By Tim Dempsey

 

President Pinsel rang the bell, The pledge was given by Bob Zamor, John McDonald led us in prayer and returning Song Meister, Dennis Kratohwil helped us through the Star-Spangled Banner.

 

-Rich Babjak bragged that he won the Big Foot member guest, and this year was the third time in 5 years.

 

-Bob Zamor spent a week at Ak tenement and helped build a large deck.

 

-Scott Hezner played in a member guest with new partner, his brother-in-law, in Des Moines.

 

-Tom Zengler’s daughter, Christine, received her doctorate at the University of Virginia.

 

-Jeff Harger lost a good friend recently.

 

-Elliot Pinsel attended a concert in Antioch that took him back 30 years.

 

-Doug Fendon told us the Installation Dinner is set for June 28^th at Tom Zengler’s house. Details to follow.

 

-John McDonald visited a Rotary Club in England and received a flag. We are reminded that we have flags to give in return if we visit another Club.

 

-There is no meeting next week – May 31st.

 

-We hope to award our annual Service Above Self Award on June 21^st.

 

-Elliot’s final board meeting will be on June 13^th.

 

-Howard Jaffe recognized Larry Neal’s sponsorship of our recent fundraiser.

 

-Howard also said we can contribute to the Rotary Foundation online. He also recognized Doug Fendon as a Paul Harris Fellow x 2.

 

-Rich Babjak announced that Howard has agreed to chair the fundraiser next year. He will need everyone’s help!

 

Bill Rickert entertained us with a quiz about our Rotary service.

 

Today’s program was the return of Emily Petway from Given Kind. Given Kind is in Vernon Hills and is a resource for non-profits. They take excess goods from manufacturers and give them to charities. They have experienced 26% growth in the last year including a 67% growth in space. They have goods delivered or they can pick them up. They then take a photo for their catalogue. Volunteers pick orders and the charities pick them up.

 

Given Kind has helped 450 charities in the Chicagoland area. Items are sustainable and include some food items. They add an administration fee of 0 to 10%. In order to grow they need more new products, more goods and more volume. They have numerous volunteer opportunities. Their current budget is $260,000 and last year gave away $6.5 million worth of goods.

 

-Daily: $31 won by Jeff Harger.

 

-Progressive: $132 (50 cards). Jim Curtis drew the queen of spades. ROLLOVER!

 

NEXT WEEK (June 7^th):

-Greeter & Prayer: Rob Likus

 

-Fun & Frolics: Jim Curtis

 

-Program: TBD

 

“The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success.” Irving Berlin