To start, on behalf of the club I would like to welcome our new inductees; Kari Benum, David Kemp, Mark Sunderland, and Krista Berigan to the Rotary Club of Kelowna. Again, we hope your Rotary experience will be meaningful.
During our last meeting we heard from several of us who attended the District Conference in Kamloops last weekend. Those of us that attended were hosted at a variety of events and were impressed with how well it was run and how much fun we all had. Thanks again to Carol Eamer and Kathy Butler who were acknowledged for their award-winning efforts this year. The Rotary Youth Exchange program was well represented at the Conference and included Chaira our RYE student. The testimonials from these students and future leaders were heart warming, inspiring and confirmed that our future is in good hands.
By now it should be of no surprise that I would like to focus on Youth and Education in 2019-2020. Our club is very active in youth and education initiatives and naturally I would like to capitalize on these efforts and expand on what we already do well. Our clubs’ natural abilities to support youth seems to coincide with that of Rotary International. Some of you may know or remember Darrell Blue, he is our District delegate to the Rotary Council on Legislation and was one of the speakers at the District Conference. The Council is responsible for changes to the Constitution and By-laws of RI. One of the most significant enactments was the elevation of Rotaract Clubs into the membership of RI. This substantive change pilots a new season were a focus on our youth can help shape and expand the potential for Rotary. A natural for this club.
To this point, some of us were treated Tuesday night to high school students competing in a public speaking contest at the George Elliot School in Winfield. Applause to Sharron Simpson and Dennis Campbell who are instrumental in putting this incredible event on each year. Also, with wit and humor, Chris Paton did an outstanding job as the MC at this event. Our club will also be involved in the upcoming “Mock” job interviews taking place Wednesday May 29th at KSS. This event is hosted for us by Gordy Charles, we hope to see many of you there.
The Rotary Pro-Am hits the links Tuesday. This event is the flagship fundraiser for our club and is the result of many Rotary volunteers and hours of hard work. A shout out to Robin Smith who chaired this event and to all those who participated, well done! And REMEMBER NO MEETING TOMOROW AT THE CAPRI
I look forward to seeing you all on the following Tuesday meeting. The place to be in Kelowna at noon.