This week's thoughts of gratitude and reflection were given by Goodwill's Dan Buron, who encouraged us to remember all the community-wide good works which our Rotary Show makes possible.
To get everyone fired up, Max Anderson belted out a full-throated--and conspicuously ad sales-centric--rendition of Bobby Caldwell's What You Won't Do For Love.
Following, exchange student Anna from Italy presented on her home. Lombardia is also a northern region of prominent lakes, notable vintners, and celebrity second homes. Marsha Minervini spoke passionately about her experience as a Rotary exchange host family and implored others to do the same.
If our members needed any more motivation to support foreign exchange students, Sakura Takano certainly provided it with her uplifting anecdote: recently, a 1976 Brazilian Rotary exchange student stopped by while in town to show his family where he spent a very formative year during his youth.
Dan Rickard proudly reported that last month our Christmas Baskets program was able to brighten the holidays of nearly 200 of our neighbors in need.
Dr. Ramona Pleva then took the stage to present the vision for our upcoming Centennial Rotary Show. Ramona explained that the goals for this special event are to raise a boatload of money for Good Works Grants; celebrate our Centennial; recruit new Rotarians with our inspiring entertainment; and above all, thank TC for allowing us to be an integral part of our community.
Ramona also enumerated the exciting change to this year's show, including bringing back the Pre-Show, introducing a raffle, expanding the bar (including a new signature drink, and adding a photo booth.
Also, the show program will be printed in limed run numbers and is designed to be a collectible item, with articles and highlights from the past 100 years.
This year's show will feature several familiar faces in exciting new roles. Ben triple threat Whiting will be our new master of ceremonies. Chad Hall will be the new music director and Vern Gauthier will be the new Chorus Manager.
And speaking of music, this year's show will feature Rotary takes on Broadway tunes, like The Greatest Show, Magic To Do, Revolution of Love, and The Curtain Falls.
According to Ramona, the success of the show depends on the participation of everyone. This means helping bring in money for the show, selling tickets, promoting the event and getting involved, and of course, attending!
After Ramona, Max hoped back up to inform our club on this year's ad sales efforts.
This year, we've set an ambitious show fund-raising target of $120,000. However, prior to today's meeting, we have already raised nearly a 5th of our goal. With less than 100 days until our centennial show, the clock is ticking.
The program concluded very uncharacteristically; rather than with an orderly closing bell, this week the room erupted with explosions of confetti and commotion. Several stalwart club members stuck around to dutifully make their sales calls. while everyone else made a beeline for the nearest exit (though for those seeking to shirk their solicitation obligations, rest assured Mr. Anderson has your number... )
Reminder, this week we're meeting at West Bay Beach.
Ad Sales Chair Max Anderson, Rock's it out.
