ROTAPLAST VOLUNTEER SEND-OFF A FESTIVE AFFAIR!

Posted by Kaye Zwiacher

Twenty Rotarians and guests gathered at the home of John and Kaye Zwiacher July 24 to give a proper send-off to our 2009 Rotaplast Volunteers. Toni Schmidt (Wasilla Rotary), Debra Bushnell and Brad Gamble (Eagle River Rotary) will leave August 9 for Aracaju, Brazil to support the medical team repairing cleft lips and palates for deserving children there.

The send-off began with a dinner prepared by our own Brazilian Exchange student, Lucas Goncalves. Appertifs included caipirinha, a beverage made with cachaca (a fine Brazilian rum made in Lucas' state,) limes, sugar and ice; and limonada cremosa, a shake made with condensed milk, lime juice, and ice. The main dinner was a steak stew with potatoes, carrots, onions, and spices.

After the main dish, Lucas provided education and entertainment with a quiz over facts about Brazil, "So You Want to be a Brazillionaire!" Maryalice Larson took home a bottle of fine Brazilian rum for having the most correct answers! Following the quiz, Lucas shared some Portuguese phrases that can help when dealing with patients, then sweetened the fellowship with handmade candies (Brigadieros and Docinho de Coco) and Passion fruit mousse (mousse de Maracaju). He even donated two paintings to help with further fundraising for Rotaplast!

We are truly grateful for this year's Rotaplast Volunteers and their spouses, Toni Schmidt, Eric Bushnell and Tonya Gamble for their dedication to this wonderful international service. Thank you all for all you do to make the world a better place for children with these surgical needs, and for all of us as Rotarians!

To learn more about this very special program click here.