Volume 71 Issue 9 30th August 2005
Editor: Michael Baker
Date / Committee / Venue8th Sept / Vocational
6th Sept / Fellowship
6th Sept / International
7th Sept / Youth
13th Sept / Community
$9,000+ RAISED AT SPORTS NIGHT!!!
(Guest editorial)
Last Thursday night the Club held its Sports Night at Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club. This was a combined activity of International Committee (Cathy Nicou) and Youth Committee (Maria Kouppas), but the oversight and majority of work was done by Richard Lawrence. Others on the Committee were President Shirley, Pat O’Connell, Peter Duras, Brett Anderson, myself, and Peter Duras as an advisor. Two hundred and ten people attended – fantastic!
Over $9,000 was raised, only a bit less than our last Show Stall, but all in 4 hours! The Club has now already raised over $20,000 this year.
Why was the night so successful?
· Many of the Club members actually attended;
· They brought with them a disparate array of contacts - not the types usually seen at Rotary functions;
· The money was coming from the pockets of “outsiders” rather than ourselves;
· The event was superbly organized – Richard held 6 breakfast meetings to sort the whole thing out;
· We were very successful in sourcing our own auction items, most of which cost the Club nothing.
It was regrettable that at the Club Forum we got bogged down in member retention issues. As has often been said, this boils down to giving the members something to do. If they have nothing to do then they will not attend Club meetings, and will fall away.
FUNDRAISING is the key to the success of the Club. If this is done properly, members will become involved and will find the activity very satisfying, as they are actually achieving something!
What are the lessons from last Thursday’s event?
· The Club is better than most other competing groups at organizing big events, as we have the human capacity to do this. We also have better organizational skills, as most of us have ended up in management roles whether we like it or not;
· Sausage sizzles and other minor fundraising activities will always have their place, but their role is often as a fellowship or community service activity, rather than bringing in $$$$.
· The event was held only seven weeks into the Rotary year – usually a dead time for us. Future Presidents must take Shirley’s lead in getting things up early in the year, and outgoing Presidents must allow this occur, as Steve did;
We need to develop three to four big fundraisers each year – surely not a big ask! The Sports Night and the Trailer Raffle are two of them, and Board will need to source the rest.
I am sure that President Shirley and her Board would appreciate further suggestions as to what the other big events could be. In the past it was the Show Stall, a Steam Train Day or an Auction Night. Other ideas have been an Art Show or a Travel Show. I understand that President Shirley & her Board have distilled a list that is to be discussed at Committee meetings. What do you think?
- Timothy Anderson.
The editor is grateful to Tim for his contribution to this debate. It is published without alteration or comment, and with an invitation to any member who would like to respond to please do so. These issues are important to the club.
Tuesday 30th August.
A speaker with a cause is always easy to listen to. When the speaker is as passionate as Kevin Bailey is about East Timor, your attention is rivetted.
It comes as a surprise to see the man and compare him to how you imagined him from his voice on the radio. It is also surprising to find that this mild mannered father of 6 plus 1 children spent some 10 years in the elite SAS. (One may well ask how can a father of 6+1 children be mild-mannered)
Kevin informed and reminded us of the debt Australia owes to the people of East Timor for their assistance during the war. At great risk to themselves (40,000 died) they sheltered, cared for and saved the lives of many Australian soldiers. They acted as coast watchers and assisted in other ways.
In spite of Australia’s apparent neglect during the 1990s, since 1999 much support has been provided and our relationship is back on track.
Timor is now at peace and growing slowly, although they have a population growth of 15% annually. Hence there is a great need for educational and employment assistance.
Rotary does play a large part in rebuilding Timor through DINK programs and FAIM projects and Kevin, who is their Honorary Consul General, acknowledges this.
I guess he reminded us of the worthwileness of the effort Rotary puts in - He is indeed a great ambassador.
Last reminder
East Timor Rebuilding Committee
Australian Army Band Concert
The details are-
When: Wednesday 14th Sept
Time: 7.30-10.00 pm
Where: Caulfield Town Hall, cnr Hawthorn and Glen Eira Rd, Caulfield South
Cost: $20 pp.
Contact persons:
Leon Scott- RC of Eaglehawk
Lance Potter-RC Wyndham East
President Shirley announced
· The board has allocated $750 for purchase of a trailer for the community raffle.
· That the interest earned on the monies donated by outside donors be applied to the Yangon Children’s Hospital project
· That the club would fund 2 students to attend a RYPEN camp in either Sept 2005 or March 2006 at a cost of $195 per student
· That Charter night will be on Sat 20th May 06 and President’s night on Sat June 24th 06.
· That $150 be allocated towards catering on an information night for new members
· That Camberwell Rotary Club has awarded two Royce Abbey Awards- bringing the total now to 22 (including 3 women)
· Pat O’Connell is working on a club visit to Euroa Rotary Club on Thursday 10th November for an evening meeting. Billetting may be available for anyone interested in staying overnight. More news later.
MEMBER NEWS
John Gregory has won $475 in a footy tipping competition. Obviously didn’t pick the Maggies too often.
Good to see Roger Priestley today- welcome back.
Peter Baker won the raffle.
38 regular attenders were there today- were you there?
FELLOWSHIP DATES-
Some more dates for your social diary:
· Philippine Restaurant Night- Frid Sept 16th
· Wine Tasting Evening Frid 18th Nov
· Christmas Party- Tues 13th Dec
· Croquet Night- Frid 10th Feb 2006
· Chinese Cultural Night
Happy Receptions
199-203 Union Rd Ascot Vale
· Christmas Shopping Tour
With Jackies Tours Sunday 6th November.Cost $29.00- Visiting 10 outlets and lunch at Pellegrinis in Ivanhoe.
Speakers- Program chairman Paul McDonald Presents
· 30th August – Kevin Bailey, Financial Advisor, speaking on East Timor.
· 6th September – Paul Roberts, Guide Dogs Association.
· 27th September- Dr. Felicity Baker
Music Therapist-“Can Rock Music really be Therapy?”
Happy Birthday to-
Sue Duras 2nd September
Rita Morello 5th September
Visiting Rotarians
Bob James from Sunshine RC
Visitors
Alan Quaiffe introduced by Boris Struck
Guests of the club
Kevin Bailey and Jow Yong.