Pledge
Don Saracen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspiration
The legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday was born on this day in 1915.
She faced immense personal and systemic hardships that transformed her pain into a vocal style that changed music forever.
Holiday focused on authenticity, which is more powerful than perfection. She didn't have the widest vocal range, but she had the most “truth” in her voice. She was quoted as saying, “If I'm going to sing like somebody else, then I don't need to sing at all.”
So, in whatever you do - a meeting, a creative project, or a conversation, lean into your unique tone rather than trying to mimic someone else's.
Announcements
Tent Suppers
Mary Brewster announced that the Tent Suppers raised $1,650 for women’s educational programs in Nepal. She shared more good news - the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation will match that amount!
It’s not too late to donate – you can do so on the providencerotary.org website, or you can send a check.
If you are interested in supporting these initiatives further, the Providence Rotary website features a convenient shopping option. By clicking the button found at the upper right of the homepage, you can access "Her Future Founder," a collaborative effort with Her Future Coalition. This platform offers jewelry and other items, with 80% of proceeds directly benefiting the organization, while the remaining 20% returns to the Providence Rotary, supporting Nepal programs. The process is straightforward, and the products are delivered promptly, thanks to the dedication of the small team behind the operation. Your continued engagement—as a donor or shopper—helps sustain these impactful programs and ensures lasting support for women’s education in Nepal and beyond.
Literacy Gala
Pete Brock announced that Don Saracen has accepted the position as the honorary chairperson of the 7th Gala to support Providence Rotary literacy programs. Don has spent 33 years as a Rotarian, contributing tremendous energy—especially to growing this gala. He is truly deserving. Thank you, Don.
Guests
Tom May, a guest of Pete Peterson
Matthew Schmitz and Charles Donnelly
Happy Bucks
- Pete was $20 happy because on Sunday he celebrated his favorite time of year. He was also happy to share his new and improved green bean casserole recipe!
- Charles Donnelly was happy to visit his daughter in New York to celebrate Passover and find out that his granddaughter will be a freshman at the United Nation High School.
- Don Saracen is celebrating two anniversaries this week – his 57th wedding anniversary and 33 years as a Rotarian.
- Pete Peterson was $2 happy that his second favorite team won the NCAA title.
- Luis Lourenco was $10 happy for a great Tent Supper at Anthony Landi’s home.
- Simone Fargiorgio announced that the American Cancer Society fundraiser is on May 28th. See Simone for more information.
- Mary Brewster had a happy buck for Rotary Charities Foundation matching Tent Supper grant.
- Paula Jagermann was happy to make a $6,000 donation of breast cancer garments to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Providence Rotary.
- Kris David was delighted by the victory of her alma mater, Michigan.
- Bill Applegate had $5 happy bucks to match Pete Brock’s advice on choosing to be happy every day.
Speaker
Don Saracen introduced Dr. Sherri Raftery, who grew up in Massachusetts under the care of the Home for Little Wanderers, the oldest child welfare system in the U.S. She lived in seven foster homes until age 17. Dr. Raftery holds degrees from Emerson College and Endicott College and teaches as an adjunct professor at North Shore Community College and Fisher College. She volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate, chairs Toastmasters District 31 Prison Club, is a five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, was honored by the Home for Little Wanderers, and has served as a board ambassador raising funds and awareness.
Dr. Raftery noted that US foster care grew from 130,000 children in 1976 to 400,000 today, all awaiting adoption. She recounted entering state custody at age 10 due to her family's issues with incarceration, drugs, and domestic violence. While separations from her siblings was difficult, time in foster homes provided insights into how other families live and opened new opportunities.
She noted that literacy is a major challenge for children in foster care because of frequent moves and changing curriculums. In Massachusetts, varying standards require adjusting to new teachers, classmates, and families, making academics difficult. Only 50% of foster youth will graduate with a high school diploma or a GED, which means the other 50% are going to drop out altogether because of that inconsistent education. Only 3% of foster youth attend college, and just 1% graduate. Her goal is to increase educational opportunities for foster youth, not just in college but throughout K-12, since many miss out early on. Improving education can help decrease incarceration rates. She credits her positive choices to the supportive staff, foster home environments, and caring individuals that influenced her life.
