Meeting Recap - Daughter's Day 12/22/2015

The day was filled with holiday spirit as Daughter’s Day was once again celebrated at the Rotary Club of Sacramento. The tables in the room were decorated by the granddaughters of Bob Gaines, families patiently waited in line for a holiday photo courtesy of Bill Smith Photography, and wine and sparkling cider was flowing at the wine table sponsored by Becki Roberts (Sierra Vista Bank). The bells chimed and President Dave stepped to the podium, called the meeting to order and then introduced Sierra Lowden, this year’s Daughter’s Day President. Sierra called on Greta Crumley, daughter of Doug Crumley (Crumley & Associates), for the thought for the day. Greta challenged us to all take the time during this holiday season to give thanks for all we are blessed with and to think of those less fortunate. She was followed by Elise Stoffel, granddaughter of Steve Ruland who was joined by her younger nieces and nephew in leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Amaya Barnes, granddaughter of Steve Heath (Community Link) served as Sergeant at Arms and introduced visiting Rotarians, guests, members of the club and most importantly daughter and granddaughters. A special welcome was made to Past President George Basye who joined us for the day.

Following lunch Steve Ruland presented a check to the Salvation Army for the funds that were raised by the members in support of the annual Toy Drive.  Ivan Wild, Division Commander of the Salvation Army accepted the gift and shared with us that the Army was able to help more than 8,000 children this Christmas season and we can all be thankful for the role we played in helping them.

A tradition at Daughter’s Day is recognizing the “daughters” that have travelled the furthest, who have attended the most Daughter’s Day meetings and the youngest one in attendance. Hugo Bogren’s daughter Cecilia, traveling from Spain came the furthest. Carolyn Carr attended the most Daughter’s Days, (64) and Carolyn’s great niece, Evelyn Rose born on November 19^th was the youngest in the room. Anne Al Azzawi, daughter of staff member Sulaf Al Ajeeli made the presentations.

Then it came time for President Sierra to raise a little money for the club. She started the ball rolling by fining all the members of the Rotary Softball Team for not winning the championship this year; she then fined her father Jay Lowden for giving her the chance to be the president for the day. All of the members of the Board of Directors were fined for being members of the Board of Directors, Bob Gaines was fined in recognition of his 90^th birthday, and President Dave fined himself to recognize the work that his wife Diann is doing with the Pony Express Marathon and to recognize all of the daughters that are helping out today.

Edessa Gomez, daughter of Bob Daly (Financial Network Wealth Advisors) made the announcements for the day. Most importantly there is NO MEETING next week, December 29 and the Club Trap Shoot on January 2^nd.  Contact Mike Bullington (Pacific Advisors) for more information regarding the Trap Shoot. Our next regular meeting will be on January 5, 2016 at CSUS Alumni Center.