November 9th Meeting Notes

Happy thoughts

Happy thoughts included looking forward to family for Christmas, the end of the autumn wine tour, gratitude for veterans, getting warm after kids’ soccer games, and our upcoming fundraiser.

Topics

Rotarians are generous by nature, but sometimes it’s good to know how our contributions help. Today we learned that the Shelter Boxes we purchased went to Syrian refugees. This is one of the most mission-critical causes that we support—learn more.

Rotary Foundation

We are fortunate to have Jane Helten, a past-president and past-district governor, in our club to provide ongoing insight into Rotary beyond the local level. With help from Alicia Dietrich, she presented a detailed overview of Rotary Foundation, beginning with the first donation that Rotary International made to the Crippled Children’s Foundation in 1929. Today, Rotary funds support initiatives worldwide from eradicating polio to providing scholarships, clean water, and peace fellowships. On a local level, we have benefitted from matching grants for our own projects.

It’s important to note that anyone can donate to Rotary International, and unlike with many charities, donors can specify where they would like their contribution to go. Equally important, the entirety of the donation goes toward the cause, and not toward administrative fees. We also learned more about the Paul Harris award, which Rotarians and others received in recognition of a $1,000 donation. We’re proud that our club has multiple Paul Harris fellows.

To learn more about Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation, click here.

Upcoming vocational

Tracy will host a vocational after hours on November 16 at 6:15 at Flowers by the Bay in Freeland. Please note that this takes the place of the regular meeting and starts at a later time.

Director reports:

Doug—Treasurer. Reported on funds balance and all is well.

Gabrielle—Public Relations. Discussed marketing activities on behalf of Christmas tree sales. Please remember to “like” or share Facebook posts about the fundraiser. It’s the easiest way to spread the word, and it’s free!

Bill—Youth Services.  Interact is eager to help promote or sell Christmas trees.

Jerry—Fundraising. Thanked George for all his help in supporting the fundraiser.

Gordy—Club Administration. Reminded us that the upcoming holiday party has been postponed until January.