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We are people of action.

The Minneapolis University Rotary Club embodies the Rotary motto “Service Above Self." Our members are committed to social justice at home and abroad. We focus on enhancing education and health care in the Twin Cities and in countries around the world.

We meet every Wednesday, noon-1:15. During the COVID-19 pandemic, club meetings are held online via Zoom. To join our meeting and receive the Zoom link, email us at mplsuniversity@gmail.com

We look forward to resuming regular in-person lunch meetings on the University of Minnesota campus when it is safe to do so. We invite you to join us!

October 28, 2020

Patti lazarus, end of life doula

end-of-life doula - What she Is, does, and why this information may be vital for you and your family

An End-of-Life Doula works with a dying person and their family to provide support, and to share the knowledge that though you may feel everything is out of control, there is much you can do to make the last weeks and days of your loved one's life an experience less fraught, and instead more comforting than you can know.

In Patti Lazarus's career, she has worked in public relations in health care, then as Executive Director for a new Community Foundation in ND. Coming to the Twin Cities, Patti worked for Legal Aid, Goodwill, People Inc. and many other nonprofits as a consultant specializing in board training, fundraising, strategic planning, and more. In February of 2019, Patti heard about End-of-Life Doulas. She said goodbye to her then current client and trained to be an EOL Doula. Patti is originally from New York. She and her husband have lived in the Twin Cities for the past 17 years.

If you are interested in learning about future programs, click the Upcoming Speakers link at the top of the home page.

Announcements

Club president Erik VK welcomed members and our guest speaker Michael Allen. Erik reminded members that they can join our Zoom meetings early each Wednesday at 11:45 for social time. Please refer to the schedule for our new meeting feature called "member moments." We look forward to any information members wish to share through member moments segments.

There will be a club meeting next Wednesday, Oct. 7, at noon with a speaker to be announced. Please watch for Erik's regular email announcement. in advance of the meeting.

Carol Cline Hedblom was welcomed back after she and husband Bruce were involved in a car accident earlier in September. Wishing you good health, Carol!!

Carole P reported on the District 5950 Local Grants Committee on which she, Carol C-H and Jean W serve. Since July, the committee has approved over $139,000 in grant funds to area Rotary clubs sponsoring local community and small (under $30,000) international grants. The committee has an additional $83,000 in funding available this fiscal year. The donations Rotarians make to the organization each year come back to us in the form of funds for grants to implement service projects that improve people's lives here and around the world.

Today's Speaker

Michael Allen, Executive Director of My Very Own Bed, speaking on the topic "Helping Kids Dream"

Our speaker Michael Allen asked that we imagine trying to sleep every night without a bed--on the floor, maybe on an air mattress. Even when formerly homeless families achieve stable housing. such is often the case in families unable to afford a safe, comfortable bed for their children. Mr. Allen saw this need after years of working with housing and social service agencies and, in 2014, founded an organization called My Very Own Bed. It serves families in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties and provides a new twin bed and "dream kit" to children ages 2-17 in need.

Sleep, along with diet and exercise, are the three pillars of good health. For children's development, sleep is critical. A bed offers physical and emotional security. A new bed offers children something that is all their own, and not a hand-me-down. The vision of My Very Own Bed is to offer kids a place to sleep, to dream and to find comfort. Delivering a Dream Kit with each bed--made up of a stuffed animal, a book and sleep tips--enhances the experience of a place of the child's own.

My Very Own Bed has delivered over 2,000 beds to date. Its goal is 900 beds this year. It depends on volunteers for much of its operation, while also raising $350,000+ a year to support the approximately $200 per bed cost. Mr. Allen summarized foundation, corporate and faith-based support for the "small but mighty" organization. In addition, donations from individuals are also critical. The annual fund-raiser, called Beds and Bluegrass, will be held virtually on Dec. 5, and Cristina will let our club members know the details.

To donate time or money or to get more information, please see the website myveryownbed.org.

Committed To Making A Difference

Have fun and serve humanity! Joining Minneapolis University connects you with a “small and mighty” group of diverse local professionals and a global network of 1.2 million Rotarians who are committed to improving the world. Through Rotary, we work together on local community projects and we link with Rotary International for service on almost every continent. Rotary expands our own leadership skills, personal connections, and forges lasting friendships here and around the world.

Rotarians can work on local projects, go on trips to international project sites, and participate in Rotary friendship exchanges around the world.

Take a minute to learn more about us: