Meeting minutes - 13 April

Twenty nine Rotarians and guest speaker Dr. William Petit of the Petit Family Foundation met at the Pond House Cafe in West Hartford on Monday, April 13th.

Bennett Forrest gave the invocation talking about spring and the hope of a new baseball season followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

During lunch, President Cindy began the meeting with announcements, starting with:

* Eileen Rau gave a foundation update. Talked about giving just $2/week will make you a “sustaining member”

* Kyle Brewer talked about the previous week’s “A Hand Up” delivery to a local WH resident in need

* NICU project meeting coming up Thursday at Farmington Bank-Talk to Cindy for info

* District/Interact conference coming up 4/24-25

* Rockcats End Polio Night is May 29 in New Britain

* Bob Korr with a Lobster Fest reminder/update for June 20

Sargeant at Arms, John Smealie reports 29 Rotarians, 1 visiting guest Dr. William Petit

Happy dollars were collected by Dana Gordon

The 50/50 raffle is up to $87, with no winner today. We are looking for King of clubs.

Dave Lemkuil introduced Dr. William Petit of the Petit Family Foundation. Dr. Petit spoke about:

The history of the foundation; how it came into existence, etc. The mission is to encourage women to study to sciences, fundraising for chronic disease research and protecting families against violence. Also talked about the structure of the organization, and some of the charity events they sponsor, including a charity 5k race, motorcycle ride, golf tournament, Michaela’s garden. They also give a lot of grants, over 1.5 million, including to New Britain HS STEM academy, ConnectKids, Tiny Miracles Foundation. Finally, he talked about the grant application and dispersal process.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Dave Lemkuil leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is April 20, 2015 at Pondhouse Cafe.

Respectfully submitted,

Bennett Forrest