Big Night at Banchetto Feast

In the presence of 35 Rotarians and guests, President Fay Logan called upon Dick Beattie to introduce our visiting 2011 RYLA graduates and a Power Point presentation of their experiences. While watching, the audience was able to get a sense of the interactions and activities that occurred during RYLA week, and gain a greater appreciation of the intensity of the program. Now Seniors in high school, our 3 guests each commented on how rewarding RYLA had been and how it had impacted their lives. They and their parents thanked the club for having made it possible for them to take advantage of this memorable and meaningful event.

Attention then was focused on our Gift of Life child, Noreen. Dick Beattie, who, along with wife Pat, is hosting Noreen and her mother, Mercy, for as long as they stay in the U.S., gave some background of the program and asked Mercy to say a few words. Mercy expressed a very heart-felt "Thank You" to the club for making it possible for Noreen to not only have her operation, but to be given a chance for a normal, healthy and happy life. 

Having both with us tonight was a tremendously moving experience and one that all present will long remember with pride. It was, after all, the Park Ridge Rotary Club that brought both programs to the District. In 1986, the District's first sponsored child, Julissa Martinez, came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic, and was hosted by club member Don Terrace and his wife Lois. It was also President Don Terrace who brought awareness of the RYLA program to the attention of District 7490 officials which subsequently led to the establishment of this wonderful opportunity for youth in our District.