Month: November 2013

No Rotarian knew Chuck better than his brother, Dave. And few shared as many experiences with Chuck as Jack Hines. But even our very newest Rotary members can say with pride that they knew Chuck and respected him as their Rotary president.

Chuck was the first to admit that he wasn’t a polished meeting facilitator. Did it matter? No! Who brought more energy and exuberance to a meeting than Chuck? Who believed in our club more than Chuck? Who else called this club family?  Who could top his generous thanks to members for their work, calling them hometown heroes?

There will be countless stories shared. We each treasure our personal memories. President Chuck, you are our Hometown Hero.

RI Pres. Burton asks LinkedIn Group: “Do you donate to The Rotary Foundation” Why or why not?”

Check out the discussion thread with Rotarians from across the world responding to the president’s topic.

Learn why Rotarians take such pride in the ethical management of their gifts… and the dramatic impact Rotary projects have on quality of life for the poorest people of the world.

—Rotary5950.org

Dates: Feb. 3-13, 2014 (includes two days for travel)
Trip Leader: Cheryl Schrader, Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary
Cost: Approximately $1,000, plus airfare

This trip involves visiting several Helping Honduras Kids (HHK) projects, meeting with a local Rotary Club, taking local children on Sunday outings and spending a few days on the beautiful island of Roatan.

HHK is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that cares for children along the northern coast of Honduras. Rotary Dist. 5950 is currently involved in a project to ship a full container of food, donated by Feed My Starving Children, to HHK to help feed more than 200 children.

But this trip is not all work– recreational options include snorkeling, deep-sea diving, shopping and enjoying local restaurants. In La Ceiba, there are a number of activities such as hiking Pico Bonito (highest mountain peak near La Ceiba), river rafting on the Rio Cangrejal, a forest canopy tour, a day trip to Cayos Cochinos and a butterfly museum. Other things to do include touring the local government hospital or the Standard Fruit (Dole) pineapple fields.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, contact Cheryl at:  cschraeder@earthlink.net 763-856-5984 or download a tentative itinerary on the District 5950’s International Service Trips web page.

Nov. 19—Joint meeting at Malmborg’s. No Wednesday meeting. Join the Thursday noon group!

Nov. 23—Maple Grove Rotary’s annual gala. See Bruce Johnson about filling a seat(s) at the Rogers table. Paid for by the Rogers Rotary Foundation.

Nov. 27 and 28—No morning or noon meeting. Casual gathering at 7 a.m. Wednesday at Starbucks!

Dec. 6—Rogers Rotary Christmas Party at Tim Buck’s home in St. Michael. Begins at 5 p.m. More info coming!

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) earned another 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest and most prestigious independent evaluator of nonprofits in the United States.

A 4-star rating is the highest Charity Navigator award. It recognizes sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator evaluates thousands of nonprofits each year; only one of four earns 4 stars.

This year’s top distinction marks TRF’s sixth straight — placing it in the top 3% of U.S.-based charities. In a letter to TRF, Charity Navigator president Ken Berger wrote, “This exceptional designation differentiates The Rotary Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

The Rotary Foundation guarantees your donation is used wisely and with fiduciary responsibility. Give now and help Rotary carry out its mission of service to others.  Thank you.