Rotary Club or Kitchener Bulletin (Feb 26, 2018)

PRESIDENT'S CORNER
President David Chatson (who seemed to be a bit lost without Secretary Cam) welcomed us to our last February meeting at the Crowne Plaza KW.

BELL RINGER(S)

President Dave named Richard Bruckeder as our Bell Ringer. Richard has just completed PETS (President Elect Training Session) I.

CLUB ANNOUNCMENTS
James Brown announced that he and his wife are again filling a wheelbarrow with wine for the In Vino Caritas fundraiser, and will be looking for contributions. Last year this venture raised about $2,000.

Karen Redman, and her friend Waldo are looking for silent auction items. Pieces of art are a tough sell – but gift cards go well – and for top dollar.

Dave Martindale announced that scholarship applications will be sent to young women in Africa shortly. He will also be visiting Audrey after the meeting.

Dave Chatson announced that the Board Meeting will be deferred until next week. All members are welcome to attend to learn more about the workings of the Club.

SERGEANT AT ARMS

Bill Proctor introduced three guests – guest speaker Bill Pegg, Bryn Jones (a guest of Ed Fowler) and Rotarian Melanie Fitzpatrick (Kitchener Westmount).

HAPPY JAR

Ed Fowler attended the Exchange Student assignment session in Burlington on the weekend.

He was pleased to announce that our outbound student will be doing her exchange in Finland.

Wayne Boehler, after the events of the last year, was very happy to be alive to celebrate his birthday.

Paul Rostrup (and wife Paula) became grandparents for the first time, welcoming a granddaughter into the family

50:50

Bryn Jones, Martin Jones and John Webster managed to escape the dreaded jack of hearts and the related $221.

WINE QUIZ

Yes or No – members of our Satellite Club have the same status with RI as regular members of the Club. YES! Find out more about our Satellite Club in two weeks.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Bill Pegg, President of the Kitchener Sports Association (KSA), and also a member of the Kitchener Westmount Club was our guest speaker.

The KSA, formed in 1944, are champions of local minor athletes, sports groups and charities.

Bill provided a history of the association.

First, although they have a strong working relationship, the KSA is not part of the Kitchener Ranger Hockey Club.

While at one time they had a hand in operating the Kitchener minor hockey and amateur baseball associations, they have evolved into a fundraising group that provides assistance to amateur sports in Kitchener, Waterloo, Woolwich, Wilmot and Wellesley.

Their main fundraiser is running the 50:50 draw at Ranger games. They have recently upgraded to a live tote system (you see the pot grow as tickets are sold). This upgrade is responsible for a 30% increase in sales. While they have surrendered the night when we have Car Draw – they were not able to this year. However, they contributed $2,000 to our Foundation to help make up for our ticket sales reduction. The other primary fundraiser in Bingo – which is making a come-back (and without the smoke).

The KSA provides grants to sports clubs and associations, and also provides scholarships and Volunteer and Athlete of the Year Awards. They also provide grants for capital projects, and were a major sponsor for the Activa facility.

New members and volunteers are always welcome.

CLOSING REMARKS/REMINDERS

The month of March's programs will showcase our "Rotary-grown" talent, with a strong theme on the work of Rotary!!