Meeting Minutes
Meeting Start: 7:28 AM
Guests
Susan from Tickets for Kids.
Invocation
Invocation by Ryan R. — expressed gratitude for the world around us and encouraged finding strength in ourselves and our communities.
Pledge
Everyone.
4-Way Test
Everyone.
International Theme
Unite for Good. [No banner yet. Ed.]
Paul Harris Awards
None this week.
Announcements
Glen J. - Free Bikes for Kids event on October 18th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Volunteers are needed for bike repairs, cleaning, and prepping. There are tasks for all.
Mike G. - Service Project update: Mike mentioned the Minnesota Athletics Funds. He met with the coordinator and wants the Rotary involved in more events.
There are opportunities to join the Gopher hockey practice on October 23rd and 28th at 1:30 PM.
They are also hosting a suit event for donors, with several exciting games scheduled.
Mark M had Mike thank Ron U., Bill, Mac, Bob, Mike G., and Phil H. for helping with the Highway 7 cleanup (sorry if I missed someone)
Pete G. - Empty Bowls event at 6100 Normandale on November 2nd from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The Minnetonka Rotary is sponsoring bowls at this event. Handmade bowls will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels, which lost some of its funding.
Annika - Women's Happy Hour on November 6th at Ike's for Rotary women.
New Member Induction
None this week.
Rotary Minute
None this week.
Raffle
$73 raised. Frank’s number was drawn, but he didn’t win, so the raffle rolls over to next week.
Foundation Award Checks or Thank You's
None this week.
Happy Bucks
Ann W. - Ann shared a story about how a truck driver found and returned her husband John's lost phone.
She’s also excited to be heading to Savannah next week.
Glen J. - Happy that the wrestling team helped him remove his dock and lift at the cabin.
Bill S. - Spent 30 hours in Duluth with his college roommates, enjoying a full moon and gin & tonics.
Char M. - Her granddaughter graduated from college and landed her first teaching job at Wooddale Academy.
Terry S. - His great-granddaughter is growing fast and has started picking up leaves with a little bucket. He enjoys watching her every Wednesday.
Frank B. - The Minnesota Boy Choir is in need of sponsorship funds to support their kids.
Program
Speaker: Susan - Tickets for Kids
About Tickets for Kids:
Founded in 1994 in Pittsburgh and expanded to Minnesota in 2016. Previously known as Tix for Tots, the organization now helps under-resourced youth access cultural and educational experiences by providing free tickets.
In Minnesota this year, they will distribute 60,000 tickets, which are donated by individuals, businesses, and teams.
Ticket Distribution & Impact:
Tickets are given through over 425 Minnesota-based social service agencies that serve youth aged 24 and under.
Organizations need to meet a criteria of serving at least 70% under-resourced youth to participate.
Transportation is the biggest barrier.
Events & Fundraisers:
The organization is planning several events for 2026, including:
A Friend-Raiser Happy Hour in April/May.
A private Dinner Party with a Michelean chef.
Inspiring Future Dinner in October.
Possibly an event at Dave & Busters in April/May.
Events typically attract 200 people.
Budget & Operations:
Tickets cost about $4 each.
This year’s budget for Minnesota is $200,000, supporting the distribution of 60,000 tickets.
Only 9 staff members work for the entire organization, with Susan representing Minnesota and another person managing backend operations from Pittsburgh to help her.
The redemption rate for tickets is 90-95%, allowing the organization to track usage and determine future distribution.
Geographic Reach:
Minnesota, parts of Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
The organization aims to expand its reach to areas outside the Twin Cities, such as Duluth and Bemidji.
Adjournment
Polio/Raffle: $73.
Happy Bucks: $17.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:20 AM
Respectfully Submitted by Alissa S.
Member Submissions
None this week.
