July 9, 2010  Volume 90, Number 02

ROTARY'S FOUR WAY TEST "Of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH?  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it Build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

JULY - POLIO ERADICATION AWARENESS MONTH

Greeters were Beth Faylor and Steve Larson

Inspirational Moment was provided by Darrick Price.

 

Flag Salute was led by Teresa Smith

Darrick Price conducted member recognition. Jeff Sargent and Jill Methven's birthdays were announced, but both were working at the Methven Family Vineyards setting up for "Uncorked - The Oregon Wine and Art Auction.

 

Maureen Chapman had a makeup birthday, explaining that she is 29 again.

Jim and Molly Walker will be celebrating their 27th anniversary; however, Jim said they were donating $100 to the club foundation as "it seems like 100 years."

 

Ellen Summerfield, Executive Director of Give A Little Foundation, was the main speaker. The group is now in its third year. Ellen gave credit to member Steve Fitzpatrick for helping the nonprofit group wade through the paperwork. While it took six months to get approval from the IRS, the group has jumped through  hurdles of legal issues and insurance issues step-by-step with Steve and other community supporters to become a viable nonprofit. The idea of Give A Little is to provide small grants of around $250 to help lend a hand to individuals in dire need in Yamhill County — whether it’s assistance with rent, electricity, dental bills, medicine, car repair, etc. — to help them get through a tough time. The turnaround on requests is typically 24 hours. Ellen said that especially with the current economy, the needs are enormous. She said that the board of directors of the foundation recently attended the St. Barnabas Soup Kitchen and talked to Manager Howie Harkema. Howie told him that a year ago they were serving 1360 people a month and that has risen to 1800 meals a month currently. Ellen said that many times the people who receive Give A Little grants are “hidden in plain sight” and are the working poor, who just can’t seem to make ends meet. When they have a problem, they can suffer severe consequences. Many, she said, cannot afford basic needs. 100 percent of the funds donated to the organization go directly to the purpose with board members covering administrative costs. The group is planning a Sept. 19 fundraiser called “Amazing Lace!” which will include displays of laces from the 1600s to 1900s, a lace presentation by Terese Blanding, an auction of contemporary artworks incorporating a lace theme, an afternoon tea and live music. It will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Social Hall at the First Baptist Church in McMinnville. Bruce Huffman presented Ellen with a $20 bill for the organization and led a very short version of “Amazing Lace” (to the tune of Amazing Grace). He said that while he and his wife give, they thought they could “give a little more” which prompted Ellen to explain that Give A Little is not trying to compete with other organizations — but rather find other funds that people might be willing to donate. They work together with other organizations. Just this summer the group began a new program to scholarship youth  which cannot afford to participate in summer programs. Give A Little is working with the McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department and has giving scholarships to 60 students this year. All their grants are made through partnership with other organizations, with Give A Little depending on other organizations to help connect them with those in need. In

 

 

President Bruce had Ellen sign a book for our early reader program and presented her with the McMinnville Rotary pen she used to sign the book along with a special bag. A closing thank-you was given by President Bruce to Waldo Farnham for leading the charge to get the new sound system with the help of Lee Vasquez and Patrick Fuchs.

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"When meeting day comes around, I do not have to decide whether to attend or not, for that has already been decided for me . . .
it was one of the obligations I accepted when I joined Rotary." -- A Rotarian 

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