Last Week's Meeting
RCY picked a hot July Wednesday to launch its Operation Warm campaign.
Committee chair Dave Stillwagon gave a thorough presentation on Operation Warm, which in its third decade continues to provide new winter coats to school-age children. Nationally, more than 4 million kids in 2,100 communities have received coats through Operation Warm. On its own, RCY has raised money to purchase coats for 12,000 local students.
As Dave explained, Operation Warm was his “true immersion in Rotary.” He was paired with Bill Russell in 2015 to assist with the campaign, and it was the distribution day – at which Rotarians help students to choose well-fitting coats – that warmed his heart.
This year, RCY’s goal is to raise $20,000. The cost to sponsor a coat is $20. Each Rotarian is asked to contribute $100, whether it’s your own money or pledges you collect from family, friends, co-workers or businesses. Fundraising already is underway, and some generous contributors are offering a dollar-for-dollar match of members’ efforts. The campaign will end Oct. 1 to allow enough time to order coats and take them to schools as winter arrives.
While this is a club project, contributions are tax deductible when checks are made payable to The Youngstown Rotary Foundation. Write “Operation Warm” on the memo line, please. Also, coats may be purchased in honor or memory of loved ones, and tribute cards to inform recipients of these purchases may be requested.
Congratulations to Frank Kishel, who won the weekly 50-50 jackpot AND pulled the black marble in the second drawing, which was worth another $583!
Early arrival at the Aug. 3 meeting is recommended, as RCY will be welcoming young participants in the Summer Day Camp program at Wick Park. A book distribution to campers will be part of the program. Samantha Turner requests help to organize the book giveaway.
Also last week, RCY had a great turnout at Beers, Cheers & Gears at the new Penguin City brewery and tap room on East Federal Street. Owners/Rotarians Richie and Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki have crafted a cool atmosphere in addition to their ales. Rotarians played Jenga and corn hole, sampled various beverages, and ordered from the Roxbury Pizza food truck. You should have seen Mike Latessa cruise in with an enormous stuffed toy bear slung over his back, a humorous nod to a typo in an email that promoted Bears, Cheers and Gears.
