I hope this message finds you safe and healthy. During these challenging times we may find ourselves feeling isolated, scared, and worried for our friends and loved ones. It is difficult to be separated from our friends and family, while having our “normal” way of life possibly forever changed. It is now we need our Rotary family more than ever. A way to socialize, provide care, and ultimately be there for those in need. Although we may not be meeting on a regular basis, I want to encourage you to reach out to one another, check in on each other, put a smile in your voice and bring a smile to someone else. It is amazing what a simple conversation can do to lift the spirits of everyone involved.
As some of you know, we tried a virtual meeting last week thanks to Jeff Selfridge and Barb Randall, and as Jeff shared it was a “virtual success”. We are planning to have another virtual meeting on the 21st so watch your emails for connection instructions. Please join us if you are able, we would love to hear your voice and if possible, see your face on the computer screen.
I am pleased to report the District 5970 has sponsored a $25,000 grant program to help with COVID-19 relief. Each club in the district has the opportunity to submit an application requesting allocation of $1,000 to a relief project. Marion-East Cedar Rapids has requested, along with many other clubs in the district, to donate $1,000 to HACAP food bank. As of the writing of this email we will be part of an initial donation of $19,000 to the food bank this week. It is so wonderful to see what Rotarians can do for our communities, helping bring hope to families in need.
I unfortunately must share with you that we, the Board, had to cancel our Waffle Breakfast. As the arts festival has been cancelled and the availability of the venue was in question, this seemed like our only option. As you know, the Waffle Breakfast is our main fundraiser for our Shoes for Kids program. The Fundraising committee is looking at other options for us and the Board will be reviewing our budget closely later this week. We are committed to our program and will find a way to fund as much as possible.
In closing, I just want to say “Thank You.” We are a Rotary family and the support we give to one another is amazing. Please stay safe.