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December 6th’s Rotary meeting was convened by President Shawn Mullen, who announced the meeting’s agenda would include both the Rotary Annual Meeting and the Community Grant Award.
Dick Swanson provided the inspiration, pledge of allegiance, and the four-way test. He reviewed some highlights from the George H.W. Bush services, and another item that had not been mentioned possibly because it involved things that President 41 did NOT say. In his habit of calling world leaders, he would typically ask, “What is going on in your world?” and “What is important to you?” And then he would listen. Dick suggested these are good questions for all of us to ask, and then to listen.
Randy Worth introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Past President Jamie Boersma was then introduced to chair the annual meeting. Jamie offered the following slate of officers for 2019-2020, who were approved in a voice vote:
President: Don Flannery
President-Elect: Doug Saltsgaver
Vice President: Catherine Staub
Secretary/Treasurer: Matt Busick
Sargent at Arms: Becky Greenwald
Also the following directors were proposed and approved in a voice vote:
Ashley Bohnenkamp
Katie Cownie
Harvey Freese
Jamie thanked Chuck Kuba, Denise Essman and Leslie Schaffer for their service as directors.
Janet Phipps Burkhead, Rotary Foundation president was introduced for a report on the Foundation. She reported the Foundation balance is $2.2 million, reflecting the success of the Double Our Impact campaign.
Janet introduced DeAnn Thompson, two-year Grants Committee Chair. DeAnn reviewed what’s changed, what hasn’t changed, and what’s going to change.
One thing that’s changed is the amount available is $40,000, rather than $25,000. The amount is five percent of the average of the past 3 years’ foundation balance, which of course increased significantly in the last year. Also, with the goal being to make a transformational difference, the funds will be dedicated to just one project.
The process of evaluating applications has not changed. There were 12 applications, which the committee reduced down to the top four based on a 12-point evaluation. Then the final project was selected.
There are some changes coming in the process. Applications will be due earlier -- by Labor Day – which will allow time for in-person interviews of the top two to three applicants.
Deann was excited to announce the selection for the $40,000 2018-2019 grant award: Courage League Sports. She introduced Melissa Clarke-Wharff, who founded the organization five years ago upon recognizing the need for special kids like her son Jack to be able to play like anybody else. The program now serves 28,000 kids with cognitive, physical or emotional needs, as well as 25,000 adults.
Melissa showed pictures of some of the activities offered by the Courage League Sports. It has expanded beyond sports (son Jack’s favorite) to include music, games, and fitness activities. Programming is grouped according to age, and includes individuals from age 2 to 82! The Courage League Sports partners with many others community organizations such as schools, group homes, and ChildServe.
Melissa noted that 60 percent of the kids are on the autism spectrum, and they need space and equipment. The Rotary gift will allow for the creation of the Rotary Club of Des Moines Sensory Play Room.
Because the services are so intensive – serving 1,000 kids and 700 adults per week – the Courage League needs lots of volunteers. Needed are 4-8 volunteers each night, and 20-25 on Saturdays. It’s a great way for Rotary volunteers to get involved.
The check was presented and Melissa thanked the Rotary Club for a gift that will truly make a transformational difference.
Dick Reasons was introduced to provide an update on the “Double Our Impact” campaign. He noted that $532,000 has been collected against a $625,000 goal. Those who have given were asked to stand, and were applauded. Dick reminded everyone that our giving creates ever more opportunities for involvement, and the end of the year always is a great time to think about giving or giving more to Rotary. He thanked Rotary members who have been involved in the campaign, including DeAnn Thompson and committee members Tim Lillwitz, Dave Kenworthy, and Joyce Chapman.
President Mullen noted the December 13th meeting will be Chris Nelson from Kemin Industries, and he reminded us about the holiday luncheon on Dec. 20th. There will be no meeting on the 27th, and the first meeting of the new year will be January 10th, these being the off-site fellowship meetings.
The meeting was adjourned early, giving members and opportunity to visit with fellow Rotarians.