Announcements
(notes courteous of the crafty and courageous Barb Lintner)

Gary Olsen announced a Global Fundraiser Initiative for Shelter Box.  Gifts in $25 increments may be made to Shelter Box in the name of the recipient.  If you are looking for a gift for the holidays this would be a great time to donate.

If you are coming and/or bringing guests to our Holiday Party this Thursday, December 6, please RSVP to Patrice.

Contact Ed if you can work at the Wesley Foundation Food Pantry on December 19.

We will be Ringing Bells for Salvation Army on December 15.  We have people for all 8 1 hour shifts but if you are able to help let Jeff know.

Harold announced the Rotary Foundation Bowl.  See his email about guessing for the 25 Bowl Games.  He needs your picks and money ($20 per sheet) by noon December 15th.

Robb asked us to get our money in for the Fruit Sale ASAP so that we can distribute it to our charities. We sold 800+ cases this year.

The deadline for the Group Study Exchange Leader application is December 19.

Jen Shelby recently was honored for her philanthropy by the American Fundraising Group for her support for Shop with a Cop and Kendall Gill Tournament among and numerous other worthwhile endeavors.  Congratulations Jen.

 

Speaker

Our speakers were the Winners of the Essay Contest from Edison School.  The contest is jointly sponsored by Champaign Rotary Clubs.  Members of the clubs visited classes in Champaign Middle Schools and asked the students what it would it take to change the world.  The presentation included a four minute video on Rotary International followed by discussion.  The topic for the voluntary essay written by 197 students was “What is Rotary Doing to Change the World and What Can I Do?”

Students Panayiota Laros, Maggie Akinleye and Nidhi Dholaria read their essays to us.  Panayota talked about Rotary’s efforts for polio immunization, reducing maternal death in Nigeria and water supplies. She also told us about working on dolls for girls in Africa, recycling ,  a workathon she participated in at Empty Tomb, and getting involved in Breast Cancer awareness.

Maggie began her essay with the Rotary motto: Service Above Self and focused on R I initiatives but also  included some CU Sunrise projects such as Read Across America and local charities.  She highlighted Gary’s efforts for Shelterbox.  Maggie has served as a volunteer at Salt and Light and has tutored a 3d grader.  She believes that small things make a difference and hopes that someday maybe she will be a Rotarian.

Nidhi Spoke about Rotary initiatives for eliminating malnutrition, and projects in Nigeria and Uganda as well as Polio eradication.  She highlighted our water project in Uganda and CU Sunrise volunteer hours at Eastern Illinois Foodbank.  She has volunteered at Provena and Carle hospitals.  Nidhi ended her essay with the question, “How can you help a neighbor?”

Although there were only three points difference in the scores on these three essays, Nidhi was the first place winner and her essay will go on to compete with the winners of the other Champaign Middle Schools.

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Ed Perry poses with his favorite toy smuggler, Santa Claus, in downtown Champaign.  Perry along with several other Rotarians gathered on Friday, December 7th, to help with the Caroling for a Cause fundraiser.  The event was held to raise money and awareness for the TIMES Center, and was organized by our very own Marsha Reardon.  Thanks to all who came out to support this worthy cause.
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Dec 13th Dec 20th Dec 27th Jan 3rd
Introductions Curt Anderson Oktay Baran Alan Chalifoux Neal Chamberlain
Invocation Barb Lintner BJ Lytle Ben Mast John McDaniel
Greeters Curt Anderson Oktay Baran Alan Chalifoux Neal Chamberlain
Benny Lapid Hang Liang Barb Lintner BJ Lytle
Song Leader Bruce Hatfield Mary Hodson Larry Johnson Andrew Kerins
Notetaker Conforti Chamberlain Perry Penwell

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Upcoming Schedule

Dec 13 – Holiday party

Dec 20 – Kerri Spear, Austin’s Place – Emergency Shelter

Dec 27 – Eric Batsie, Partnership Manager of Big Brothers, Big Sisters