March 31, 2008 Spokesman

Announcements:

Cheryl Bloodworth reminded everyone of the upcoming Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction on Saturday, April 12^th at the Women's Club.  This is a very important fundraiser for our organization - and goes a long way in support of local community programs that our club supports and sponsors. She once again passed around a "sign up" sheet for us to donate items, and asked that everyone get them to Jim Feek's office by Friday, April 11^th. Please be sure to check the attached attendance and auction items lists for this fun annual event.  Chuck Brockway always does a great job as Auctioneer in making it fun for everyone. 

Joanne Primavera reminded everyone involved of the April 1^st deadline to get their articles in for our May 2008 8 page supplement to the Kirkland Reporter / Courier. This should be a great publication. Bob Webb also asked that each of us contact either him or Jim Feek if they would like to buy a small ad in support of this publication.  The ads run in the vicinity of $80 to $85 and up, depending on the size.  It can be a business ad or just a personal ad from you and your family in support of the R. Club of Kirkland . We are hoping to raise roughly $4500 to cover the cost of this 8 page supplement, so individual support is appreciated.

Dr. Webb thanked Miriam Gilbert for the great job she did in pulling together a large group of Kirkland Rotarians and their spouses this past weekend to put together 250 Caregiver Aids Kits for Africa at Kamiakin Junior High School.

Patti Smith, International Service Director for our club, updated us on the approved projects that she has been overseeing this year.  These are very significant projects that truly reflect our clubs commitment to helping those in need - beyond our borders.

 1. Our club- $3500 this year. Purchasing the Caregiver Kits for Africa (described above)  out of the International Services budget.

2. Our club - $7000 over 2 years.  A total of $30,000 was amassed in support of aRotary Clean Water Project in one of the poorer areas outside of Istanbul , Turkey . Our clubs contribution over 2 years was $7,000 along with $5,000 funding from two clubs in Turkey in addition to a local benefactor who donated $10,000 of his own money through Kirkland Rotary member, Kennan Yilmaz, our Project leader. A matching grant from Rotary International brought the total to the $30,000.  A great International project spearheaded by Kennan and carried on by Patti that in the end will make a huge difference in this impoverished area.

3. Our club - $5,000 this year.  A total of $24,740 was  pulled together in the purchasing a Truck / Bus for the Thembalethu Aids and Education Trust  in S. Africa to transport AIDS patients to their medical appointments and to transport counselors and care givers to the patients homes. Our contribution of $5,000 plus $2500 from a club in Louisiana along with the Port Elizabeth club donating $500 totaled to $8,000.  The S. Africa District brought in  $6 365 - followed by the Rotary Foundations contribution of $10,375.

Patti Smith closed out her presentation by asking Club Members to contribute suggestions for Clean Water and Literacy projects for the 2008-09 year.

The Speaker - The Old Dog Haven

Sharon Cavell gave an impassioned introduction to her friends from "the Old Dog Haven". Long time business acquaintance, Judith Piper, is the founder and Executive Director.   She started this enterprise 2 years ago to provide assisted living and hospice care for dogs 8 to 14 years old.  Their mission is to assure that no matter how long these dogs have left to live, that they know that they are loved and cared for when they die.

Tonight's speakers were Ron Kerrigan, Board President and Webmaster along with  Julie Nelwicki, Fundraising and Technology Support.  Both have full time employment outside of this passion, but have so much pride and commitment to this cause of providing final refuse for these often unwanted senior dogs.  They help to find volunteers who agree to provide Foster Homes while Adopting Homes are being sought out along with seeking out good adoptive homes for these senior dogs.

For those families that do not want to give up their dogs, this great organization also helps to cover all medical costs for their pets where they  cannot afford to keep them financially.

 Approximately 75% of this organizations budget goes for Veterinary Medical bills, which in 2007 totaled in excess of $200,000.

If you wish to help out - you are encouraged to make a donation - or  -- foster or adopt a dog --  or  --volunteer your services.    Information can be found by calling 360-653-0311. Be sure to look up their web page at  www.olddoghaven.org  or email them at  olddoghaven@verizon.net. 

Lucky Ticket Draw

Carl Boruck had the lucky ticket, but failed to pull the right ticket to win the big $'s.