President Amy introduced the speaker Heather Croskey from Ronald McDonald House Charities. Unity Point, St Lukes and U. of I Stead Children Hospital. Heather shared a video of how important the services are for parents of sick children. They provide housing for a long as needed, a hot meal every night, play equipment for other children of the family. They provide parking and transportation if necessary.
Ronald McDonald House ground breaking was 35 years ago. May 5, 1984. September 7, 1985 was the ground breaking for the 18,000 sq. feet and 18 rooms. 2001 was the expansion of 9,000 sq. feet and added 12 rooms for a total of 31 rooms.
President Amy called the meeting to order at 7::05 am. President Elect Liz Nichols shared her "Moments of Joy: with the club.
Liz has ordered a 53 page journal that she will write about gratitude daily. She tries to see the silver lining in situations. Paul and Liz have a grandson living with them that brings many moments of joy. She was grateful that her daughter Dee Dee was left uninjured in a car accident where she rolled her car on black ice. She is especially grateful for all the Rotarian's in our club. They are welcoming, energized, and live their lives with value and follow the 4-way test.
Mary Murphy, mother of outbound student Catherine Geerdes, was inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Iowa City.
Ways members can help the club. 1. Take bottles and cans to the can shed and designate the Rotary Club of Iowa City as the recipient of the funds. 2. Take items to to Stuff Etc. 3. Order merchandise through Amazon Smile.
Vernette Knapp made the announcement regarding the District Conference to held in Ankeny at the Marriott Hotel April 24, 2021.
This will be a Hybrid conference. The early bird registration for in person is $39.95 by March 15, 2021. After March 15, 2021 the price will be $49.95. The Hybrid fee is $25. Those funds will be divided between Sukup Safety Homes and Polio Plus.
The new theme for the 2021-2022 year is: "Serve to Change Lives".
Deb Galbraith read a letter from Paula who was an exchange student from Barcelona Spain. She is a sophomore in college and misses the club very much.
Heather continued her presentation stating that there are 2 family rooms. Average stays in 2017-14 days, 2018-15 days, and 2019-18 days. There have been 4,000 families serve at Ronald McDonald House. Families are served from all the state, all 50 states and Internationally serving families with children that have club foot. Polk County is the leading county served. To be a resident of the Ronald McDonald House, you must live more that 20 miles from Iowa City.
How is Ronald McDonald House funded? Donations from businesses, individuals, third party fundraisers, and events.
There will be a remodel of the kitchen, bedrooms and play areas.
There are two events coming in 2021. Red Shoe-Run and Walk, May 2, 2021 and For the Families of Ronald McDonald House June 9, 2021. Bricks are being sold to build a patio.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 am.