Rotary File for April 25, 2017

 

H.D. Hoover-- IC Noon Rotary

Hieu Nguyen-- Formerly, RYLA participant, guest of Nancy Pacha

 

 

Hieu Nguyen has started a foundation to provide soccer balls to students in Vietnam in honor of his friend from West HS, JC Meardon, who died recently.  This project will benefit a needy community and will change the lives of young people in that community.  Since soccer was one of JC's favorite activities, it is something he would have approved doing.  The AM Club Board has agreed to donate today's Happy Bucks to Nguyen's soccer ball purchase and $236 was raised for this cause from over 20 happy bucks contributors this morning.

 

Hazel Seaba reminded us that next Tuesday we can sleep in because our regular meeting will be at 6:30 pm at the Kirkwood Room for the Community Grants Dinner.  Sign up, pay $25 per person, and BYOB. 

 

A sign up is also going around for volunteers to help at the District Conference May 4-6 at the Marriott in Coralville.

 

Monday, June 5 from 5 to 6:30 will be the 2nd annual Mini-Golf Tournament at Colonial Lanes.  It takes the place of our June Month Opener and is a fund-raiser for the club at $10 per person.  Start forming teams.

 

 

Michael Lawler is the Emergency Services Coordinator for the Crisis Center.  Nancy Pacha volunteers for his unit at the Crisis Center and got to know him through this work.  She was very impressed with his skill and dedication.  He comes from the rural Illinois area between East Dubuque and Galena and enjoys going home to see his family.  His 4 siblings (3 sisters and 1 brother) all live close to home. He is the youngest of 5.

 

Michael came to Iowa City to attend UI and started volunteering initially at Shelter House, then progressed to a paid position, and after college got his job at the Crisis Center. In his current job he helps individuals in financial crisis secure housing, pay utility bills, pay for uniforms required on a job, and provide similar assistance as needed.  They also distribute IDs to immigrants and others.  He noted that he never really wanted for anything growing up and he wants to help others less fortunate to gain greater financial security.  He joined Rotary in order to find additional outlets for helping within the community.