It’s just in time for your holiday shopping. Gifts will be on display in the room behind our regular meeting room for easy access. Organized by Diane Alcantara and Maureen Simmons, many very special items will be available – and, according to Diane and Maureen, at prices that are even lower than last year! We will also enjoy several member classifications at this meeting. Fellowship starts at 11:30 am with the meeting beginning at 11:45 am.
Highlights from our November 1, 2022 Lunch Meeting
Our meeting was called to order by President Harry Maloney. The Pledge was led by Jim Siwek. The 4 Way Test was led by Maureen Simmons. Pastor Heather Sugden gave the blessing, including a special remembrance message for All Souls Day. Attendance – 34 members and 1 guest (Paul Spinelli). Our very busy club had many announcements!
Committee Chairperson, Donna Perez announced that this year’s recipient has been selected and notified – Vineland Fire Department’s Director of Fire – Richard Franchetta. The award dinner is scheduled November 30th at Merighi’s Savoy Inn at 6 pm until 9:30 pm.
Scholarship Committee Members Needed
The Scholarship Committee is starting early this year, and applications will be pouring in soon. Volunteers are needed to join the Scholarship Committee. Committee members will review applications and prepare to make recommendations. The Committee, headed by Susanna Philippoussis and Brian Rehm, will be meeting to review and discuss applicants. Please volunteer but only if you can commit to meeting in person for the review! Contact Susanna @ susannapc@gmail.com
Feeding Children Food Project – It will be back in person in 2023!
Gail Marino announced that a date has been set – Saturday, April 22, 2023 starting at 10 am at the Salvation Army facility on Chestnut Avenue. More details will come as we get closer, but please mark your calendars. We will be assembling meals for 20,000 individuals – and all meals will be distributed locally to those in need.
Get Ready for the Disco Ball!!
Our party planning Josie Spinelli has spearheaded plans for a fun night of music and disco dancing February 24, 2023! The event will be held at Merighi’s Savoy Inn and will feature disco-era decorations, great music and contests – including for best dressed, best dancers. The evening will also feature entertainment by professional dancers and roller skaters. So get your disco dancing shoes ready – tickets are $60 per person and includes dinner. More information coming soon!
Spirit and Truth Lunch Project
We are pleased to announce that one of our newest members, Joanne Hewes, has taken over leadership of the project. Volunteers meet the first Friday of each month to pack 100 bag lunches for those visiting the soup kitchen on Fridays – the bagged lunches help sustain them over the weekend when the soup kitchen isn’t open. Thanks Joanne!
Peddles For Progress
Dave Hanrahan, who led this year’s event, reported that 82 bicycles and 7 sewing machines were collected and shipped! He offered thanks to the DNS Solutions crew – Nick Surace, Alicia Fichera and Cara Stanzione whose help was immeasurable this year! Additionally, Alicia created a framed montage of photos from the event to present to Henry Hansen as a thank you for all he has done and continues to do for Peddles for Progress. Great job all!
Please check the calendar for all of our upcoming events –
The Vineland Rotary Club has so much going on!
Our Program – Rotary Foundation
We enjoyed a lively presentation at our November 1 meeting focused on the Rotary Foundation. Our Club’s Foundation Director, Alan Dickenson, (pictured below) led the conversation assisted by Dave Hanrahan, Maureen Simmons and Frank Rumick, all members of the Foundation Committee.
Things we learned about the Rotary Foundation:
Started with an initial donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Rotary Foundation has spent more than $3 billion on programs and projects to support humanitarian efforts and scholarships in its 100+ year history.
The Rotary Foundation’s motto is “Doing Good in the World”
Paul Harris Fellow recognition began in 1957 – the first form of donor recognition – expressing appreciation for eligible contributions of $1000. In 2006, the number of Paul Harris Fellows reach 1 million!
The Rotary Foundation is considered one of the world’s leading humanitarian foundations.
The Foundation provides matching grants to help clubs and districts fund humanitarian projects.
Immunizing children against polio is one of the Foundation’s main focuses. In 1980 Rotary committed to eliminate polio through immunizations.
In 2004, the Every Rotarian Every Year initiative was created – encouraging every Rotary member to give every year to the Foundation with a goal of $100 per year to the fund. After 10 years, Annual Fund total contributions reach $116 million.
In 2007, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation issued the $1 million challenge. This grant challenged Rotary to raise $100 million – which the Gates Foundation matched. Two years later, the Gates Foundation pledged an additional $255 million and increased the amount Rotary must raise to $200 million. This partnership helps both organizations improves lives around the world.
In 2015, the number of polio-endemic countries dropped to two. Polio cases worldwide are down 99.9% since 1988 when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched.
Alan emphasized that 25% of what our club members contribute comes back to our club through grants. He encouraged members who are not yet Paul Harris fellows to become a Paul Harris sustaining member – it’s easy to sign up and it only costs about 28 cents per day.
Maureen reported that the Foundation has received the highest rating – 4 Stars – from Charity Navigator for 14 consecutive years. Charity Navigator evaluates hundreds of thousands of charitable organizations each year. Rotary Foundation ranks in the Top 1%!
Alan asked the members who are sustaining Paul Harris fellows to stand (above). We were all pleased to see so many of those in attendance standing!
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