The members in attendance were few today but that did not dim the enthusiasm for our upcoming events and gratitude for meeting together.  Jim Swan, Rotarian (and former MC for the Canadian tour of Don Messer’s Jubilee Tribute) and committee member for the East Coast Kitchen Party was on hand today in place of District Governor Elect Nominee David Elliott.  Jim asked who had travelled to Canada’s East Coast and of those, who had attended a kitchen party? Several Rotary clubs are hosting the

The objective of the evening is to bring a higher profile to Rotary clubs in Area 4 and showcase the kinds of projects we support.  It is also hoped to start a fundraising effort that will grow over time. The Party promises to be boat-loads of fun with entertainers Shane Cook (Canadian fiddle champion) and the Woodchippers and Tommy Leadbetter as MC.  One of the evening’s highlights is the fresh lobster dinner (or substitutes for those on vegetarian diets or an allergy to seafood). The protein entrée will be served and the remainder of the meal will be ‘family style’ to facilitate that kitchen party ambiance. If you ever wanted to shuck an oyster, try Screech or kiss a cod, this is your chance!

 

Clubs who have joined this effort will realize funds in several ways. First, if guests identify that they are affiliated with the RC of St. Thomas, any profit from the sale of those tickets goes to the club. The organizing committee is planning for an attendance of 500.  Second, as a club we can invite sponsors at 4 different levels from $10,000 to $1250. The difference between sponsorship amount and the cost to purchase those seats (with media recognition, VIP passes and bar service/ bar tab) will revert to the club who engaged the sponsor. The third way we make money on this event is through the auction item. We donated “A Week on the Bruce Peninnsula” with use of a luxury trailer, use of a kayak on a fresh water lake and sailing on Colpoy’s Bay.

 

All in attendance today received a promotion flyer with all of the sponsorship levels listed on reverse.  See President Trish for additional copies. The Board has agreed that we would ask for sponsorship in our community.  This is best accomplished if Rotarians approach businesses or individuals that would love to sponsor the event, assist Rotary and take friends or employees out for a terrific evening. Please advise President Trish of those individuals or businesses that you plan to recruit.

 

Jim left us with a challenge: fill some tables of eight with members and friends and find a few community sponsors.  Help support our fundraising by promoting a sell-out evening on May 11^th!  Jim had a little time left to greet his niece Shanille today.

 

More information can be found at: www.rotaryeastcoastkitchen.ca

Tickets can be purchased on line but if you have a table of eight people who want to sit together, it would be better for one person to apply for those tickets as a group.

 

 

 

Stew Shouldice won the 50/50 draw.

 

In the absence of a fine master, Nancy Lovelock summarized the Saturday morning breakfast with several service clubs.  The group plans to approach city hall with a proposal to have service clubs listed on the city directory and linked to their individual websites. Stew has provided a beginning list. Future plans may include updating the service club signage along the highway approaching St. Thomas. We are grateful for the work that Nancy has done to promote goodwill and better friendships with other service club members.

 

The Music Festival starts Monday Feb 26, 2018. Several members of our club are on the committee or have responsibilities at the event.  If you have a chance to go to some of the sessions to hear the musicians and the adjudicators’ comments, it is well worth the effort.

 

The club is involved in a small fundraiser on Saturday March 17, 2018. We will be cooking brunch at the Destination Church approved kitchen and serving at the Railway City Brewing Co. There are two shifts of helpers 9-12 noon and 12 noon to 2 p.m. Everyone will meet at Destination Church and 2 people will transport the food with Trudy to serve it in 2 seatings – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. We will make money for the club and also for Inn Out of the Cold. That day is the “Shamrock Shuffle” fundraiser for Inn Out of the Cold and thus some participants may be happy to go to a brunch. The Railway City Brewing Co. is handling all the ticket sales and promotion.  We need 3 more helpers.  Contact Trish. 

 

Upcoming Meetings

Next week’s meeting is cancelled due to the Music Festival.  We have a full slate of meetings every Wednesday in March.

 

 

Happy Fins

Stew – great Family Day with 2/3 of children home for a party; service clubs breakfast

Pat M – trip to Dominican Republic; returning home

Adriana – Marco Jr. sent pictures from Tokyo, Japan

Trish – Jim’s presentation today; Music Festival