Our Meeting was called to order by President Margaret Reese
Singing: Led by Rtn. Ray Muston with keyboard accompaniment by Rtn. Devin van Holsteijn and sang “Let it Snow” to encourage more snow!
PRESIDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President Margaret Reese asked the Club to sign up for our upcoming blood drive just around the corner on January 25. We have an upcoming opportunity to get a refresher on CPR, so look for dates.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Rtn. Gary Pacha announced that Oaknoll’s main campus is hosting a fundraiser between the hours of 7 and 10 a.m. next Monday, January 15 to support World Affairs Seminar and RYLA for our club. We want to send as many students as possible, so please attend and bring your checkbook. Tuesday, the next day, the fundraiser will continue at Oaknoll East.
Foundation Chair Verne Folkmann introduced Joe Hughes who has achieved his second Paul Harris Fellow status.
Goat Riders: Tom Clancy
PROGRAM:
Past-President Ryan Bell introduced today’s speaker, Kaila Rome, Marketing and Development Director with United Way of Johnson and Washington County. A new mission statement was created as part of their new strategic plan: “United in purpose to improve lives by mobilizing our caring community.”
- Access to equitable health care
- Providing funding to nonprofits-Consistent, reliable funding allows our partners to focus on the direct service they are skilled at providing.
- Convening coalitions
- Tracking measurable outcomes in the service community
Kaila went through common myths related to the health and well being of our communities. Only 35% of third graders have adequate education. There are many gaps, including cost of living especially in Iowa City.
United Way also helps in disaster recovery and providing triage for those with critical needs, including suicide. They provide help through their “Adopt-a-Family” program and by coordinating volunteers referred to partner organizations.
The current major challenge is the changing world of employers and donors. They are doing a lot of outreach to stay on target with previous years’ giving levels in spite of a decrease in giving nation-wide. The needs are greater than ever, so support is needed. Kaila emphasized that 85% of funds go to partner organizations and direct programs.
The meeting ended at 1:00pm with President Margaret Reese leading the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.
MEETING:
Visiting Rotarians: Nancy Pacha (Iowa City AM)
Guests: Gina Landua (Joe Hughes)
Program: Devin van Holsteijn; Attendance: Nancy Droll
Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Janice Baldes to include in the weekly slide decks emailed to members prior to each meeting and shown just before Rotary meetings at the Club. You can send information to: Janice Baldes janicebaldes@gmail.com
For questions related to Club administration, please contact us at secretary@iowacitynoonrotary.org.