From the President

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror and the winter holidays are fast approaching. As Edina Rotarians, we have many blessings that we can count. Last Wednesday, Nov. 23, Michael Stanzak, with assistance from Mary Hustad, made arrangements for 77 Thanksgiving Baskets to be delivered to families in need in our community. More than 100 Rotary Club of Edina members with family and friends, along with 55 Edina Morningside Rotary Club members and guests, as well as eight members of the Edina High School Interact Club, assembled and delivered the baskets. This was a record number of helpers—almost 170! 

Our Community Service—Local Funding Committee is busy vetting grant requests. These monies are available due to the success of this year’s Edina Rotary Foundation Fundraiser & Gala, which netted $105,000. This would not have occurred without the leadership of gala Co-Chairs Sam Thompson and Leann Stessman. They put together an amazing evening with both exciting silent and live auction items and lively entertainment so that we could meet our revenue goal while having fun. Kudos to both Sam and Leann.

 

Congratulations also to Marty Kupper and Mike Opitz, who organized another successful raffle as part of the 2016 Fundraiser & Gala. They have coordinated the distribution and collection of the raffle tickets for the past 10 years, and it is estimated that the club has netted over $160,000! Marty and Mike are the Raffle Kings!  

There are many activities coming up in December and hopefully each of you will donate a gift for those less fortunate through our Rotary Holiday Giving Program (bring donations to the Dec. 1 and 8 meetings), sign up for Salivation Army bell ringing (contact Dan Hallberg) and attend the Rotary Holiday Party on Dec. 15 (register now!).