Rotareminder December 1, 2020
President Randy Smith called the meeting to order, noting that this is Giving Tuesday. He announced that Carol Crimi would give the Invocation, David Dix would play the opening song, and Roger Sidoti would be the Rotareminder author for the meeting.
David Dix played the opening patriotic song God Bless America, and this was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Randy. Carol Crimi provided the opening prayer.
President Randy asked for guests to be introduced:
-Anthony Horton introduced Stanton’s Student of the Month, Avery Gates, and parents Carrie and Justin Gates.
-Shawn Gordon introduced Andrew Popp
President Randy asked if there were any announcements:
Todd Kamenash reminded everyone about the annual Christmas/Holiday Party being held virtually on December 10th. We need more people to sign-up online. He promised it would be one and a half hours maximum and filled with entertainment. The price includes a beverage and snack tray delivered to your house. He also announced that Habitat is still collecting toys and Rotarians who donate will be entered in a contest the night of the party. He also thanked all the people helping on the party, especially singling out Jim, David, Kathy, and Tom Myers for their extraordinary help on the party.
Rachel Kerns announced that the toys can be dropped off at the Kent Restore and the Ravenna Habitat office. There is great need for pre-teen and teens, especially gift cards.
Kathy Myers announced that members should consider inviting friends to attend the party on December 10th. Everyone is invited.
Bill Childers announced that the Salvation Army is looking for Bell Ringers for Walmart the Saturdays of December 5, 10,18, and 19. Keeping with COVID rules, ringers would be outside, and he suggested they bring someone else to spell each other in the cold. Let Bill know of your availability.
President Randy Smith announced:
- Ken Wertz, long time Kent Rotarian who passed away in early summer, left sizable Rotary donations: $15,000 to the Rotary Club of Kent and $25,000 to Rotary International. Randy extended a big thank you to his family.
- The Slate of Candidates for Offices in 2021-22 to be voted on by the club:
Kathy Myers President
David Myers President Elect
Asad Khan Program Director
David McKeen Secretary
Matt Carter Treasurer
Roger Kramer Club Administration
Amanda Senn Membership
Todd Kamenash Service Projects
Curtis Stumph Club Outreach
Chas Madonio Ways & Means
Roger Sidoti Foundation Member
100th Anniversary Moment
Jim Myers, as usual, had a unique story about our Club, noting that the scheduled and advertised “official’ first meeting and inductions of the club members had to be postponed. Read about it in our E-Bulletin.
Stanton Rotary Student of the Month
Anthony Horton, Stanton Middle School President, introduced Avery Gates, a member of the 8th grade Endeavor Team. He noted Avery’s many activities, including her three- year member of Orchestra in which she plays the viola, a two-year member of the Volleyball team, a Student Council member, participation in Student Ambassadors, and in Drama club as an actress the past two years in the school plays. She is also an outstanding student, maintaining a 3.9 GPA and taking high school Latin. She is highly active in a variety of community service activities and finds time to participate in club sports. Avery credits her parents, Carrie and Justin Gates for drive to serve others and treating others well. (Please see the attached presentation document from Principal Horton)
Program
David Myers introduced Rebecca Ann Silber, Annual Giving Officer for the Rotary Foundation, serving Zones 30 & 31. He noted her commitment in working to connect Rotarians with the Foundation.
Rebecca thanked David and started her presentation by extending congratulations to Avery Gates, our Student of the Month, as well to our club, and members on our 100th year anniversary. In addition, she acknowledged our receiving of two banners last year. One for Every Rotarian Every Year and the other for 100% Participation to the Rotary Foundation.
She noted that this is a difficult time for all Rotarians, stressing her work the past Rotary Foundation month in November. Using the Foundation Mission Statement, she outlined the broad, overarching areas of focus for Foundation giving:
Providing Clean Water
Sanitation, Hygiene, and Disease Prevention
Supporting Education
Supporting Education
Saving mothers and children
Promoting Peace
Growing local economics
…and noting that a 7th area, Protecting the Environment, is being added.
Rebecca than challenged each of us to think about our area of focus, or passion, as Rotarians and our donating to the Foundation. She outlined the 5 funds and the importance of considering which fund to contribute to in meeting your focus and passion. Each fund carries a specific, broad goal. The Annual Fund is the primary fund for local and international activities, The World Fund supports programming and grants for all districts, The Polio Plus Fund is Rotary’s top priority, The Disaster Response Fund meets immediate needs created by natural disasters, and The Endowment Fund insures sustainability of the Foundation.
She gave an overview of 2019-20 Foundation activities, noting the following updates and expenditures:
-$35 Million supported 1359 Global Grants and 490 District Grants, noting 141 were in America.
-$24 Million from the Global Grants Fund supported COVID-19 related projects.
-Polio is still a priority, with two countries in endemic status, and Nigeria has become polio free.
-Polio supervision/tracking programs are being used to track COVID-19.
Rebecca noted that Rotary is unique in having Individual Recognition for levels of contributing: Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society Member, Bequest Society, Major Donor, Arch Klumph Society, and Legacy Society. She encouraged everyone to consider giving, noting that the goal for the coming year is $137 Million worldwide. She emphasized that Rotary has received a 4 STAR rating by Charity Navigator for 12 straight years. 92% of every dollar goes to programming and awards.
Responder
Bill Childers served as the responder, reaffirming that this was “Giving Tuesday” and appropriate for her to be here. He recognized the work of local Rotarians who contribute to the Foundation and the many Paul Harris Fellows and bequeaths. He noted the work of Past president Larry Lohman and his efforts in accessing the foundation for grants in our own club and thanking Rebecca for being with us.
