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Night In Casablanca
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Night In Casablanca
from
our roving Scottish reporter
March 29,2008Blessed with a warm Spring evening on March 29th and our own Concord Hilton was transported back in time to 1942 for a Night in Casablanca!
Some 300 Rotarians and guests enjoyed cocktails and complementary wine to the pleasing sounds of Mary Lou Helix as she worked her magic at the grand piano. Browsing the silent and live auction items, pocket books were loosened as the wine flowed and guests warmed to the ambience and Rotary hospitality. Many of the guests got into the spirit of 1942 with dress appropriate to the occasion except for David Cantando who mistakenly thought he was at the Bolshoi and wore his Cossack hat. Given the efforts of many attendees to be faithful to the dress of the period, however, perhaps a competition for “best dressed” could be a possibility for future themed events. Bogey himself worked the crowd and photos of him schmoozing the ladies can be found on this web site.
Equipped with their bid numbers, programs and lists of live auction items, guests were seated at nicely decorated tables and treated to complementary wines for their dining enjoyment. Greg Warner, Committee Chair, introduced Endowment President, Michael Barrington who welcomed everyone and introduced the big screen video of the Serendipity restaurant and the hospitality program at Mt. Diablo High School. Unlike most Rotary Endowment fund raisers, a Night in Casablanca was specifically designed to benefit a local educational institution in the community rather than the general fund. This award winning program at Mt. Diablo High is well deserving of Rotary donations as well as the ongoing Rotary Endowment scholarships for students moving on to college.
Dignitaries were introduced including District Governor, Stan Smalley, Concord Mayor, Bill Shinn and Concord Council member (and Rotarian), Guy Bjerke. Chef Judy Moon, who started the Mt. Diablo hospitality program, was also introduced along with current chefs and teachers.
A new feature of our Spring event was the gaming including blackjack, roulette and craps. Judging by the crowds around the tables both before and after dinner, this was a well appreciated feature – who knew we had that many hard core gamblers in our midst?
Thanks to Pit Boss Jerry Hoobler and helpers for a job well done and enjoyed by all.Appropriately, dinner commenced with a salad followed by a combination of beef and chicken shish kebabs served with couscous. Thanks to the Hilton chefs and staff for their efforts through the evening.
As we waited for dessert, the ever effervescent Dennis McCormick donated his considerable auctioneering skills and humor to garnering the highest possible prices for the donated and sponsored items. Great job Dennis!
Our DJ was very responsive to his audience and played late into the night with favorites from the 1940’s to the present – well, nearly the present. Let’s just say that those of us who remember the 50’s and 60’s were well looked after!This was a fun event and one which has raised significant funds for some very worthy causes. Our special thanks to the following people who donated their time and expertise to make this happen:
Greg Warner – Casablanca Committee Chair who donated many hours of organization.
Anna Price – Co-Chair, gatherer of donations, packaging, raffles and live auction.
Ingrid Hempell – donations, decorations and centerpieces
Mary Lou Helix – piano and centerpieces.
Tina Akins – Chief Accountant -registration, collecting and billing, revenue tracking
Sandy Warren – wine thief and gatherer.
Jerry Hoobler – Pit Boss extraordinaire.
David Cantando – Hilton GM – donations and hotel assistance.
Parmod Kumar – decorations
Jeff Adams – decorations
Marilyn McClaskey – filled tables, donations
Rick Ernst – printing of auction item list.
Diane Ernst – decorations and preparation of live/silent auction displays
Mike Gorman – mail merge functions for name tags from his sick bed.
Memory Woodard – brought Interactors to sell raffle tickets and opportunity balloons.
Stan Gaunt – filled tables and transported decorations.
Bruce Hall – transport auction items and V.I.P. room bouncer.
Bob Cressio – filled tables and transported 100 balloons.
Bill Guthreau – donations
Taylor Bell – donations and poured wine
Mary Hall – registration and paper management
Erin Cadd - Pre-event registration prep for 3 days, on-site registration.
Geoff Teigen – registration and paper management.
Brenda Vinson – registration
Patsy Kyles – registration
Jeff Willis – chocolate for handouts to VIP ‘s and poured wine.
Karen Lynaugh – room set up and desserts for auction
Michael Barrington – Grand Poobah and Club Whip.
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Member AssignmentsDatekdjfkddfPledge/Scribek >>df>Invocation/Introduction
5-2 Gene Voelkel Tina Akins
5-9 Nick Virgallito Luis Alkon
5-16 Jerry Varcak Paul Allen
5-23 Larry Sly Carolyn Anderson
5-30 Lee Shuff Elisabeth Andreason
6-6 Ben Santos Michael Barrington
6-13 Dick Rosenberry Chris Basman
6-20 Roy Querio Taylor Bell
6-27 Anna Price Bill Bobetsky
7-4 ..........Dark Dark
7-11 ...........Brad Prescott Harry Bowers
7-18 ...........John Pereira .George Calhoun
7-25 ...........Michael Patrick .Joe Campbell8-1 ...........Alex Ozuma David Cantando
8-8 ...........Lee Noll ....William Chan
8-15 ...........Ron Mullin .Joe Cornella
8-22 . ..........Steve Moran .....Kevin Costa
8-29 ...........Chris Moulis .Bob Cressio9-5 ........David Miller .....Terry Dillingham
9-12 ...........Doug McPherson ...Joel Edelman
9-19 ......Marilyn McClaskey ..Rick Ernst
9-26 . .........Karen Lynaugh ......Marilyn Fowler10-3 .....Harry Luan .....Sil Garaventa
10-10 ....Ron Light Stan Gaunt
10-17 .....Richard Lezcano .Jim Goodhue
10-24 ....Parmod Kumar .......Mike Gorman
10-31 ......Richard Kops ..Bill Guthreau
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RI PresidentJanuary 2008
The Rotarian
Since 1988, when polio eradication efforts began, Rotary International has been a spearheading partner in the fight to end the disease. Longtime Rotarians know the history well. There have been triumphs and setbacks. There have been times of rapid advances and times when progress has seemed slow. There have been times when the end seemed very near. But never has it been nearer than it is right now.Before the campaign to eliminate polio, about 1,000 children a day – 350,000 a year – were paralyzed by this terrible disease. These children were left to a life of struggle and disability, and often of social stigma. Today, only four countries are still polio-endemic, and annual cases of polio paralysis are down to about 1,000 a year.
We’ve come so far, yet the nature of the wild poliovirus means that if we slacken our efforts for even a moment, we’ll soon see our hard work reversed. We have only two options: to press on with determination and faith until we succeed, or to lose everything we’ve invested and everything we’ve gained.
The generosity of Rotarians in responding to the call for help has been astounding. We’ve raised more than US$600 million to support polio eradication in 122 countries. We’ve saved the lives of thousands of children through the polio vaccine and the vitamin supplements distributed with it, and we’ve saved countless more from the often desperate realities of postpolio paralysis.
Now we’re in the final stretch of this long and difficult, but exhilarating, race. It’s literally a question of choice – to win or lose, succeed or fail. Our partners around the world have recognized how critical this juncture is, and many have stepped in with added support, financial and practical. The recently announced grant of $100 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a resounding vote of confidence in polio eradication efforts. Their financial support will be invaluable in the months ahead, and their trust in Rotary is an honor to us all.
Many of you have already given so much to the battle against polio. Each of you is forever a part of history – part of Rotary’s legacy and its gift to the world’s children. Today, we call on all Rotarians – but especially on new Rotarians who have not been a part of campaigns in the past – to do what they can, to help in any way they can, to finish this fight once and for all.
Wilfrid J. (Wilf) Wilkinson
President, Rotary International
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Museum exhibit turns into a great public relations tool for clubs
By Lisa Baker
Rotary International News - 30 November 2007
Photos courtesy of District 5150
Rotarians in District 5150 (California) put Rotary artifacts on display as a recruiting and public relations tool.Where can you find a Rotary convention badge from 1915, an iron lung, and a map pinpointing every Rotary club in the world?
Rotarians in District 5150 (California, USA) put all these items and others on display as a recruiting and public relations tool at the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City, California.
The exhibit, which ran for six months, was the brainchild of Rod Carpenter, of the Rotary Club of Redwood City. Carpenter had just retired from a job at the museum and knew that an exhibit room was available. He instantly thought that his district could put it to good use.
"I thought that if my district had an exhibit, it would be great public relations," Carpenter said. "It would let people know what Rotary is, and it would be a great way to recruit new members."
Mitch Postel, museum president and member of the Rotary Club of San Mateo, agreed to lend the space, so Carpenter presented the idea to then District Governor Mark Flegel and District Governor-elect Brian McLeran. They in turn allocated $18,000 from the district’s advertising budget to assemble the exhibit.
All 40 clubs in the district were encouraged to provide items for the exhibit, and about half chipped in.
The bulk of the exhibit, which opened in May, featured Rotary-related artifacts, including a child’s iron lung, a convention badge from 1915, and dozens of pins from Rotary events that members of the district’s clubs had attended. The exhibit also detailed the district’s history and displayed information about Rotary International, including a large world map illustrating where every club is located. There was also a guestbook visitors could sign if they were interested in becoming a Rotarian.
Past District Governor Bill Sturgeon says the exhibit, which closed in November, drew about 20,000 people. Given this success, local Rotarians are now considering taking the exhibit on the road as a mobile history tour on the museum's bus.
"The more exposure Rotary has, the better it will be in the long run for membership," McLeran said.
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The Rotary Club of Concord has recorded a total of 6247 hours volunteered to Community Service since 2002.
What is a Rotarian?
A Rotarian is one who looks beyond self-interests to serve the community, country, and the entire world as evidenced by Rotary International's global polio immunization program. A Rotarian seeks the truth; lets fairness govern all activities; strives to build goodwill and better friendships; and attempts to develop mutually beneficial relationships in all endeavors. These individual goals evolved into what is now know throughout Rotary as the "4-Way Test" of all relationships.
Rotary's two related mottoes are: "Service Above Self" and "He Profits Most Who Serves Best".What is a Rotary Club?
Paul Harris, an attorney, organized the initial Rotary Club in Chicago. Its first meeting was held February 23, 1905. The name "Rotary" was selected because the club met in rotation at each member's place of business. The basic objectives of Rotary over the years have revolved around friendship, fellowship and service to others. Rotary International is now represented on six continents with worldwide membership well in excess of 1.2 million. Concord Rotary Club was chartered March 27, 1947; the current membership is approximately 80 men and women. Luncheon meetings are held each Friday from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.The 4-Way Test
Of the things we think, say or do
1. Is it the Truth?
2. Is it Fair to All Concerned?
3. Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
4. Will it be Beneficial to All concerned?Objects of Rotary
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his personal, business and community life;
Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The Ideal of Rotary
Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service,
encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.How does one become a member of Concord Rotary Club?
Membership is by invitation and candidates are selected to represent a wide range of business and professions. The classification principle insures that the total membership is comprised of a cross section of the community, resulting in an interesting and stimulating group.What is expected of a member?
Regular attendance, financial support and contributions of time and talents are expected of every Rotarian.Attendance
Rotary is built upon fellowship and friendship, which can only be developed through regular meeting attendance. A Rotarian is expected to regularly attend meetings. If it is not possible to attend a regular Friday meeting, members are expected to "make-up" at another Rotary Club. These make-ups provide a great way to meet and make new friends in over 27,000 Clubs in over 150 countries. The time and place of each meeting is listed on the Rotary International site "Where Clubs Meet." Regular attendance is considered so important by Rotary International, that special recognition is given annually to those members with perfect attendance. At the minimum members must attend 60% of the meetings during each six-month period, half of which must be attended at the home club. In addition, members may not miss more than three consecutive meetings and remain in good standing. Exemptions for good and sufficient cause require Board approval. While perfect attendances is not an end in itself, it is a measure of a member's commitment and involvement in the Club.What is the cost of Membership?
An initiation fee includes informative Rotary booklets, office plaques, label pin and a membership directory. Annual dues of $175 are assessed in June.Club projects are also funded by "recognizing" members. "Recognition" can be as little as $5.00 for not wearing the Rotary lapel pin and up to $100 in recognition of perhaps a new automobile or exotic vacation. Voluntary contributions are frequently made by members who wish to commemorate a family event or similar important occasion. In all cases the Club diligently avoids placing any member in an embarassing financial situation.
Every year we have one major fund raising event for the Concord Rotary Endowment. While not mandatory, it is expected that everyone will buy at least one ticket and attempt to sell more.
On Contribution and Becoming a Paul Harris Fellow
In addition to paying for luncheon meetings and annual dues, Rotarians are expected to contribute to Rotary International. The Rotary International Foundation supports such worthwhile national and worldwide projects as disaster relief, humanitarian projects, educational scholarships, group study exchanges, and most notable the ongoing Polio plus program to eradicate this dread disease in every corner of the world. Such programs are supported in part by members who contribute $1,000 to become Paul Harris Fellows. Concord Rotary's goal is to attain and sustain 100% Paul Harris participation. Members may elect a one time gift of $1,000 or become a "Sustaining Member" with an initial contribution of $100 and periodic gifts thereafter until the $1,000 goal is reach.The Rotarian and Service
The pervasive theme of Rotary is "Service Above Self". Participation in civic activities, youth services and public service organizations is encouraged and heavily supported by the Club. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in Club Service as well - a great deal goes on behind the scenes to make Friday meetings happen. Outside of the meetings, Concord Rotary undertakes a wide variety of service activities in vocational, community and international promotion of good will and understanding. Our programs include: aid to seniors and the handicapped, youth services, scholarship and education, career awareness programs, drug abuse prevention, dental sealant programs, wheelchair distribution and polio prevention world wide, youth exchange grants and scholarship programs, and attention to health, hunger and humanities on a global scale.
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