President Larry Rumans called the meeting to order.
Eb Wilkinson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Doug Woodard gave the invocation.
Announcements:
Fred Sowerby announced that the club will be dark on July 3rd. Also, we will be meeting in the same room, Santa Catalina, on July 10th.
Larry reminded us that the deadline for submitting District Grant applications is July 15th. Casas Adobes has no application in the works.
Mo Brown, back after a long absence, reported that he had attended Ellie Patterson’s installation as the new District Governor. She said that her goal for District 5500 membership during her tenure is 1500. She also said that there is a lot of money in the district foundation for grants. The July 15th deadline is just to make the foundation aware that a club intends to submit an application.
Larry reminded us that the District Conference in October is a “Cruise With a Cause” to Baja California.
Larry also reminded us of RYLA in January. We need to think about delegates, counselors and adult advisors.
Larry welcomed Hugh Smith who was awarded Rotarian of the Year at last week’s passing of the gavel dinner.
Larry highlighted two articles in recent issues of The Rotarian: “Why Climate Change is Rotary’s Business” in the April issue and “Wishful Thinking” in the July issue.
Kim Sparling, president of the Assistance League spoke about the organization. The national organization began in California in the 1890’s. The Tucson chapter which began in 1959, is staffed strictly by volunteers. It’s aim is to transform lives by providing assistance and strengthen the community when people become consumers and contributors.
The AL has four programs but it’s signature program is Operation School Bell which provides children in need with new school clothes, shoes, books and backpacks. Other programs are the Teddy Bear Program which gives bears to policemen and hospitals to give to children suffering an emotional and physical crisis. The third program is Starting Over Supplies which gives household necessities to people whose circumstances require them starting anew. The fourth is Assault Survivor Kits which provides adult and child victims of assault with clothing, toiletries and snacks. Recipients of these programs are identified by social service workers and representatives.
Although primarily a women’s organization, the Assistance League has men members. It also has an "Assisteens" program for young people to participate in philanthropic projects.
The AL accepts community volunteers in various activities such as dressing school children, working in the Thrift Shop and raising funds.
The Assistance League qualifies for tax credit under IRS and Arizona law.