ROTARY CLUB OF SASKATOON
October 7, 2024
MEETING AT THE SASKATOON CLUB with Zoom alternative.
Past-President Wendy Cooper chaired the meeting.
Members sang O Canada. Al Morton recited grace.
Gary Rusu handled technology. Donna Gauthier was cashier. Avis Hardy was the greeter and introduced the guests.
The following guests who are in various stages of the process of becoming new members of our club were introduced by Avis:
Claire Mugabe, Taiwo Ojomuyide, Solomon, Kelechi Agubata.
HAPPY AND SAD DOLLARS:
- Mark Gryba $50 – Mark’s son, Curtis was married two weeks ago and $20 - Riders, Huskies,and Hilltops have all won two weeks in a row.
- Will Arscott $10 - announced the passing of Jack Shiffman, a long time Rotary member at Nutana.
- Drew Byers $50 - He and his wife are great-grandparents.
- Graham Pearson - $100 thanked Wendy Cooper for her year as president.
- Jim Weber $10 - for the Huskies bouncing back after a 0 - 3 start this year. He gave a further $10 as well.
- Gary Rusu $20 - his 11-year-old grandson has qualified for AA hockey.
- Elaine Zakreski - $50 for our new members.
- Linda Petrow - $25 because the Craft Fair, set for November 2 at Prairieland has full number of Vendors.
- Jack Brodsky - $100 for new members and seeing Drew in person.
- Kent Smith-Windsor - $50 designated for RAP, recently celebrated 2 anniversaries and 4 birthdays in his family.
- Paul Gauthier - $25 Potluck on November 4th in honour of the Foundation and to enjoy fellowship.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Linda Petrow is seeking some volunteers for the craft fair.
We need someone to sit at the table 9:30 - 12:30 and for afternoon session she also needs floaters.
Taiwo spoke about the need for an interact club, keeping in mind that some children don’t do sports or succeed at academics. This would launch more activities for some students and keep them off the streets.
HEALTH OF THE CLUB:
Steve Wilson shared that he had learned over the last two months that he has a blood cancer. Fortunately, it is treatable with chemotherapy and prospects are good that he will have a normal life span.
FUNDRAISING
President Jack chaired the remainder our meeting where we discussed our current fundraising and possible new methods of raising funds. He announced that the Badge Shield and Star Dinner and fundraiser is in transition and may possibly be taken over by the Chamber of Commerce, who are presently considering it. In the past we had been receiving a fixed share of the proceeds.
Masters Golf Pool - Steve Wilson has been running this fundraiser the past three years. Participation is down so we discussed ways to promote it, such as radio. Further discussion is needed.
Kent Smith-Windsor inquired whether there is a body of knowledge within Rotary of what fundraisers other clubs are using. We can investigate this by checking with the District, and by asking other people involved in fundraising. Drew spoke of a home lottery held at a club in Thunder Bay, which is very successful.
Jim Weber shared how Raffles with donated prizes are low risk and, with a proper licence 50/50 draws can be very successful.
Next Meeting - November 4 is our Foundation Potluck at Mayfair United Church 902 33rd Street West. Sign up with Paul Gauthier.
On October 21 there isn’t a regular meeting as Peter Tonge, the District Governor, is holding meetings for all the clubs that week.
- reported by Steve Wilson