At the noon hour on November 8th at the Intercontinental Hotel, President Dave Dominick opened the meeting. This was a hybrid meeting with in-person and online participants.. President Dominick thanked the meeting volunteers: A/V Tech Team Lead- Matt Magers, Greeter Shelly Rucks, scribe Valdi Stefanson and visiting Rotarians/guests/happy dollars Susan Rostkoski.
John Bennett provided the inspirational minute, and then we all joined him reciting the 4-way test. In recognition of the upcoming Veterans Day, Dave Dominick mentioned ten veterans who were present, online or absent. Those present stood and provided their branch of service and years served. Online, Jay Pfaender did the same.
Next up was Brianna Haglin to introduce the meeting focus --- The Rotary Foundation and it's impact locally and worldwide. Brianna characterized the robust giving of club 10 Rotarians and explained that it had been quite a while since those achieving Paul Harris recognitions had been recognized and applauded. Then, to emphasize the point, she named and awarded pins/certificates to John Bennett, Nancy Brady, John Chandler, Tom Farnham, Heidi Fisher, Pat Hartford, Francis Luikart, Matt Magers, Paul Meekin, Andrea Mirenda, Linda Mulhern, Beth Naughton, Noble Orji, Susan Rostkoski, Ken Schaefer and Kinumo Usuda. (Those underlined received pins with one or more stones indicating additional $ 1,000 contributions.)
Valdi Stefanson was invited up to speak to the good-will and impact of club member donations to the SHARE fund at The Rotary Foundation. He spoke of his involvement in the District 5960 Grants Team -- that reviews D5960 District and Global Grants in order to assign matching dollars returning after three years in the Evanston Rotary Headquarters. Indeed, he commented that it is the most rewarding and inspiring Committee within District 5960. Several current or recent humanitarian grants were mentioned. Then, he reported on club 10 giving, as reported by the District. Last year, District Rotarians contributed some $ 500,000, with the average around $ 200/member/year. How are WE doing? As it turned out, club 10'ers gave about $ 250/member/year! Valdi highlighted the TRF contribution form on each table and noted that the SHARE fund is the one where contributions are recycled back to D5960 after three years. Moreover, giving to Polio Plus is a separated category, with our District members providing some $ 150,000 last year.
Brianna came to the podium again and referenced our club's most successful Paul Harris Fellow Auctions in past years, and including last June. Today, she is proposing to assist two or three new club members who are yet without Paul Harris recognition. These members had pledged $ 100, and as such she promptly opened up "bidding" to achieve the $ 1,000 threshold. In short order, members present donated to threshold for members Nick Carmichael and Elisa Rasmussen. Another member may achieve Paul Harris Fellowship, once online and absent members weigh in. Congratulations all --- the Power of Rotary...
Next up, Susan Rostkoski led a robust round of Happy Dollars.
Shelly Rucks spoke of Valentines Day (February 14th) as the annual Joint Meeting with Club 9. This year, we will meet at a neutral location somewhere approximately mid-point between the two Cities. Mark your calendar.
President Dave announced club 10 next events:
- Next Meeting – 501 on Nov 15th with the title "Trafficking Insights"
- NO Club meeting on Nov 22nd, because it is Thanksgiving week
- Signature Luncheon on Nov 29th with the title "St Paul Rotary Foundation"
- Winter Spark on Dec 1st 5:30-8:30 pm at University Club
President Elect Heidi Fisher will coordinate a Visioning Team soon that will create an online member survey. She is looking for volunteers with this effort.
President Dave adjourned the meeting at 1:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Valdi Stefanson