Our Meeting was called to order by President Mike McKay

 

The following have been proposed for membership. Please express concerns by Thursday, April 12, 2018.

 

Angelica Vannatta (Proposed by Jerry Waddilove) Non-Profit: Fundraising

 

Rangaswamy Rajagopal (Proposed by Usha Balakrishnan) Education: Geography (Retired)

 

Kelsey Foster (Proposed by Christina Kimerle)  Educational Services: Director

 

R. Scott Finlayson (Proposed by Bart Floyd)  Accounting Services: Treasurer

 

Tracy Tritle (Proposed by Mark Pries)  Consulting: Community & Project Development

 

Please express concerns by Monday, April 16, 2018 for the following proposed member:

 

Katy Brown (Proposed by Tom Cilek / Minda Hamann)  Marketing: Development

 

 

Goat Rider: Becky Eiting

 

Announcements:
 

President Mike asked for a show of hands as to who expects to be attending the upcoming Toast to District 6000.

 

Rtn. Eric Weiler of the Grants Committee, announced their committee is currently accepting project grants to review. The Triangle Park Improvement Project and the Bicycle Racks downtown are excellent examples of recent projects the Grants Committee has helped to support. Please contact Eric or Brad Baldes with questions. Grant deadline for the $5,000 grant is May 31^st, 2018. A matching grant could be approved, making the grant total $10,000.

 

Rtn. Ryan Bell & Katharine Marshall are helping to lead the charge for our club for the upcoming Earth Day – Tree Planting Initiative and is asking for each member to donate to the cause. Our club is close to reaching our goal of $2500 to cover our share of tree planting in the area. Ryan will be collecting donations and asks for our help planting 450 trees on April 21^st! Meet at Lake McBride Park at 9a ready to plant. Bring your work clothes and your family and stay for a grilled lunch. Please contact Ryan at ryno@localsloveus.com for more about the upcoming Earth Day – Tree Planting Initiative.  Sign up to help plant here:  http://signup.com/go/LMhEFKq 

 

 

 

Gene Wandling wishes to announce The Iowa City Noon Rotary Club will award two $2,500 international scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year. To qualify, an applicant must be a graduate of a Johnson County high school, attained at least sophomore status in college, and have at least one parent whose legal residence is within the area served by the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club. The scholarships are intended to help students who want to study abroad and to better understand other cultures and contribute to international understanding. Candidates will be interviewed by a panel of Rotarians in May. Applications may be obtained at http://www.iowacitynoonrotary.org or by contacting Gene Wandling (319-621-2198). Applications must be returned by April 15, 2018. For additonal information, Gene Wandling (319-621-2198).

 

Rtn. Brad Baldes introduced our program speakers; Barbara Werning-Dee, Executive Director & Heather Croskrey, Director of Development from the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

Barbara Werning-Dee shared a video that highlighted the experiences from those they have served. The advantages of their programs are many. A few are the proximity the House is to the Hospital, the hot meals served every night, and the comforts of home offered to families of patients. All of this helps to keep families together during difficult times. Another outcome of the stay at the Ronald McDonald House is the support found from other families going thru a similar situation.

 

Their core program is the House on Hawkins, The Ronald McDonald House provides 31 private rooms and 6 suites for longer term stays. The goal of the team at the Ronald McDonald House is to provide financial, emotional and social support allowing a family to feel a little more normal while going through a difficult time.

 

The Ronad McDonald team served 800 families last year. The average stay is 12 days, while some stay for a year. Their 31 rooms are full every night. As part of their mission, they serve families regardless of their ability to pay. In 2017, only about 28% of their families were able to contribute to their stay.

 

Meals are also served at Unity Point at St. Lukes within the Ronald McDonald Room and also within the Stead Family Children’s Hospital PICU. Between all 3 venues, the team serves 100 meals every night. These meals are offered free of charge.  The group also stocks 6 food pantries at the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

 

These programs help families to not just survive, but to thrive.

 

Heather Croskrey expressed sincere gratitude for our Club’s support of the Ronald McDonald Charities over the past 17 years. Fore the Families Golf Outing of RMHC-EIWI has raised more than $750,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois and is co-sponsored by our club.

This event takes place on June 4^th, 2018, held at Finkbine Golf Course. Register now since they filling up fast. Or you may volunteer or contact Healther Wilson Croskrey at 319-384-5852 for sponsorship opportunities.

 

Other events to consider: Red Shoe Run/Walk on May 6. A ½ marathon, 5k and 1 mile run.

Over the Edge on September 14. An opportunity to raise money to rappel down a 13 story building in Iowa City.

A Night in Memphis on October 13. An Elvis style tribute artist to perform in Cedar Rapids.

 

There are several ways to support RMHC:

 

 

 

 

 

President Mike thanked Barb & Heather for their enlightening presentation and opened the floor for any comments.

 

The meeting ended at 1:00 pm as President Mike led the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.

 

 

Singing: America the Beautiful and This Land is Your Land was led by Bob Crane with James Conard on the piano

 

 

 

 

Our Greeter, Shawn Reineke announced visiting Rotarian; Kirk Leiffert (Cedar Rapids West)

Guests of Rotarians; Heather Croskrey (Barbara Werning); Tracy Trith (Mark Pries); Meghan Polk (John Gross)

 

Program: Tom Cilek; Attendance: Nancy Droll