Skip and Judy welcomed us all tonight as we gathered at The Redwood. We numbered 22 Rotarians and two guests - our speakers, Stephanie Drzymala and Melody Carlin from Make-A-Wish.

 

President Jack greeted us and led the Pledge followed by America The Beautiful. His inspiration was from Harriet Tubman: "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the PASSION to reach for the stars to change the world."

 

Announcements: ATTN: This Thursday we will clean up Rose Ridge Cemetery in advance of Easter at 9:00 am. Please dress warm, bring gloves, rakes, clippers, etc. * The District Learning Assembly is on April 11, 8:30-12:30 at Waterloo HS. It's free and we will do lunch after. Register at: rotary7120.org. * Rotex Polar Plunge is Sunday April 12 at noon at the Beachcomber on Conesus Lake. The Club has pledged but individual donations are encouraged. Info to come from Carrie soon. Our Interact students will be jumping in! * The District Conference is May 1-3 at Holiday Valley Resort. Registration and hotel reservation info is on the District website at: rotary7120.org. * Wayne Chanler fell on ice and broke multiple bones. He hopes to be back soon. Brenda is home after a fall, hospital and rehab stays. Sue is doing well at home after her surgery. Let's keep them all in our thoughts and prayers. * Denise treated us all to delicious German chocolate cupcakes for Jack's and Kevin's birthdays this week! * Hikaru made it home to Japan okay, with help from many, getting his passport from Bill's truck in PA to him in Rochester. * The Rainbow Trout Derby is next week! A few more volunteers are needed - see Jo Anne. * Plans are underway for the Great Grape Derby on May 9th. A volleyball net has been ordered to ensure capture of all the grapes! Skip and Judy will chair.

 

Stephanie came to us from the Buffalo area tonight, where she is the Manager of Volunteers and Wish Relationships. She got involved 3 years ago when her nephew was a Make-A-Wish recipient. Melody helps with family visits to determine eligibility. Stephanie started the presentation with a video of two young girls who have formed a close friendship during the course of their time being hospitalized for life threatening illness. Maria and Savannah and their families were treated to a wonderful trip to Disney World together. Make-A-Wish of Western NY has offices in Rochester and Buffalo which serve 17 counties in WNY. Make-A-Wish got started in 1980 when 7 year old Chris in Phoenix wished to be a police officer. His community came together to bring it to reality. It is now a worldwide network of 58 chapters in the US and in 50 countries. 32,000 volunteers have granted 520,000 wishes since 1980. Locally, 81 children have qualified this year with a goal of 150. There are 230 more on the waiting list. Stephanie coordinates the volunteers who help the kids decide what their wish is, plan for and grant the wish. Disney trips are the most popular! Benefits of the program are life changing. Receiving a wish reduces trauma of illness, improves emotional well-being, increases compliance with treatment and boosts strength to fight. To qualify, the child is 2.5 to 18 years old, has not received a previous wish and has a diagnosis of a life threatening illness.

Funding comes from donations and fundraising only. Gala events are held yearly in Rochester and Buffalo. The Rochester Gala is on May 2nd. Many organizations hold fundraisers for Make-A-Wish. Volunteers are needed to grant wishes, work on special events, provide subject matter consultation and community engagement. Volunteers also send cards, make blankets, countdown calendars, activity packs and sponsor Amazon wishlists and gift cards. The kids get gifts every 90 days until their wish is granted! For more info on this great program, go to: wny.wish.org.

 

The Ace of Hearts was $168 tonight. Blanche had lucky ticket #9815 and she drew the Ace of Hearts! Congrats!

 

Many Happy Bills went to the wonderful program. Jack and Sharon's granddaughter was a star in a school musical. Chloe works at Holy Childhood and would like their students to send cards to the children. Hospeace House has a lot in common with Make-A-Wish. Thanks to Denise for the cupcakes! Jack donated $74 to Make-A-Wish for his 74th birthday.

 

Jack's Rotary Moment shared the Rotary life of Jane Schenk. Jane is 92 and recently returned home on hospice care. Her membership in Naples Rotary began in 1989 and she became an Honorary member recently. She is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Robert Allen awardee, Club historian, secretary and auditor. She co-chaired the Trout Derby for many years. She is now reviewing a collection of Rotary historical records and will give them to Jack while sharing a glass of wine. You can send her a card at: 6542 Oakley Rd., Naples.

 

After reciting the Four Way Test, Jack rang the bell to adjourn.