Weather:  30 degrees and overcast…no precipitation

Today’s Chair:  President Ruth Lundin led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test recitation.

Invocation: Paulette Kline read a Psalm from the Old Testament.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests: President-elect Marion Beckerink announced guests. Weber-Knapp Owner Rhonda Johnson and employees Brennin Webb and Jody Osgood attended as guests of Tory Irgang and online Rotarian Randy Sweeney. They may be the first company Rotary member – in which four members of the “team” will participate as a member together. Norm Thomas participated as a guest of Mike Roberts and Fran Lapinski attended with Becky Robbins and Sally Martinez.  Marion introduced her guest, Xenia Corklin.

Announcements:

Ruth said that Paulette is looking for invocation participants for the month of March. Sharon Hamilton circulated a sign-up for 50/50 sales people and greeters.

Ruth called attention to an extra Rotarily Yours sent on Monday about the water filters distributed by Sue and Greg Jones, two hours away from where they stay, to a rural Mexican area. We thanked the Jones for their efforts, their more-than-steamy trip to the location and their organized project on behalf of the Club.

Cheri Krull said she has rides for the exchange students to Buffalo this weekend, thanks to the members. She also has applications for RYLA, a free-of-charge leadership weekend for people 19-25 years old, for anyone who knows someone who would be interested. The Club pays for the weekend attendee.

Vince Horrigan next took the microphone to announce the “Rotary Treasure Trove Auction” which is only 14 weeks away on May 18 at Moon Brook Country Club. He announced the various ways we can all get involved and said that it will be fun and profitable for the Club. He emphasized that we’ll earn money but, in working together, we’ll also get to know each other and have a fabulous time.

The night starts at 5 p.m. with a cash bar, cocktails, silent auction baskets and live auction previews. Food stations open at 6:30 p.m. with 7:15 p.m. Heads and Tails and a 50-50. The live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. with 50 high quality items auctioned by Chuck and Ben Ludwig. 

Items to donate must be $100 per basket auction item; new items of $200 minimum value; used items at $500 minimum value;( no electronics or animals or exercise equipment.  NO JUNK!)  The Jones have donated a three-bedroom, four-bathroom condo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which is the biggest item! And of course, we thank the Jones for such a contribution to the auction! So far, we have items totaling $12,000-plus. All Rotarians should solicit high quality items and invite generous donors. Bring your check book!

In sponsorships, $10,250 is donated so far. Sponsorships range from Diamond Event Sponsors of $2,000 to $1,000, $750 and $500 tables. Individuals pay $50 to enter.

Auction Frogs Fundraising software will be used for online items where people can bid on auction items up until the live auction. This can be used for the golf tournament as well.

An active and dedicated group of passionate Rotarians are organizing the auction and they remind you that all Rotarians must participate in one way or another! But it will be a wonderful experience!

50/50: Tim Edborg won $23

Sergeant at Arms: Doug Conroe said the people he planned to fine weren’t at the meeting. Becky Robbins, Tory Irgang and Mike Roberts’ table missed a question about the Rotary magazine. No one admitted to being fans of the 49ers or Chiefs.

Happy Bucks: Vince Horrigan challenged United Way supporters to pay a buck. Russ Diethrick asked all Rotarians to “form a parade,” giving $1 each. 

Special Presentation: George Harper presented a banner from the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, FL, to President Ruth.