|
North County Rotary Club makes first contribution from its community grant program
For the first time, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks has made a contribution from its Community Grants Program. On Friday, the club announced it approved a $1,000 grant to ShelterBox USA for the purchase of a ShelterBox. ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and tools for displaced families. “It’s exciting to announce that we have the opportunity to share some of the money we’ve raised through Dancing with the Local Stars with a great organization like ShelterBox, which truly does make a difference,” said Club President Kelley Campbell. “Whether it’s giving shelter to refugees who are stranded due to political conflict or those who’ve lost everything in a natural disaster, ShelterBox is there to provide for those in need.” Mike Robinson, a member of the Lewis River Rotary Club, is a ShelterBox volunteer locally, who submitted the grant application to the Rotary Club of Three Creeks. “Natural disasters and conflicts don’t take holidays and ShelterBox doesn’t either,” Robinson said. “It’s the most vulnerable who need the basic necessity of shelter, no matter where they are, and we are here to help. We are grateful for this grant, which will provide another box to a family in need of shelter and tools to navigate a crisis in their lives.” Three Creeks’ Community Grants Program is an opportunity for 501(c)3 nonprofits across Clark County to apply for small grants, funded by the club’s annual Dancing with the Local Stars 2.0 fundraiser. The program requires applications, which are considered by the club’s charitable giving committee and ultimately approved by the club’s board of directors. More information about the program can be found at www.rotaryofthreecreeks.com/charitable-giving.html. Through its major giving, the Three Creeks club partnered with the North County Community Food Bank to provide a $10,000 grant. This year, Three Creeks provided another $7,000 NCCFB, but also gave $7,000 a piece to Clark County Food Bank and FISH of Vancouver. The priority, due to COVID-19’s impact on the economy, was to provide assistance in secure access to food for families across Clark County. This is a reminder to submit your interest for the District 5100’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force. Rotary District 5100 has identified a need for a task force devoted to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The objective of the task force will be to foster understanding and inclusivity within our Rotarian community made up of Rotary, Rotaract & Interact clubs. The task force will serve as a resource board and support network for those looking to address diversity, equity & inclusion within their respective clubs. The District is looking to fill the task force with 15 Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors that:
Once we receive interest, we will begin a more formal application process. The District leadership team is consulting with DEI subject matter experts on the selection process. District 5100 is excited to support and grow alongside you as we look to create inclusive practices within our clubs and district. Thank you for your continued commitment to service and upholding the values of Rotary (Leadership, Friendship, Integrity, Diversity and Service).  There is a lot happening in our world today: Pandemic, racial tension, a heated national election cycle, and political & social division are just some of the things that dominate the nightly news.
Without deeply educating ourselves about the issues, it's hard to weed out what the facts truly are without bias and favoritism edging their way into the picture. Our September 3 club meeting will focus primarily on the issue of human rights in the United States. Fellow Rotarian DeLano Morgan (Vancouver club) and his long-time friend and business partner Randy Novak will join us to provide some personal background and a unique perspective into how we approach the human rights issues through "Authentic Diversity". As Rotary continues its efforts to reject systemic racism around the world, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks seeks more education and discussion around the issues of why, how and what we can do to make a difference. True to President Kelley's theme for the year, this is an approach that Fosters Community, aims to educate, and avoids blame or confrontation. Guests and visiting Rotarians are always welcome. Click here to see the Zoom invitation for this meeting.  With its pop up food drive held last Saturday, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks collected more than a quarter ton of food for those feeling the pains of food insecurity in our community.
President Kelley Campbell and Membership Director Eric Lucescu gathered a combined total of 587 pounds of food and $100 for FISH of Vancouver. Kelley and Eric delivered the food, much of which included gluten free options. Service Projects Director Andi Costello put together this food drive, with drop sites in Ridgefield and Hazel Dell. She strongly encouraged donors to consider giving gluten-free non-perishable items as local food pantries receive daily requests for gluten-free products. Three food banks in Clark County just got a bit of a boost, thanks to the Rotary Club of Three Creeks.
The club last week voted to donate $7,000 each to the Clark County Food Bank, FISH of Vancouver, and the North County Community Food Bank. “Food insecurity in our community is a very serious concern while we navigate through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Club President Kelley Campbell. “More than ever, food banks in Clark County are struggling to meet the demand for food, and one of our giving priorities is to assure that people in our community have the things they need.” The club raised more than $40,000 at its 2020 Dancing with the Local Stars – the last major live, in person, fundraiser in the Clark County community before the COVID shut down events across the community, turning them to virtual events. “Thank you so very much to you and each of the Rotary Club of Three Creeks members for this honor to continue our great partnership,” said North County Community Food Bank Executive Director Liz Cerveny. “This gift comes at a time when many in our communities are facing dire situations. Our organizations ability to step in and help alleviate some of their burdens provides each of these individuals, families or seniors an immediate sense of relief. COVID-19 is having far reaching impacts on many and our organizations are here to help those in our community who are facing hardships.” The Rotary Club of Three Creeks also gave North County Community Food Bank a $10,000 grant in 2019, the first major donation the club awarded in its short history. While these three $7,000 donations are a portion of the funds raised from Dancing with the Local Stars, the club also has a grant program targeted at nonprofits in the community. Details of that program are on the club’s website at https://www.rotaryofthreecreeks.com/charitable-giving.html. ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF THREE CREEKS The Rotary Club of Three Creeks is an innovative club in its fourth year of existence. The club has attracted half of its members from the under 50 demographic and is 50-50 gender balanced. It has a firm root in community service, following the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” and meets just twice a month (first and third Thursdays), normally at Creed Coffee Co. in Felida. ABOUT CLARK COUNTY FOOD BANK Clark County Food Bank is a regional food bank that distributes over 8 million pounds of food and 6.7 million meals a year. They partner with 43 partners at 130 distribution sites to serve the food insecure in our community. With 65,000 hungry individuals in Clark County, the need is great, but the Food Bank is here to help. ABOUT FISH OF VANCOUVER FISH of Vancouver provides emergency nutritionally balanced food without charge, to anyone declaring their need. It is the intent of FISH of Vancouver to provide a 3-5 day supply of food, called a “full meal deal,” once a month to any person declaring their need. ABOUT NORTH COUNTY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK North County Food Bank serves an average of 650-700 families monthly, nearly 11,000 clients in total. They are an affiliate of the Clark County Food Bank and one of the only local distributors of USDA commodities, including shelf stable milk, cheese, canned beans and meat, and rice. North County Food Bank offers a number of services and resources to clients across the county. Their focus is to solve problems and support a healthy, thriving community.  It was a sign of the times on Saturday, June 27 when President Scot Brantley virtually passed the Presidential Baton to Kelley Campbell, marking the fourth transition of presidents in our club.
With 14 members and one guest witnessing the transition on Zoom, and eight members in person at Scot & Ashley's house, turnout was great. In his final address to the club, Scot noted a number of the club's accomplishments, despite spending the last 108 days in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
There's a lot for the Rotary Club of Three Creeks to be proud of in 2019-20. Congratulations on a successful year as president, Scot. You did a great job!  July is Rotary’s New Leadership Month. Congratulations to all the new Club Presidents!
Rotary has designated months to help clubs Develop meeting agendas, projects, or public image campaigns based on these special occasions. The Concept is to give all the clubs of the District a Ready Reckoner of the types of Service Projects, which could be indulged, during the Year, and help plan the activities of the year, mostly based on the Rotary Calendar i.e. Rotary Designated Months. Twelve members of Clark County’s newest Rotary provide community service
CLARK COUNTY, Wash. – The Rotary Club of Three Creeks completed 79 hours of service to the community during its first-ever “virtual service project” April 4-5 around the county. Twelve club members, plus family members in many cases, worked together – but separate in respect for social distancing protocol and to not create a gathering – across Clark County to volunteer for the good of others. Those 12 different Rotarians and their family members turned in a total of 79 hours of service, completing a total of 17 projects over two days.
“I’m so proud of how our club stepped up and provided service in this innovative structure during a crazy time in our world,” said club president Scot Brantley. “To see close to half of our membership make a difference in each individual member’s way, and involve some of their family members, too, is simply inspiring.” Brantley added this was the 46th service project completed by the club, which is only three and a half years old. He also said he’s not surprised to see his club step out and be different. “Just the fact that we tried something new, again, and made it successful,” Brantley said, “is really very exciting. It truly is what makes our club unique.” We have already successfully held a virtual club meeting, virtual club board meeting and virtual P-Team Meeting, and will hold another virtual club meeting this week, so the club leadership got to thinking:
Susanne suggested: "Why don't we try a virtual service project?" Since service to the community is part of our club's DNA, and we are living through one of the nation's biggest-ever health crises, it seems appropriate for Rotarians like us to do what we do. On Saturday, April 4, the club encourages you to provide service that you can do while still respecting the "stay at home" order and social distancing practices. The club has prepared a list of service ideas that can be done in respect to the situation we are currently in. From that list (below) if club members will take time out of their day on April 4 to provide a little bit of service, you'll be making a big difference in the community. If you have Rotary attire to wear while doing it, please do. Here are some suggestions, which all fall into the "essential services" list approved by Governor Inslee:
We will also share a narrative and photos with Rotary District 5100 to encourage other clubs to continue to provide service, if even virtually, during these days of us all limiting exposure in order to "flatten the curve". If you have any questions, please contact Nelson. We had a fantastic turnout for our planning session on January 30. A mix of charter members, newly inducted Rotarians and two guests brainstormed ideas and gave feedback for our club’s next stage of growth.
Under the leadership of Eric Lucescu and Kelley Campbell, we all agreed that our club’s DNA is service, friendship and fun (not necessarily in that order). Kelley and Eric will create an ‘elevator speech’ and buzz words we can all use to promote our unique club, that is not your usual grandfather’s (or even father’s) Rotary club. On a separate topic, we talked about the significance of Rotary International, local and international service projects. Past president Susanne offered to schedule and lead quarterly Rotary chats to discuss The Rotary Foundation, RI’s focus areas and projects, district, zone and Rotary’s ABCs. The final discussion topic addressed ideas on what we do right and what we could do better. Ideas such as table signs and short tidbits to promote and explain our projects and inform our guests about our club’s customs. The event was accompanied by personal stories, laughter and some tears. I would say it was another very successful strategic social. -Past President Susanne |
Archives
November 2020
|
RSS Feed
MEETINGS
First & third Thursdays 5:30 p.m.
Creed Coffee Company 10718 NW Lakeshore Ave. Vancouver, WA 98685 |
|