Our Meeting was called to order by President Mike McKay
President McKay shared that Rtn. Assata Caldwell recently presented at the local Toast to Rotary.
Rtn. Gary Pacha shared that Rtn. Ray Muston was honored at the recent Toast to Rotary event with Rotary's highest honor: the Service Above Self Award. Ray was struck silent at that event by this honor, which in of itself resulted in a standing ovation! Rtn. Muston shared his thanks with all club members for creating an environment where service above self is a way of life for so many.
Rtn. Ryan Bell is leading the charge for our club for the upcoming Earth Day – Tree Planting Initiative and shared that our club has raised $2500 to cover our share of tree planting in the area.
Rtn. Christina Kimerle announced that there are only five more team slots left for the upcoming Fore The Family event and that volunteers are also welcome.
Rtn. Eric Weiler issued a last call for Community Service Grants - due by Tuesday, April 24, for anyone who wants to make an impact locally with the support of such a grant.
Rtn. Christine Catney shared that students who went on the annual service trip to Xicotepec will be sharing stories about that experience in Room 120 of the College of Public Health Building at the University of Iowa from 6-7 PM on Tuesday, May 1. All are invited.
PROGRAM:
Rtn. Jim Lane introduced his son, Dave Lane, who introduced our program speaker, Carlos Honore. In addition to being classmates and friends, Dave is now also serves as a board member of Carlos' nonprofit.
Carlos Honore shared his personal story of living with caring community members for his final years of high school in Iowa City and how much their support and football changed the trajectory of his life. A non-profit founded by he and his wife, Tatum, now combines social services and athletics into a program called the Fifth Ward Saints, based in Houston. That program has been very successful over the last several years.
During a recent return trip to Iowa City, Carlos was struck by issues related to homelessness, juvenile delinquency, the percentage of children eligible for free and reduced lunch and more in Iowa City. That led to the start of new program that will pilot this fall in the Iowa City Community School District: Fifth Ward Saints North. Building on the success and lessons of their past work, this organization is partnering with the school district to make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable students in our area. More information on how to get involved will be publicly available soon for community members to get involved if they are interested.
President Mike thanked Carlos for his eye-opening presentation and opened the floor for any comments.
The meeting ended at 1:00 pm as President Mike led the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.
