ROTARY CLUB of SANTA BARBARA NORTH CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
ANNUAL MEETING
Acknowledging that a quorum was present, Foundation President Michael Bergquist called the meeting to order. He remined all members that your participation is important with a minimum tax-deductible contribution of only $10.00 each payable to RCSBNCF. The first order of business was to ratify the meeting from last year’s Annual meeting. Second order of business was to ratify this year’s business and lastly, vote for the following Board of Directors: Joe Dobbs, Steve Young and Mark Gallo. Hearing no objection, by unanimous consent the vote was PASSED.
NOTES FROM AUGUST 02, 2023, MEETING/LUNCHEON
Meeting was called to order by: Gil Garcia, President 2023-24
Pledge & Invocation by: Emiliano Campobello played an ancient wooden flute, a time for meditation.
Rotary Sing-along by: Blas Garza led us in the song “Good Old Summertime”.
Visiting Rotarians: Yvonne Pedersen, Rotary Club of Goleta. Yvonne is an event planner.
Rich Wilkie, Rotary Club Downtown. Rich spoke about the partnership between the Ukrainian refugees, the Ukrainian Church, Rotary Clubs, Ukrainian Women of Santa Barbara, and Direct Relief. Looking for volunteers, Rich can be reached at rich@richwilkie.com.
Visiting Guest: Maria Garcia (potential Rotarian), Maria helped greet Rotarians and guest at the door. Hershel Brewer, President of the La Vista Foundation, and mortgage broker. Vika Kontsedailo, refugee from Ukraine. Elisa Gosdschan, director of CADA volunteers. Zahida Carrera & Alma Peppard work with World Financial Group, Financial Services Firm Dedicated to Helping Families & Individuals. Zeyden Clark, future Rotarian, and young son of Anthony Clark.
ROTARY ANNOUNCEMENTS
The annual visitation to Puerto Vallarta is taking place from October 30 thru November 8, 2023. The Rotary Club of Puerto Vallarta Sur is our Rotary Sister Club. If you’re interested in going, contact Marti Correa de Garcia at marti@gilgarcia-aia.com.
The Mental Wellness Center is still interested in clothing, especially men’s clothing. Henry Duran, our future INTERACT member is working on a clothing drive with the YMCA of Montecito. For more information contact Jacqueline Duran at (805) 284-2037.
A sign-up sheet was passed around for the annual Adams School Beautification Day. It will be Saturday, August 12th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, all are welcome!
The Blood Drive is still scheduled on September 19th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, mark your calendars.
VIVA LA FIESTA! Don’t forget to support ELUBIA’S KITCHEN at de la Guerra Plaza from August 2 to August 5 – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can’t miss the food booth; our Rotary Club Santa Barbara North sign is prominently displayed.
PAUL HARRIS AWARDS
Congratulations to the following Rotarians for their many achievements including the Paul Harris awards:
Roberto Najera – PHF + 2
Gil Garcia – PHF + 4
Jim Lisi - PHF + 7
Mike Bergquist – PHF +8
Mike Bergquist - PHF + 8
Roberto Najera - PHF + 2
Jim Lisi - PHF + 7
MEGA BUCKS
Gil Garcia pledged a Mega Buck in honor of his Paul Harris Fellow + 4.
Roberto Najera pledged a Mega Buck in honor of his Paul Harris Fellow + 2.
Mike Bergquist pledged a Mega Buck in honor of his Paul Harris Fellow + 8.
OPPORTUNITY DRAWING
Guest, Elisa Gosdschan walked away with The Berry Man gift certificate. Marti Correa de Garcia had the opportunity to walk away with a bundle of cash, but unfortunately didn’t pick the “red marble”.
GUEST SPEAKER
GRACE FISHER
GRACE FISHER FOUNDATION PARAPLEGIC EXPERIENCE
The Grace Fisher Foundation exists to connect children living with disabilities to music, art, dance, and other forms of artistic expression in order to provide an accessible space for community inclusion, education, creation, and self-discovery. Since its’ creation in 2016, the GFF has worked to spread adaptive art, music, and dance to the special needs community. Through local art events, the GFF has helped Santa Barbara special needs families enjoy the gift of creativity. These events include projects such as collaborative murals, sculpture, adaptive dance and much more!
In 2014 during her senior year of High School, Grace Fisher’s spine was ravaged by a virus leaving her paralyzed from the neck down. In the days following, she was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis and sent to Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver, CO. There she was introduced to music therapy and adaptive art. This not only helped strengthen her neck, but also helped heal her mind and soul. Nearly 8 months after her arrival home she was approached by Make A Wish foundation in Santa Barbara, CA. Grace’s wish before she turned 18 was to help other children with disabilities through art and music. This is her way to pay it forward and she is eternally grateful to the people of the Make a Wish Foundation and the teamwork at Santa Barbara Foundation to make her dream a reality.
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