 The
Lincoln Rotary board met Jan. 14 to discuss
several club issues, but they all felt
compelled to discuss the recent tragedy in
Haiti. The earthquake that struck there
caused widespread devastation, over 100,000
deaths and countless injuries.
Instantaneously, over 3 million Haitians
worried about how they would continue to
survive. Medical supplies, food, water and
shelter became immediate needs.
The Rotary International "ShelterBox"
program was an ideal way for Rotarians here
in central Illinois to do their part in
assisting this small and poor island nation.
In an immediate attempt to help, Lincoln
Rotary requested donations toward purchases
of ShelterBoxes, priced at $1,000, from
their membership as well as from the
surrounding smaller clubs.
Mount Pulaski was eager to help and
responded quickly with great enthusiasm.
Phil Bertoni, president of the Mount Pulaski
Rotary, said, "We would no doubt be willing
to jump on the ShelterBox program with
Lincoln. Keep us informed."
Not only did they respond, they raised
exactly $1,000 -- enough to cover the cost
of one complete ShelterBox kit. Reportedly
the Mount Pulaski club members individually
dipped into their pockets for 75 percent of
the donation.
The Lincoln College Rotaract Club also
decided to pitch in. They are known for
their 50-50 drawings at the Lynx men's home
basketball games. At the new Lincoln
Center's first home game, they raised $100
and gave all of it to the Lincoln Rotary
Club to assist in purchasing a shelter box.
A total of $2,400 was collected from the
Logan County Rotary clubs and sent on to
Rotary District 6490 for the purchase of two
complete ShelterBoxes and part of a third.
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"I'm am very proud and honored to be
associated with an organization such as
Rotary," said Michelle Bauer, president of
the Lincoln club. "Our local Logan County
Rotary clubs always do great work in their
communities while never losing sight of the
importance of giving to the world community
as well."
The bottom line: Rotary continues to
respond to the world at large to help
eradicate polio and other diseases, to
provide water wells, solar ovens, training
in basic gardening techniques, and education
to help improve the quality of life for all
-- to foster friendship and peace.
To read more about the Rotary ShelterBox
program, visit:
http://www.shelterbox.org/.
[Text from
file received from Michelle Bauer, Lincoln
Rotary]
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