President Steve welcomed members and guests to the meeting and introduced Jim Gilcreast to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspiration
Anthony Landi offered the following, "Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."
Guests, Visitors, Zoom
Membership Chair and Past President Anthony Hollingshead introduced Jonathan Kaufman, who shared that his Rotarian father encouraged him for a long time to attend a meeting and he finally made it. Anthony also introduced Samuel New who reached out to the Club from the Rotary website. Other guests include Tammy DeBarros, a member of New Bedford Rotary. Don Saracen, PP introduced Cherie Saracen, former Rotary First Lady.
Rev. Ralph Barlow and Past Presidents John McGinn and Barbara Harris joined the meeting via Zoom.
Save the Dates
PP Art Norwalk will update the Club next week on plans for the 2022-23 Jane Babcock Literacy Initiative on September 20.
Goodnight Lights on Friday, September 30, 5:30 pm
Kris David, PDG invited everyone to gather with members of six area Rotary Clubs at the Narragansett Beer Brewery at India Point on the East Side of Providence where you can order beer, soft drinks, pizza, etc. before walking outside to flash lights in support of the children at Hasbro Hospital. Don’t forget to wear any Rotary gear you might have and bring a flashlight.
Legends for Literacy Gala sponsor updates
Don asked members to reach out to any potential business sponsors to help build the success of this year’s Literacy Gala. Event Co-chair, Susan Kearney did just that when she identified the potential of Patriot Subaru. They just came aboard as a Division sponsor! Thanks to all and let’s keep the momentum going!
Kris reported on prizes for the auction and raffle. Newest donations include a timeshare for the live auction from Anthony Landi and restaurant gifts cards from Sharon Garland. Maybe you have gifts cards just sitting in a drawer?
Happy Bucks
- Jim Gilcreast $5 for the wonderful Special Olympic athletes
- Art Norwalk gave $5 for writing checks totaling $57,000 for the purchase of innovative teaching materials for two Providence elementary schools. This was possible because of the tremendous support members gave to last year’s Literacy Gala.
- Kris David thanked the Board for approving $2,000 to be used for a Rotary district project to purchase solar panels for a school in Nepal. The school serves young women who have been rescued from sex trafficking in India and Nepal.
- Tammy DeBarros $20 for the Club’s welcome and to wish everyone a blessed day
- Get well wishes to Margaret Kane!
Speaker
Jim Gilcreast, a Special Olympics board member, introduced the organization’s CEO, Ed Pacheco.
The movement started in 1968 with the vision and commitment of Eunice Kennedy Shriver when she started the first Summer Games in Chicago. The games brought together individuals with intellectual disabilities from all across the United States to give them the opportunity to shine through athletics and sports. The program demonstrates that when people believe in individuals with intellectual disabilities, they are capable of amazing things. Providing exceptional opportunities for these individuals remains the foundation of the organization.
Special Olympics offers opportunities not only to children, but also adults and seniors. While many people know of the Summer Games at URI, where 1500 athletes compete, the athletes have training opportunities and compete all year in preliminary events throughout RI. The Summer Games are the culminating experience and celebration for the athletes, and an inspiration for their families and the volunteers who support them.
The Unified Champion Schools program was developed by Special Olympics to promote inclusion in schools. It was developed on the belief that Special Olympic athletes have the ability not only to compete with each other, but with other school athletes, if given the opportunity and support. In schools throughout RI, athletes are partnered with unified student athletes where they play basketball, volleyball and other sports. This provides exceptional opportunities for athletes to shine and show what they’re capable of.
The Leadership Council, developed in partnership with Boston University, is another opportunity where athletes can develop skills in public speaking, letter writing and making phone calls to advocate for themselves.
Ed ended by saying that getting involved with Special Olympics is one of the best things he’s ever done and he invited club members to join him.
