Kristin Brown read a card from the Rotary Club of Bromley, Kent, England which contained a toast of friendship on the occasion of Rotary Awareness Day. It is the practice of that club to toast a club in another country each week as a part of their International Service. The Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club was chosen for a toast on February 23 because of our proximity to Rotary International.
Bill Glader and MaLu Simon gave an update on the plans for the June 12, 2016, “Taste of Evanston,” our club’s 2nd annual spring fundraiser. The theme of the event is “Take a Bite Out of Hunger,” which will take place from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. at the Rotary International Building on Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston. Printed postcard invitations and electronic invitations are both being prepared; the event will be by invitation due to food inspection requirements for public events. Corporate and individual sponsorships are being solicited so that proceeds from the event will go towards the goal of raising $35,000. The two organizations the club will showcase will be the Hillside Food Pantry and the Hunger Resource Network. Ticket sales and auction items will be the primary source of revenue for the event.
Yves Lassere gave a report to the club on the progress being made by the International Service Committee in support of overseas projects the club has committed to.
Harold Bauer read a letter from the organization, “Right to Be Free,” which received a donation of $500 from the club to help meet the medical costs of surgery for a young man injured while fishing as a captive in a child slavery ring on Lake Volta in Ghana, Africa. Senyo’s surgeries have been successfully completed and he is now receiving physical therapy and attending school.
Linda Gerber announced that she and her husband, Hal Gerber, will be hosting a cocktail party to benefit The Smile Train, an international charity to provide surgery for children with cleft lips and palates. The event will take place on Friday, March 18, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Koi Restaurant, 624 Davis St. The event will include a silent auction to benefit The Smile Train. Tickets are $50; dress is casual but RSVP’s are requested by March 14.
Brad Weiss reminded the club that the last time he will be able to collect donated items for the “PETS for Vets” drive is March 4. He is collecting grooming essentials, food basics, and cash contributions.
Helen Oloroso announced that the Club Service Committee will be hosting a fellowship get together for dinner on Thursday, March 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Prairie Moon Restaurant. Sign-up sheets were distributed and an email invitation is going out to the club members as well.
