Fellow Rotarians:  We have a small challenge.  The following email was received from Donna Thomley who, as you know, is heading the Foster Children's Project:

     As you know, we are challenged with the number of children that were assigned by DHR this year along with our membership status.  We were assigned a total of 151 children and 138 of those have been distributed.  I am still holding 13 children's lists anticipating others to "step up" and take an additional child to buy for.  (Three members took an additional card on Monday).
      DHR contacted me today to ask us to take on 22 more children whose names were turned in after our list was received.  I'm very concerned if we can handle that many more with the 13 others still outstanding.  As we discussed in our board meeting, we have on-going challenges with our current membership with our other fundraising efforts going on.
     To decline sounds so cold....but to come up with 35 (13+22 more) additional "takers" from our membership will be a challenge.

Now....35 additional children is no small task.  In fact, 35 x $150 = $5,250!  Several members have committed to taking an additional child, but that doesn't put a dent in the need.  If each member would donate just $35 to the cause we could easily meet the $5,250 and not put a "strain" on anyone.

Remember...these foster children are not in the position they are in due to anything they have done...and our gift at Christmas is the only gift that many will get.

Please open your hearts and your wallets...we can do this!  No need to respond...just bring $35 Monday, the 27th and give it to Donna.  It will certainly be "beneficial to others"!

John Gormley
President 2017-2018