.  Thanks Joe, you are classy!!!
 
- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/1460/Stories/spotlight-01-05-16-vol--78-no--01#sthash.wcCQ8nel.dpuf