HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS & SUCH
Posted by DANIEL O'CONNELL
I have some exciting news concerning the Camp capital campaign. We have hired a campaign manager/fundraiser to coordinate the fundraising activities of the Camp. This includes not only the upcoming capital campaign, but Chili Open and grant writing activities.
Her name is Bonnie Wojno, and although many of you know who she is, it should be said that she has a proven track record of achievement that we feel confident will translate to a successful campaign for our Camp. There will be more details from Dan Reynolds and Mark Krohn in near future. The Club owes many thanks to the search committee who spent many hours finding and interviewing prospective candidates.
The other good news is that a cluster meeting of Rotary Clubs in our immediate area was held in Barberton and as a result there will be four other clubs which will help us with the Capital campaign. These clubs are Barberton, Port Summit, Fairlawn, and Tallmadge. One of the recommendations of the Camp fundraising feasibility study was that the initial portion of the campaign be funded by Rotarians and those connected with Rotary. They advised that this would build credibility in the project, and it would have a higher probability of success with foundations and other donors if the membership and those other individuals connected with Rotary provide the first million dollars. Our own Akron Rotary Foundation requires a goal of $700,000 be reached before it can commit its share ($300,000). The involvement of the other Rotary Clubs is a very positive step in achieving that goal. Our hats are off to them for their recognizing the importance of our Camp to the area's kids. Many of the campers come from the areas serviced by their clubs and I believe this helped them decide on our Camp as a cluster project.
The Club is looking forward to some fun events in the coming month. On Dec 18, we will be having our Christmas/Holiday party at the Women's City Club with live music at reasonable prices thanks to Ginny Wojno . The space was in high demand, and we just sneaked in before all available dates were gone. Please take advantage of the opportunities to meet your fellow Rotarians and guests in a social setting. Like the after hours alternative meetings, these are fun events during which we get to know each other a little better. From my own experience, it also helps with your relationship with your spouse. He or she better understands your time spent on Rotary business.
The Camp is having a Christmas on party on Dec 19, 2-4 PM for campers, relatives of campers, and has been opened up to Rotarian families as well. Rotarians are asked to help with donations for the gift bags that will be distributed. We also need a Santa Claus, no experience necessary.
The Barrett Christmas party will have a special significance this year because it will take the place of the regular meeting at Tangiers. We will have our regular luncheon meeting at Barrett School so that all will have the opportunity to see the school and if they want, participate in the activities with the special needs kids. The event fee is only $5, and the Manby's are helping sponsor this event, as they have so often in the past. If you have not experienced a visit to Barrett before, now is your chance to see if you want to do more for this worthwhile cause. Last, but not least, thank you for your ongoing Salvation Army bell ringing. Graham Reinke is back heading up this effort and see him if you have time for additional hours during the weekdays, when the Army has some trouble filling time slots.
As you can see, a lot of good things are going on, and I am proud to be a part of it as I am sure you all are!
Yours in Rotary
Dan O'Connell
The other good news is that a cluster meeting of Rotary Clubs in our immediate area was held in Barberton and as a result there will be four other clubs which will help us with the Capital campaign. These clubs are Barberton, Port Summit, Fairlawn, and Tallmadge. One of the recommendations of the Camp fundraising feasibility study was that the initial portion of the campaign be funded by Rotarians and those connected with Rotary. They advised that this would build credibility in the project, and it would have a higher probability of success with foundations and other donors if the membership and those other individuals connected with Rotary provide the first million dollars. Our own Akron Rotary Foundation requires a goal of $700,000 be reached before it can commit its share ($300,000). The involvement of the other Rotary Clubs is a very positive step in achieving that goal. Our hats are off to them for their recognizing the importance of our Camp to the area's kids. Many of the campers come from the areas serviced by their clubs and I believe this helped them decide on our Camp as a cluster project.
The Club is looking forward to some fun events in the coming month. On Dec 18, we will be having our Christmas/Holiday party at the Women's City Club with live music at reasonable prices thanks to Ginny Wojno . The space was in high demand, and we just sneaked in before all available dates were gone. Please take advantage of the opportunities to meet your fellow Rotarians and guests in a social setting. Like the after hours alternative meetings, these are fun events during which we get to know each other a little better. From my own experience, it also helps with your relationship with your spouse. He or she better understands your time spent on Rotary business.
The Camp is having a Christmas on party on Dec 19, 2-4 PM for campers, relatives of campers, and has been opened up to Rotarian families as well. Rotarians are asked to help with donations for the gift bags that will be distributed. We also need a Santa Claus, no experience necessary.
The Barrett Christmas party will have a special significance this year because it will take the place of the regular meeting at Tangiers. We will have our regular luncheon meeting at Barrett School so that all will have the opportunity to see the school and if they want, participate in the activities with the special needs kids. The event fee is only $5, and the Manby's are helping sponsor this event, as they have so often in the past. If you have not experienced a visit to Barrett before, now is your chance to see if you want to do more for this worthwhile cause. Last, but not least, thank you for your ongoing Salvation Army bell ringing. Graham Reinke is back heading up this effort and see him if you have time for additional hours during the weekdays, when the Army has some trouble filling time slots.
As you can see, a lot of good things are going on, and I am proud to be a part of it as I am sure you all are!
Yours in Rotary
Dan O'Connell
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