Last weeks program was provided by Rotarian Kayla Drawdy. Kayla’s guest speaker was fellow Rotarian, Tai Ishia Robinson, Director of the Plant City Boys and Girls Club. Tai Ishia has been with the Boys and Girls club in the Tampa area for over 10 years. At age 11 she was first introduced to the Boys and Girls club and was enrolled in a club that changed her and impacted the course of her life. During college Tai Ishia worked at the Club in Tallahassee. She worked there for 2 years and it was an eye opening experience. She decided that she wanted to give kids the same experience that she had. The Boy’s and Girls Club used to be seen as a “babysitting” club, but now it is so much more! There is a 98% graduation rate among club members that were high school seniors. 99% of members qualify for free or reduced school lunch, 62% come from single parent homes, and 78% live at or below the poverty level. The club serves kids, ages 5-18 with before and after school care and activities. They are located on Waller Road in Plant City and also at Tomlin and Marshal middle schools. It is a completely free program with the majority of the kids in the 6th grade range that need the most attention. They have many opportunities for the kids from field trips to cooking classes and other life skills programs. Much of their budget is grant funded but fund raisers, such as the BBQ lunch, and donations help finance the activities. The challenge has been how to get kids to stay in the program. The approach of “asking the kids” has helped tremendously in developing a program that meets the needs of those involved to help prepare them to be better citizens. Recently implemented programs for culinary/nutrition and the DJ program have been great successes. They are always looking for donations and funds to offer more programs. Any time you give to the local Boy’s and Girls clubs, 100% of the funds remain locally. Current needs that they have are; computers (in working condition!), a “food” partner to help with the culinary program, and a stove for the culinary program. If you can help the Boy’s and Girl’s club make a difference in our communities kids, please contact Tai Ishia Robinson. - provided by Mike Arndt
Kayla Drawdy is the new Program Chair! Please notify Kayla of you upcoming speakers at 763-1821 or kayla@htitle.com
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Rotarian Code of Conduct
The following code of conduct has been adopted for the use of Rotarians:
AS A ROTARIAN, I will
Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life
Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect
Use my professional skills through Rotary to: mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world
Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians
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From Our Members
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Have any news you would like to share? Do you have a new position at work? Family news? Any news you would like to share with club members and bulletin subscribers? E-mail to Bill Wicker
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The Rotary Foundation inducted into University of Oxford’s Chancellor’s Court of BenefactorsThe Rotary Foundation has been welcomed into the University of Oxford’s Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors for its continuous support of the
