A very special thanks to Bill Manby, Jr. for taking on the role of Chairman of this year’s event while I serve as President of our club. While I know that Bill will prove to be a wonderful leader, he cannot accomplish success alone and so it is my sincere hope that you will please give Bill all of your support so we can continue to make this event the premier winter fundraiser in our area.

As many of you know, each year we raise over $120,000 for our Foundation and Camp through the Chili Open which enables us to serve more than 1,200 children and provide over $100,000 in financial assistance to camper families. This is a very special accomplishment and all you have to do to recognize what a difference we make is talk to some of the campers or their family members. Oftentimes the impact we make is generational, just look at Josh, our program director. Josh’s mom attended our special camp years ago and it was that involvement that caused Josh to be a counselor, program manager and such an integral member of our staff over the last number of years.

If you are a new member, and we have several (Way to go Lance!), this is a great opportunity to get involved, get to know our club, make a difference and help a great cause. If you are a more experienced member, you know that this is a great way to further the club’s mission and serve people that really need the help. So, lets get out and make this year the best ever!

This fall is also an exciting time because it is our second build season. All of our cabins will be remodeled this fall and much work is already underway thanks to the HomeBuilders Association. A very special thanks to Jack, Vivian, Nick, Ruthie,  Gary and Bonnie for making all of our dreams a reality.

Please stop by the camp to see all of our progress and get involved and help where you can. And always remember that “Together anything is possible!” Lets continue to tell our story, protect our legacy and make people’s dreams come true, which after all, is why we are all here and Rotarians. Keep up the great work people!

Yours forever in service,

Mark