President Ben started the meeting at 8:10
Otto Ferrene offered the blessing and led the pledge
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Membership Chair John Carroll announced the first posting for Denny Brietholtz and second posting for John Prange
Early Act ---New Bell for Early Act Club
There was an orientation meeting at CA on Tuesday afternoon. There are 15 4th and 5th graders so far.
Rotary Reader
All photos above credit Ivan Bennett
Francis Farrene and the Rotary Reader Volunteers
Auction committee recording of the auction took place last Saturday and because it failed it had to be done again on Sunday. Recording took place at WTOC. Remember to attend the party at Riley's on Sunday from noon to 3:00 Bidding starts Friday
Social will be at Porter and Pig on Thursday the 22nd at 5:00
NO MEETING NEXT WEEK but the board will meet next Wednesday at Hickory Tavern
District Conference is March 9 to 11 in Myrtle Beach. Contact Nancy for more information All are encouraged to attend.
Sergeant at Arms Chuck welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests, told a lame joke, and collected Happy $$$
Visiting Rotarians: Harvey Flashen from Kennebunc Portside; Bob Wester from Kennebunc Portside; Dennis Hockney; Ray Enstine from Bridgewater/Bound Brook. Guests: John Prange, guest of Ray; Frances Ferrene guest of Otto; Denny Breitholtz, guest of Ray; Laurette Doscher, guest of Lou Benfante.
Speaker:
Lou Benfante introduced the speaker- Rose Fotia from Children's Relief Fund.
Photo credit Barry Davis
Children's Relief Fund is a non-profit organization the was founded by Rose and Frank Fotia in 1991. It consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton areas. Board members include a pediatrician, speech and language pathologist, physical therapist assistant, social worker, local business people and parents, all working on a volunteer basis. The Fotia's son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. The organization funds physical, occupational and speech therapy for children who do not have medicaid or whose insurance does not cover these services, they purchase equipment. They help sponsor "Fish with Friends" and support the local Special Olympics Athletes. They are one of the main financial sponsors for Challenge Camp, sponsors parent support services, and provides therapeutic horseback riding through "Heroes on Horseback" Read more about this wonderful organization by visiting their website - http://thechildrensrelieffund.org