Buses are still arriving at the Wilmette train station with migrants who have been transported here from Texas. The buses arrive unscheduled, and the Wilmette Police and volunteers try to assist the migrants to get "Take Care" packages and coats before they get on the train to Chicago processing centers. In connection with SaLT an organization in Highland Park, volunteers have packed bags with hygiene items, water and snack bars to give to the migrants when they leave the bus, along with winter coats that have been donated by the public.
Members George Pearce, Terry Porter, Heidi Voorhees and Debora Morris are actively involved with this project. Others who want to volunteer to help should contact Debora.
Needed donations can be made at various locations (Click to see locations), and can include Water, Shampoo, Soap, Small first aid kits, Aspirin bottles, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes, Chapstick, Wipes, Face masks and Snack bars. If you are interested in donating funds, click HERE
See Local Events of Interest below for a Rotary-supported fundraiser, Bienvenidos Gala. Join other Rotarians at this importantt event.
Several members from our club and the Winnetka/Northfield Rotary Club will be attending the Bienvenidos Gala Event on April 6. (see Local Events of Interest below). They have created a special ticket price for Rotary. Contact Debora@pftl.net if you plan to purchase tickets.
Funds raised will support "Monarca 2": the continuation of a highly successful creative community housing solution for newcomer families in Rogers Park as administered by the Nuevos Vecinos Community & Free Store, as well as continuing efforts to coordinate the response to this crisis on the North Shore. (and our Club is one of the sponsors for the Wilmette response).
I visited the Chitokoloki Mission hospital in 2007 while working on an AIDS clinic with Rotary and World Vision in Zambia. Ten years ago our Club sent a container of medical supplies to the hospital. The mission hospital is located in western Zambia on the Zambezi river, an absolutely beautiful setting. Visited by volunteer physicians and medical students from all over the world.
We are drafting a Rotary Global grant to deliver badly needed medical supplies and equipment with our implementing partner, Project C.U.R.E. A $36,000 grant for shipping costs will deliver $360,000 in medical supplies and equipment to the hospital. We now have an in-country Rotary Club partner the RC Solwezi, Zambia!
Now is the time to make an EREY contribution for the current Rotary year. Ray Z. or Terry P. will be able to tell each member how far away they are from their next PHF. Remember part of your contribution comes back to our Club to fund our service programs. Ray Zeiss has indicated that there are several members who are very close to becoming a Paul Harris Fellow, or adding to their PHF status, with credits from our past EREY contributions. Donations will be matched for those within $500 of reaching the next PHF.
Members : It's very easy! Click HERE for a direct link to donate.
This is an annual event for all Rotarians in our District 6440 Registration for the first ever District Conference at Rotary International Headquarters and the first ever Joint 6440-6450 District Conference, April 20, 2024, is now open. Here's the link. (Sign in as a Guest). There will be a full day of inspirational speakers, information and idea sharing, awards, a House of Friendship, a service project, and tours of Rotary International headquarters! The focus will be on the Rotary Action Plan as the way to improve our Club and Rotary experience.
The cost for the day is $95.00, less than last year's event. The Conference begins at 8:00 am and continues until 6:00pm with a closing reception. Sign up now!
The District Mental Health Task force is assembling a list of resources for clubs or individual Rotarians to use to Increase Awareness, Erase the Stigma, and Take Action. These will be uploaded to a new page on the District website. If you are aware of speakers, mental health service agencies, books, informational events or projects, please send the information to Marianna Zeidler. For example, the McHenry County Coalition is sponsoring a NAMI QPR Suicide Prevention training session on March 20. Information can be found here.
Hands-On Service Sub-Committee: John Held has agreed to help form a sub-committee that will focus on finding hands-on service opportunities for our members who want to be more involved and work directly with organizations and clients. Please reach out to John if that is something you want to become more involved with. johnjheld@gmail.com
Diaper Distribution: Had some follow up from Tina Kalil from Bundled Blessings, a diaper bank on the north shore. If anyone is interested in volunteering with them to load and unload diapers or coordinate a diaper drive for Wilmette, contact her at here
Building Peaceful Bridges: If anyone wants to volunteer to help build a team or assist a refugee family with the folks from Building Peaceful Bridges, please let me know and I will put you in contact with Lori or visit their website here
Bienvenidos Gala Event - April 6 at 5pm at Sketchbook Brewing Co. in Skokie for traditional Venezuelan dinner from Evanston restaurant La Cocinita, live music from a teen rock band of newcomer students (as seen on WBEZ!), plus unique raffle prizes and silent auction items as we raise money to support migrant families in easing their transition to our area. LAST DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS IS SUNDAY, 3/31/24
Register soon because space is limited!Need to tune in from afar? Join us virtually for a reduced ticket price that still makes a difference - and allows you access to the live show and silent auction, plus one raffle ticket!
TEDxWilmette - On April 20, 2024 at Baker Demonstration School, TEDxWilmette will present six speakers with big ideas around the theme The Future Is Now. The pace of change in our world brings what once felt futuristic into the present. From climate to AI, media to healthcare, we face big technological, ethical and social questions, and the answers have implications not only for our shared future but also for our common present. Buy tickets HERE.
Club Information
Welcome!
Our Motto: Service Above Self
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Eva Dean's Bakery & Cafe
1115 Central Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091 United States of America
Our Rotary Clubs meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:30am at the Wilmette Harbor Club (inside Gillson Park) at Noon at St. John's Church, Wilmette and on 1st Tuesday at 6pm at St. Joseph Church. Mailing address: PO Box 111, Wilmette, IL 60091
Ben Wozney, Executive Director and his daughter, Shale Wozney, Jr. Board President, will tell us about The Driven Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals and families with Special Needs and Disabilities. Their mission is to provide accessible vehicles to families with disabled children that grant independence, inclusion, and mobility in their communities." The meeting will be held in the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club located inside of Gillson Park.
This program will be repeated on September 25 at 12 p.m. at St. John's Church, 1235 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette
Richard Koenig will speak to us about HODC, Housing Opportunity Development Corporation. HODC is a community-based nonprofit that makes an affordable home a reality for a diverse group of people who are unable to afford housing in their community. Affordable housing provides hope for individuals and families who are at risk of eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness.
Richard Koenig, PhD, has been Executive Director of Housing Opportunity Development Corporation since 1997. To date Richard has completed over 30 affordable housing developments valued over $150 million. He has a PhD in Community Economic Development and a Masters of Urban Planning from the UIC. Richard previously served as Chair of the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County and now serves on the board of Collaborative Community Housing Initiative.
Location: St John's Church, 1235 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette
