Greg Wynn, Co President, welcomed all to the meeting.
The prayer and pledge - Kevin Courtney
District Governor Lou Mello and Assistant Governor Dan Ciuffreda were introduced
Announcements:
There will be a social after the Board meeting on Tuesday August 22. The Board will meet at 5:00. All members and families are invited to attend the social starting at 6:00 pm at Mangiamo's. The Past presidents are sponsoring this event. Pizza, salads, and non alcoholic beverages will be served. A cash bar will be available.
Volunteers are needed to man the Popcorn Wagon on Saturday August 26 from 3 to 8 at the Town's 360/40 celebration at Celebration Park. Email Sonny to sign up for a time. Help is also needed for setup and take down.
Sergeant at Arms Suzi Oliver collected Happy $$
Speaker:
Area 4 Assistant Governor Dan Ciuffreda, member of the Bluffton RC, introduced our speaker District 7770 Governor Lou Mello. DG Lou began with sharing this year's Rotary International theme - "Create Hope in the World". The theme was announced at the International Assembly by Rotary International President Gordon McInally and it calls for Rotary members to work for peace and mental well being.
Lou's message was focused on the following areas:
Membership - we need to become creative and flexible to attract new members. Consider offering various option of membership such as e-member, family memberships, corporate memberships. Also consider satellite or companion clubs.
Foundation - he spoke about global grants - $30,000 for water, sanitation, etc. as well as district grants which receive a $2500 match and are funded by DDF which comes back to the district in 3 years. He spoke of the good that we are able to do in the world because of the Foundation and urged people to consider giving more. His goal would be to be a million dollar district again.
Public Image - "Show and Tell" Take action photos, invite friend to join in service
CART - all the money goes to grants for research. You can sign up on the CART website to do a recurring contribution
Service Projects - He gave several ideas of service projects, such as Happy Feet where shoes and socks are giving to needy children in schools. His club takes two hours on a Saturday at Target to distribute the items at a cost of $8,000 - $9,000. He also talked about Free Libraries, Community Gardens, Trails, and Dictionaries.
Developing Leadership - Need to have a succession plan. A good way to develop leaders is through the attendance at RLI . A few of our members have attended and we have a few graduates as well.
Youth Services - Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange and RYLA. DG Lou has been involved with Youth Exchange for many years and spoke of the difficulty with getting host families. He wants to expand the program.
District Conference - Will be held March 22 - 24, 2024 in Charleston at the Francis Marion Hotel. Registration will open in January. Registration for the conference is $300 and Room is $286 a night.