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Dothan Rotary Club

Traditions

THE MARK S. CANNON WHITE ELEPHANT SALE

The White Elephant Sale was started by Mark Cannon in 1936, and by resolution named in his honor in 1992. The original purpose was to raise money for direct financial assistance to treat crippled children. Later, contributions were made to the Rotary Clinic in Mobile. The first sale netted $41.00. Still later, sales raise money to match government funds for the purpose of building the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center. It has evolved into the funding vehicle for improvements for that facility. White Elephant Sales money can be used for no other purpose. It is administered by The Dothan Rotary Children's Foundation. Club members own the foundation, and elect its governing body.

This tradition has continued on for many years through his son-in-law, Bill Blount and most recently by Mark Culver, the grandson of Mark S. Cannon.

In 1999, the White Elephant Sale has moved to the Dothan Civic Center and in recent history, the sale has netted more than $50,000 per year.

 

FOSTER CHILDREN PROGRAM - SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON

 

Another occasion begun in 1978 is the luncheon meeting at the Civic Center, with a musical program. Gifts for the Foster Children are collected, and Retired Teachers/Senior Citizens are honored. The Department of Human Resources furnishes the club names of needy foster children and their Christmas wish lists. A list is assigned to Rotarians who, with their wives or husbands, shop for gifts that will make a happy Christmas for the children. The average cost for taking care of one child is estimated to be $75 - 100. The gifts are presented to DHR representatives at the luncheon.

Retired Teachers and Senior Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend this function. The city government and school system furnishes buses and drivers to provide transportation to and from such places as Wesley Manor, Vaughn Towers, Baptist Village, Evergreen Senior Center, Rose Hill, and Extendicare. Vehicles equipped to handle wheel chair bound persons are used. Many Rotarians work on this event, with the New Member Involvement Committee heavily committed. To help defray expenses of the meeting, each new member pays for one guest meal, plus meals for however many guests he or she invites.

 

WATCHES FOR OUTSTANDING 4-H'ERS

 

The club started in 1940 encouraging boys and girls to learn about farm related subjects by awarding a watch to the outstanding 4-H boy and girl of the year. Many county youngsters enter the contest by devising projects to complete, and keeping a record of what they accomplish. 4-H advisers supervise their activities, judge the reports, and pick the winners. The boy and girl chosen appear before the club, tell of their activities, and accept the award. These youngsters are always unbelievably articulate, poised, and accomplished.

 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

 

Habitat for Humanity is an international, Christian organization that builds houses for the working poor. Those who qualify for these houses must build their own house as well as work on the houses of others. They pay for the houses, but there is no profit or interest charged. These payments are recycled to help pay for other Habitat homes.

The Dothan Rotary Club began a partnership with the Wiregrass affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in 1990 under the leadership of President Neil Shelor. In the early days the club contributed money and labor to build a Habitat house. The first house was built in March of 1991. The members have continued to assess themselves $6.00 per month to pay for a Habitat house to be built each year. Several Rotarians have also contributed supplies and labor to assist in the building of these homes. In 2000, the Dothan Rotary Club will have paid for ten houses. The payments that flow from these houses are enough to build another house each year. So, in effect, the Club is now paying for two Habitat houses each year.

 

NEW MEMBER INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE (AKA Do Something Committee)

 

This is YOU. This committee was formed in the early 1980's to bring new members together under a structure, to make them feel more a part of Rotary by giving them something to do, and let them display their talents. You belong to it your first two years in the club, and you are expected to accept all duty assignments. Heaviest duties are those involved with Senior Citizens Day. There is an unwritten law of Rotary, handed down as a tradition through the years in this club: A Rotarian does not say no when asked to perform a service he or she is capable of handling in the name of Rotary.

 

THE DOTHAN ROTARY NEWSLETTER - ALTER EGO

 

The Dothan Rotary Club's Alter Ego is the weekly club publication of Rotary Information, timely news about the club and individual members, last week's meeting, coming programs, and a bit of humor. New members are automatically on the mailing list.

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