Our Best Poker Run!

About $20,000 was raised for the Akron Rotary Camp and approximately 100 motorcycle riders and passengers participated . We had a few members bring their exotic or classic cars as well and they ran the route with the motorcycles. I think adding classic or exotic cars to the event will really catch on in the future, opening a whole new type of event for the area. I can't thank all those who gave of their time (and their money) to this increasingly important fundraiser in the Rotary year for the Akron Club. Pam will get a full report to us soon, but from my personal perspective, I can say that I had a good time setting up signs for the route the day (and night) before with my truck -mate Charlie Benko. I've said it before, but I think it is worth repeating - it's at these kind of events one gets to know our fellow Rotarians better.

One of the things the President gets to do is attend, as an ex officio member, all committee meetings, as well as Camp and Foundation Board meetings. A lot goes on at these meetings that will be shared with the membership in the future. At the Camp Board meeting, which took place just before the alternative meeting at Bricco' restaurant, I'm happy to report that the Capital Campaign interview process will be starting - beginning with hiring a fundraiser to help run the campaign. Camp season just ended and after looking at the facilities, I hope the Camp has some improvements done soon to accommodate the increased campers we had this year and hope to have next year.

As we have in the past, the Camp hosted the incoming District's Rotary exchange students on Saturday, August 29^th. This was a chance to show off the excellent work we do at the Camp. It also opened the door for us to let other clubs know how they can participate in our Capital Campaign. This was a great opportunity for our Club to do its part for the District's exchange student program. Although we will not have any incoming students hosted by our Club this year, you can always offer support to the students hosted by the other Clubs within our District.

I would like you to keep a couple of sick and recovering Rotarians and spouses/friends of Rotarians in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. Steve Hardesty is not feeling well and Dale Mugler is recovering from a serious operation.  Others have been mentioned in the past and we wish them all well.

Yours in Rotary,

Dan O'Connell