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I believe the appropriate title for the meeting held Friday, June 24 is, “SHOW ME THE MONEY!” The annual meeting of the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation demonstrates Rotarians’ supernatural willingness to cough up their heard-earned dollars in the spirit of service above self and the last line of the Four-Way Test, “Beneficial To All Concerned.” Go Rotarians! Members started shuffling in close to noon and took to their routine tables, much like at an institution of religion or favorite café. Just once I’d like to watch an entire group conspire to confiscate the back corner table early and watch the panic on the faces of those who feel aggrieved of their right to sit at the same table every week. After a mouthwatering, south-of-the-border chicken taco/nacho buffet catered by Morton’s, the meeting was called to some semblance of order by Foundation President Doug Wiesner. Or at least it was a bit more orderly than last week’s roast of Has-Been President Nick! (I’m still trying to identify who was actually in charge of that debacle!) As usual, we recited the 4-Way Test of things we think, say or do…losing most of the guests in the process and giggling at newbie Rotarians pretending they know it by heart. John Shaski delivered a beautifully short reflection! (I always like you, John!) Hari Kern wowed us once again by tickling the ivory keys during America the Beautiful…of which we were all pleased that this week’s song actually matched the lyrics on the screen! After which, President Wiesner commented, “Wonderful!,” for some inapparent reason??? Speaking of guests, Corey Grant (not to be confused with Cary Grant, of no relation and deceased since 1986), passed around the big blue box for the introductions of guests. Mark Pierce, executive director of Disability Network, questioned if this was a gift or what he should do with the thing. Alan (he uses one name only) was visiting for the second time and commented that he has been a member of other clubs and suggested he might join us (since ours is obviously the best). The Health of the Club couldn’t be better. ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!! Todd Gute (which, according to his wife Kathrine when my oldest started taking piano lessons with her when he was 5, said their last name rhymes with “cute”) delivered the June Birthday Report. The question this month was: If money was no object and schedule was no issue, where would go on vacation? • Sandy Dragoo said: Bali in an overwater bungalow for a month • Nick Heriford said: England, for golf and because of its rich history • Todd Gute said New Zealand, for the culture and the landscape • And Craig Spencer, who apparently knows how to dream BIG, said: The west coast of Michigan, then take the SS Badger across Lake Michigan to Door County, then slowly go up through the U.P. (Craig, we always knew you had big plans!) To date, there was 90% participation of the month’s “birth-tarians,” but due to a slight discrepancy between the amount Todd announced and what was on the screen, Whistledown has chosen not to disclose the actual amount donated in this report. Chair of the Day and Foundation Chair Doug Wiesner introduced the members of the foundation and board…which made up 50% of the room. More than $200,000 was given away in grants this year! Here are the highlights: Children’s Holiday Party – Chair John Shaski announced and presented a check to Disability Network Capital Area for $7,675! Executive Director Pierce stated the network was established in 1976 to transform the environment for those with disabilities, and has it ever!  Additionally, more than $11,400 total was raised for the holiday party and more than 70% of the club donated to this annual event. John gave a special thanks to Chris Ho-Ho-Holman, who apparently also puts the “Chris” in Christmas. (Let’s recruit John for editarian duties next year!) Paul Harris – Fill-in-chair Hari Kern, standing in for Craig Stiles & Dave Trumpie, said the club raised more than $15,000 so far…but there’s still time to donate. New Fellows this year ($1,000 or more in donations) total: 1: new Fellows 5: Double Fellows 3: Fellow +2 2: Fellow +3 1: Fellow +4 1: Fellow +8 1: Fellow +9 Birthday Committee - Chair Chris Ho-Ho Holman stated more than $12,730 has been raised to date with 81% participation. Grants – Treasurer Jennifer Marsh reported there is more than $4 million in our endowment! She also reported this year’s Signature Grant of $50,000 went to Greater Lansing Food Bank for a van that will deliver thousands of monthly boxes of shelf-stable groceries to qualified senior citizens based on their income through a federal program taken over and launched by the food bank within 30-days. The Local Grants included: • Allen Neighborhood Center $10,000 • Jr. Achievement of Mid Michigan $10,000 • Lansing Area AIDS Network $10,000 • Davies Project $10,000 • Lansing Symphony Assn $10,000 • Child & Family Charities $6,000 • Mid-Michigan Recovery Services $6,000 International Grants – Kurt Guter presented these grants in place of Chair John Person. We donated $40,000 this year! There were 14 grant requests and we awarded 8 grants for $5,000 each to the following countries: Central America, Africa, and Europe. 8 were for education, 3 for microloans, 2 for drilling wells/water projects, and 1 for dental care. Promotions Committee – Susan Angel praised Lolo Robison for her inspiration one night at happy hour. (We’re not sure how many drinks or nachos were involved.) Lolo had a vision to use WLAJ’s Discover Greater Lansing to showcase Rotary and highlight the impact made by the club through its grants while providing awareness for the recipient organizations. (Brilliant idea…Lolo for president!) In addition to recipient features, interviewed by club President Nick and WLAJ staffer Susan, a matching campaign is currently underway to generate additional grant money for Greater Lansing Food Bank. Planned Giving & Legacy Society – Pat Munshaw delivered a very passionate presentation about the difference between giving to the endowment and the foundation. I believe she launched an awareness campaign to ensure every Rotarian understands that if you want to make a long-lasting legacy gift, donate to the endowment because the principal grows into perpetuity and the interest is given away annually. When you donate to the “Big 3” (birthday, holiday and Paul Harris), those dollars are generally distributed in the same year as your gift by the Foundation and the national organization. Pat insisted most people were not aware of this distinction and sought for understanding from everyone. Understand? Incidentally, our endowment is held at the Community Foundation, which is led by Rotarian Laurie Baumer. Award Presentations & Nominating – Chair Sandy Dragoo announced this year’s nominees for new directors and officers of the foundation: New Foundation Directors through 2027 Bilky Joda-Miller Corey Grant John Shaski Anne Cauley Foundation Officers: Pres: Pam Miklavcic Pres-Elect: Kim Garland Past Pres: Doug Wiesner Treasurer: Jennifer Marsh Sandy also thanked retiring members Hari Kern & Dave Trumpie and outgoing president, Doug Wiesner. She also thanked all members of the ad-hoc committees: PR/Promotions, Annual Evaluation, Audit Committee, Document Maintenance. President Doug then called to order the Annual Meeting of the Foundation at 1:20 p.m. Chris Ho-Ho-Holman moved to close the nominations; and John Shaski seconded the motion. Rebecca moved to support the nominations as presented; Teresa Kmetz seconded the motion. All voted in favor of the nominations. Pres. Doug rang the bell for the first and only time in his foundation presidency, replicating one-hit-wonder Anita Ward’s song in 1979, to close the foundation meeting. Yours Truly, Lady Michelle Lantz-down Email for Michelle Lantz: michelle@glfoodbank.org |
