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2009-2010Rotary Club of Houston
Humanitarian FootprintDistrict 5890
March 24, 2010
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Dear D.G. Ed,
I write this letter realizing that my time as President will soon end. I have had such anamazing opportunity and I stand grateful for being able to serve; my life has been foreverchanged. The Rotary Club of Houston has embraced this year’s presidential theme, “TheFuture of Rotary is in Your Hands.” Our Club, through altering its meeting schedules, hasbeen able to attract more members (including some of our own that hadn’t been attending)that simply cannot commit to a standard lunch meeting in the middle of the week. Addition-ally, we have expanded and increased the visibility of our service efforts. Our ServiceThursday campaign touches hundreds of lives every month, not to mention how the servicehas touched each Rotarian that uses his or her hands to feed those in need, to box food, or tosort and box medical supplies. The humanitarian footprint of the Rotary Club of Houston isvast and we are proud to be “Big Foot.”
This year, our Club members traveled to Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemi-sphere. Our Haiti mission began with our installation ceremony, as you will recall, and wewere able to raise much needed funds with the goal of participating in the drilling of a welland with the placement of bio sand filters in a medical clinic and in an orphanage. Ourplanned efforts during our trip were to include assisting in a hospital and orphanage in addi-tion to doing ground work to insure that the citizens of Haiti and, in particular students,have access to clean water. Upon our arrival, a 7.0 earthquake led us to a different missionand purpose. We have now shipped a mobile medical clinic, are in the process of readyingan ambulance to ship and are speaking to raise awareness and money for Haiti.
Our Rotary Lombardi XL celebration stands as a shining star in Rotary’s crown. More thansixty-four (64) Rotary Humanitarian in Motion public service announcements have beenaired on Fox Sports since December 23, 2009 as part of the “Forty Blocks of Granite” cele-bration of the 40 years of the Rotary Lombardi Award. For more than 2 months, over 200yellow cabs drove through the streets of our community with signs proudly announcing theRotary Lombardi Award. The name Rotary has been in newspapers across the country asthe world celebrated our winner, Ndamukong Suh. It was indeed the pleasure of our Club tohost Rotary International President-Elect Ray Klinginsmith at this amazing event.
Our Club has already fulfilled the criteria needed to obtain the Presidential Citation and,yes, we have even achieved our net increase of at least 1 new member, an increase whichwe are not going to allow to disappear. Our membership activities are exciting and we willcontinue to gain members through the exposure of Rotary by virtue of the works beingdone. In this book, we are providing you with information and reports with respect to eachof the committees of the Rotary Club of Houston and our amazing activities. On February23, 2010, we honored First Lady Barbara Bush as our Distinguished Citizen. What an amaz-ing event. This event received wonderful media coverage with articles appearing in theHouston Chronicle and the Examiner as well as TV coverage on Channels 13, 11 and 2.
One week later we filled River Ridge Golf Club with our Golf Tournament benefitingCamp Enterprise. On March 25-27, we will host Camp Enterprise with approximately 100high school juniors, teaching them the importance of leadership and skills in entrepreneur-ship. Our Club will show up at District Conference in full force and we will be making ourcontribution of food, hopefully in record amounts, being donated from the Rotary Club ofHouston Biggest Loser Contest. From January 1 through April 15, days before District Con-ference, members of our Club will donate pounds of food for each pound lost and will bereceiving sponsors in their quest for wellness.
The Rotary Club of Houston accepted the challenge of President Kenny, the Future of Ro-tary is in our Hands!
Very truly yours,
E. Michelle Bohreer, PresidentRotary Club of Houston 2009-2010
Membership Goal (Required)The Rotary Club of Houston began this Rotary Club year with 229 membersas of July 1, 2009. As of today, we have 235 members, which means that theRotary Club of Houston has currently satisfied the net increase of at least onemember required to obtain the Presidential Citation.
The Rotary Club of Houston has met the requirements for a Presidential Cita-tion. The club has a net increase in membership of 6 as of this report and wehave engaged in projects meeting the criteria.
Though the Presidential Citation requires clubs to undertake and complete oneactivity from three of the categories listed on the Presidential Citation, we arepleased to have accomplished an activity in each of the categories reflected inRI’s strategic plan.
Expand Membership GloballyAt least 20 percent of the Rotary Club of Houston members have brought apotential candidate for membership as a guest to a Club meeting. In the firstsix months of our Rotary year, the Rotary Club of Houston has had 582 guestsattend our meetings.
Eradicate polioThe Rotary Club of Houston made a matching grant of $1,200 for polio plusas of December 31, 2009. In addition to our Club contribution in excess of$1,000 based on the grant, we are endeavoring to raise funds to eradicate po-lio. One of our members, Angie Jimenez, purchased an iron lung and gladlyallows the District and all Clubs within the District to use the iron lung pub-licly to help raise awareness and to raise funds to eradicate polio.
Advance the recognition and public image of RotaryThe Rotary Club of Houston has been featured in an article in the HoustonChronicle regarding social networking. Each week in the Houston Chronicleand the Houston Business Journal our meeting time, location and topic arepublished in the Business Section; our Club, through the Rotary LombardiAward, has provided significant radio, television and print recognition of Ro-tary, with perhaps the greatest exposure being 64 Humanity in Motion publicservice announcements broadcast by Fox Sports as part of the 40 Blocks ofGranite program regarding the 40th Anniversary of the Rotary LombardiAward. One of our members, Linda Boggess, served on the District PublicRelations Committee, and meetings are posted on Facebook and maintain anactive following. Still further, the name Rotary was proudly displayed onapproximately 200 yellow cabs and vans beginning October 1, 2009 and run-ning through the Rotary Lombardi Award, December 9, 2009.
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Increase Rotary’s capacity to provide serviceAt the beginning of the 2009 – 2010 Rotary year, our Club listed our community andconducted a community needs assessment throughout several non-profits includingthose represented in our club as well as others. The Rotary Club of Houston estab-lished community service projects volunteering over 500 service hours on the fourthThursday of each month, called Service Thursday. On the fourth Thursday of eachmonth, the Rotary Club of Houston members serve lunch at three Star of Hope loca-tions, serve lunch at two Salvation Army locations, sort and box food for Target Hun-ger and sort and box medical supplies at Medical Bridges. Additionally, the RotaryClub of Houston provides mentoring and goals education to students at Yes Prep Pub-lic Schools East End Campus (which would be the Rotary Club of Houston’s mostinteract club).
In addition to our community work, the Rotary Club of Houston has partnered interna-tionally with Pure Water of the World to provide bio-sand filters to a medical clinicand orphanage in Haiti. Additionally, the Rotary Club of Houston has joined with theBellaire Southwest Rotary Club to provide much needed funds to drill a water well forthe Jela School in Limba, Haiti. Members of the Rotary Club of Houston traveled toHaiti to see the well site, as well as to work in a hospital, orphanage and medicalclinic.
Further, the Rotary Club of Houston partnered with the Willowbrook Rotary Club, theBrazosport Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Karachi, Pakistan on an ArtificialLimb Project. This project received a matching grant from Rotary International.
Emphasize Rotary’s unique vocational service commitmentThe Rotary Club of Houston, as part of the Service Thursday, is providing youth men-toring to YES Prep Academy. Additionally, our Burnett Bayland Committee providespersonal one on one mentoring and tutoring with respect to vocational skills and ca-reers to at-risk children between the ages of 10 and 17, sent to this county-run residen-tial placement facility.
Rotary's Burnett Bayland Committee works in tandem with the BBH and BBRC staffand counselors by providing resources such as field trips and community service pro-jects as well as tutoring and role models through the SAW (Success at Work) teachingseries.
The Rotary Club of Houston’s Fresh Start committee seeks to make a positive differ-ence in the lives of offenders and ex-offenders through several programs and activitiessuch as mock interviews at Career & Recovery Resources, Inc., life skills messages,Distance Learning Pilot Program, and educational scholarships.
Optimize leadership talents within RIThe Rotary Club of Houston participates in District 5890 Leadership DevelopmentPrograms and sponsors Camp Enterprise, which is a youth leadership program and athigh school juniors in teaching them the skills of entrepreneurship and leadership byproviding a first-hand, practical introduction to the business world for selected highschool juniors who have demonstrated leadership at their individual schools.
The Rotary Club of Houston has sponsored Victorina Piccio as a Group Study Ex-change member to India.
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Volunteer Rotarian Instructorsteaching a SAW class
BBRC Boys graduation pizzaparty
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The Rotary Club ofHouston’s Burnett-BaylandCommittee recently com-pleted the Success at Work(SAW) program for twogroups of adolescent boysat the Burnett-BaylandReception Center and agirls group at the BurnettBayland Home..
The five session SAWprogram prepares the youthfor success in the work-place through activities likepreparing a budget, com-pleting a job applicationand mock interviews.
A graduation ceremonyand pizza party was heldfor the boys following thecompletion of the programat the Burnett-BaylandReception Center. Theevent went very well andeveryone had a greattime. Joel Levine, MichaelRagusa, Deb Theotokatosand Phil Hampton pre-sented certificates to theirclasses. Each class thengave out notes expressingtheir appreciation for ourtime and effort in teaching.Bob Baker helped out withthe meal and the serving tokeep things moving
smoothly. The best partwas the pizza, they reallyenjoyed the party andthanked all the Rotariansfor their help in reachingout to BBH and BBRC.
The graduation cere-mony for the girls was heldat the Museum of NaturalScience. We had more funwatching the girls gawk atbugs and butterflies as wellas admire and covet thegem collection. Of course,the pizza was a big hit andtheir appetites rival that ofthe boys. They were proudof their SAW completioncertificates and although alittle shy, pleased to beindividually recognized byMarilyn Knight and MarianRichardson.
The Burnett-BaylandReception Center is a se-
cure placement facility formale juvenile offenders. Inaddition to the generalpopulation, BBRC offers ajuvenile sex offender treat-ment program, a psychiat-ric stabilization unit and asubstance abuse treatmentprogram.
The Burnett-BaylandHome is a non secure resi-dential placement for delin-quent females ranging inage from 10-17 years.
Success at Work Program
Burnett Bayland Christmas Party
The Burnett Bayland Committee of the Rotary Club of Houston hosted its annual holidayparty at Burnett Bayland facility on December 16. All four cottages were decked out withhomemade decorations including those for the Christmas Trees provided by the BBH Com-mittee. Each cottage was given a gift certificate for their efforts. Then all of the residentsjoined us in the gym for an evening of food and fun. BBH committee provided caricatureartists so each resident could have a drawing, then Clutch (the mascot of the Houston Rock-ets) got the party started followed by a magician who awed the girls.
Each girl (approximately 47 in all) received a gift certificate from Target to use for presentsor whatever their heart desires. Participating BBH members included Phil Hampton, JoelLevine, Marilyn Knight, Shirley Thompson, Deb Theotokatos, Emelda Douglas and MarianRichardson, Vern Swisher and George Elam.
BBH girls visit the Museum ofNatural Science
Committee Members
Co-Chairs: Joel Levine & Marian Richardson
Committee Members: Bob Baker, Emelda Douglas, Phil Hampton, Marilyn Knight, MichaelRagusa, Courtney Scantlin, Deb Theotokatos, Shirley Thompson, Randy Ward
About Camp EnterpriseCamp Enterprise was
initiated by the RotaryClub of Houston in 1985 asa means of providing afirst-hand, practical intro-duction to the businessworld for selected highschool juniors who havedemonstrated leadership attheir individual schools andhave been recommendedby school counselors andselected by the Rotary ClubCamp Enterprise Commit-tee. The students musthave maintained a highgrade point average, haveheld an office in a schoolorganization, and mustcontract to attend the camp.
The camp is an intensivethree-day program of in-struction, competition andteamwork. Through inter-action with business execu-tives and entrepreneurs,participating students areintroduced to the chal-lenges and opportunities ofthe free enterprise system.From successful businessleaders, they learn thevalue of hard work anddedication; and learn, too,that they can be successfulin whatever career theypursue if they apply theprinciples that the businessspeakers have learned fromyears of experience.
On the program at CampEnterprise are outstandingspeakers from the fields ofmanufacturing, engineer-ing, health, communica-tions, business services,and more. Topics may in-clude management andemployee relations, startingyour own business, govern-
ment relations, ethics, lead-ership, the role of businessin society and the commu-nity, and much more.
Held in a true camp set-ting, Camp Enterprise isconducted at Camp Allennear Navasota - about 40miles from Houston. TheRotary Club of Houstonsponsors the students' bustransportation, lodging,speakers and all meals andamenities. Counselor cou-ples from the Rotary Clubof Houston supervise andcoordinate the conduct atthe camp.
In addition to the speak-ers, the students are deeplyimmersed in a stimulatinggive-and-take environmentthat invites their participa-tion in competitive team-work in such activities asmanaging a business, com-pleting an obstacle courseand a talent show. Theycan question the speaker onthe subject matter of eachpresentation as well as allother aspects of businessduring scheduled sessions.All parts of the program aredesigned to help studentsgain a better insight intothe business world forthemselves and their fellowstudents.
Students leave CampEnterprise with immenseenthusiasm and a sense ofdirection. They developskills in analytical and con-ceptual thinking, publicspeaking, leadership val-ues, and interpersonal com-munication. They gain abetter understanding of andappreciation for the freeenterprise system. Students
improve their sel f -confidence, make newfriends and meet profes-sionals in a variety of ca-reers. Students who haveattended the camp describethe program as a uniquelypositive and valuable ex-perience that they will al-ways remember
Planning for CampEnterprise 2010
This year, Camp Enter-prise will take place March26-28, 2010. At this time,146 Junior students fromHouston-area high schoolshave submitted applica-tions for the camp. We arein the process of evaluatingthe applications and antici-pate inviting about 80 toattend the camp free ofcharge.
Confirmed speakers thusfa r inc lude Denn isMurphree of Murphree andCompany, Inc. and SteveHarter of Notrecap andYellow Cab. Additionally,invitations to speak havebeen made to John Hoff-meister, former Presidentand Chief Executive Offi-cer of Shell Oil, Inc., theHonorable John Culberson,United States Congress-man, and Dr. Daryl Koehn,Director of Business Ethicsat the University of St.Thomas. We anticipateconfirmations from thesespeakers in the very nearfuture. In addition, MariaKorn-Michael will lead thestudents through an evalua-tion process via use of theMyers-Briggs test to ascer-tain their personality traitsand characteristic.
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Committee Members
Chair: Merritt Chastain
Committee Members: Kristof Abbeloos, Dave Belding, Susan Byrd, Linda Caruso, ClaraCooper, Trina Fowlkes, Boris Lioznyansky, Scott McMillian, Paul Michael,Nancy Middleton, Nugent Myrick, Jeff Rawson, Gary Townsend
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eAs always, the students will be divided into six (6) teams, each headed by a “Coaching
Couple.” The confirmed coaching couples include the following:1. Linda and John Caruso2. Trina and Steve Fowlkes3. Scott McMillian (and wife)4. Boris Lioznyansky (and friend)5. Kristof Abbeloos (and friend)
Others who have been invited to be coaching couples (or back-ups) include George Elam(and wife), Clara Cooper (and husband), Dave Belding (and wife), and Mel Gross (andwife). The six (6) teams will compete against one another in various activities, includingthe simulates business exercise known as “Biz-Sim.”
In addition, we have secured all necessary funding for the camp and its activities throughthe Rotary Club of Houston, the Rotary Foundation, the Jack Wells Endowment, and pri-vate donors. In particular, Yellow Cab, through Steve Harter, has again agreed to under-write a $500.00 scholarship for each member of the winning Biz-Sim team. The total valueof this is approximately $7,000-$8,000 depending on the number of students on the win-ning team.
A $5,000 scholarship is awarded to the Camper of the Year. A $2,500 scholarship isawarded to the Camper of the Year Runner-Up. Last, a $2,500 scholarship is awarded tothe student chosen to be exemplify Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self.
ConclusionAll told, we have a great program planned and look forward to another excellent slate ofspeakers.
Sincerely,Merritt B. Chastain, III2009-2010 Camp Enterprise Committee Chair
Camp Enterprise continued
The East End Initiative was established in the Fall of 2004 under the leadership ofPast President Vicki Brentin as a community development effort to develop signatureprojects to benefit Houston’s historic East End and also attract additional resources forthis underserved Latino neighborhood. The RCH initiative was quickly embraced bynumerous community partners that included St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities, EastEnd Chamber of Commerce, East End Healthy Children’s Collaborative as well as manyother District 5890 Rotary clubs.
The East End Initiative was intended to be a 3 year effort that would accomplish itsinitial goals and objectives by Rotary year 2006-2007. Rotarians succeeded in themulti year initiative. By July 2007, over $1 million in cash and in-kind was directed tosupport the East End Initiative activities. (approximately $650,000 cash and estimated$370,000 in kind) Past DG Charlie Thorpe recognized the Rotary East End Project as‘best club project of the year” at the 2005-2006 Rotary 5890 District Conference.
Although key activities under the East End Initiative were concluded by July 2007,many East End relationships, partnerships and efforts continue to thrive. This reportsummarizes accomplishments of the original initiative and also provides highlights“Beyond the East End – 2010”.
Key accomplishments and Signature Projects
Multi-year sponsorship of Espiritu de Salud Mobile Clinic that provided basic pri-mary health care to at risk families through HISD school affiliation. (Designatedkey project of Past DG D’Lisa Simmons - $100,000 sponsorship met by $100,00challenge grant from SLEHC)
Established After Hours Urgent Care program at El Centro de Corazon Neighbor-hood Health Clinic. (partnering with St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities, Wa-chovia and Baker Family Fund)
Established Rotary Pediatric Examination Room at El Centro de Corazon.
Established state of the art Montessori classroom in Community Family CenterCasa de los Ninos Barbara Bush Program. “Rotary Park” to be established in St.Luke’s Playground on campus of Casa de los Ninos Barbara Bush. (District 5890grant – designated project of Past DG Suzi Howe)
Immunization projects valued in excess of $60,000 - funded by Rotary Interna-tional Blane grants, Rotary District Simplified Grants and Rotary matching grants.
Elves and More collaboration provided over 5000 bicycles to children in the EastEnd valued at over $200,000.
Partnership with Astra Zeneca provided a $125,000 valued distribution to meetneeds of Hurricane Katrina/Rita evacuees.
Collaboration with Living Bank and Americares facilitated a $50,000 in kind contri-bution of turkeys and food baskets for the Community Family Center hosted Hous-ton Food Bank distribution.
East End Initiative
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Chair: Vicki Brentin
Committee Members: Syed Ahmed, Michelle Bohreer, George Elam, Richard Ev-ans, Angie Jimenez, Nancy Middleton, Jack Owen, Diane Pavey, David Schwarz,Lisa WhitakerE
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Key accomplishments and Signature Projects continued
Amegy Bank sponsored a Micro Enterprise project that taught a small group of entrepre-neurial women how to make jewelry and mentored the group in best business practices &Rotary values. Participants earned personal income to help their families and alsoformed a Rotary Community Corps to be able to give back to their local community.The RCC group contributed $1000 from their group jewelry project proceeds to benefitthe Casa de los Ninos program at the Community Family Center.
Partnership with Texas A & M facilitated micro enterprise seminars to East End familiesregistered with Ripley House and Casaboom YMCA.
East End Initiative - Donors
Houston Area Rotary Clubs
The Rotary Club of Houston is especially grateful to the many Rotary Clubs in District 5890who joined them to actively participate and generously support the Rotary East End Initiativeas well as District 5890 for providing grant funding.
Bellaire SW Gulfway Hobby Northshore
Champions Sunrise Harrisburg River Oaks
Columbus Houston Heights Space Center
El Campo Katy West Columbia
Fort Bend County Katy Sunrise West Houston
Galena Park Laporte Willowbrook
Galleria Memorial Spring Branch
Community Donors and Partners
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities
Wachovia Foundation
Baker Family Fund
East End Chamber Corporate PartnersGulf Winds Intl, Oak Farms Dairy, Wulfe & Co., Houston Dynamic Service,Inc. Partners
Electrical, Port of Houston Authority, and Valero
Yellow Cab
Amegy Bank
AstraZeneca
Elves & More
Living Bank
Americares
El Centro de Corazon
Community Family Centers
Casaboom YMCA
Texas A& M County Extension
Ripley House
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Micro-Enterprise Jewelry ProjectEarly East End efforts became the foundation for extending the classes and activities in other areas ofthe community. Proceeds from the initial group project were used to sustain and support future activi-ties. Monica Casar, high end jewelry designer for Neiman Marcus and Maida’s Belt & Buckle, contin-ues to provide probono services in teaching classes and mentoring participants. Rotarians Nancy Mid-dleton, Susan Saurage-Altenloh, Linda Urbish, Michelle Bohreer, Linda Caruso and Vicki Brentin con-tinue to serve as Rotary advisors to this project.
Monarch SchoolIn 2008, RCH established classes at the Monarch School, a private school serving students with neuro-logical differences. Young adult women participants from Monarch School Life Academy continuetoday to design and manufacture jewelry that is sold in the Monarch Micro-Enterprise Program. Jew-elry is marketed on the Monarch website and through special events.
Nehemiah CenterIn 2009, RCH began teaching classes and formed a small micro-enterprise group at the Nehemiah Cen-ter. (dedicated to serving at risk families and children in the near DT/mid town area). The initial classof 5 women continues to meet and there is expressed interest to begin another class at the NehemiahCenter.
Immunization EffortsEarly immunization projects in the East End Initiative laid the groundwork for current 5890 Immuniza-tion project activities that now benefit the entire Houston community. In collaboration with the TexasImmunization Partnership (a private sector initiative), Rotary is considered a major community partnerin addressing significant immunization issues. The TIP is honoring “Houston Area Rotary Clubs” asits Community Partner at the April, 2010 Annual Luncheon. Spring of 2010, Houston Area RotaryClubs will launch a new innovative Rotary Community Immunity Campaign, with Judge Ed and GwenEmmett serving as Honorary Chairs. RCH will kick off the campaign with a club contribution of$10,000. Vicki Brentin serves as Club and District Immunization Chair and represents Rotary on theboard of the Texas Immunization Partnership. The Rotary Immunization Advisory Council involvesover 15 Rotarians representing multiple clubs in District 5890, including District 5890 senior leader-ship. See 2010 Rotary Immunization report for a full accounting and description of Rotary led immuni-zation activities that serve the Houston community.
Casa de los Ninos Barbara Bush – Community Family CenterUnder the direction of Past DG Suzi Howe, Rotarians continue to support the efforts of the MontessoriProgram. This includes professional mentoring for the program director and teachers as well as en-couraging families who participate in this innovative pre-school program.
El Centro de CorazonRotary continues to provide support through Immunization efforts and placement of Medical AssistantIntern on scholarship to work 20 hours per week in the clinic totally focused on immunization bestpractices. Rotarian Bob Baker and wife, Susan continue to provide volunteer time and financial sup-port from the Baker Family Fund.
Rotary Club of Houston Youth Committee – Yes Prep East EndUnder the leadership of Rotarians Deb Theotokatos and Brian Lopez, chairs of the RCH Youth & Edu-cation Committee, RCH members mentor students and faculty at the YES Prep Academy – East End.Yes Prep students are committed to 6 designated Service Days each school year and have providedsignificant volunteer support to numerous Rotary connected projects and partners, including “Books forthe World” project led by Rotarian Angie Jimenez. Spring 2010, Yes Prep students will also providevolunteer service to East End Initiative partners Community Family Center and the Casaboom YMCA.RCH has also established a Yes Prep Rotaract Club and is mentoring them in designing their servicecommitment. Recently Yes Prep students raised funds for Haiti Relief and after a presentation by theRCH Haiti Team, Yes Prep Students directed their funds to the RCH Haiti Fund.
East End Chamber of Commerce CollaborationRotarians continue to collaborate with EECOC in education efforts in the East End, mentoring, volun-teering and supporting “Project Lead the Way”, an innovative Math and Science curriculum at ChavezHigh School that has won numerous awards and has been recognized city wide.
Beyond the East End Initiative - 2010 Update
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The Fresh Start committee seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of offenders andex-offenders. We achieve this goal through several programs and activities accomplished byour committee members faithfully each month. Specific details of our service for the 2009-2010 Rotary year to date are included below:
The committee provides financial support in the amount of $10,000 forSkills for Life – A Prison Ministry headed by Jim Arnold. Skills for Lifeutilizes Toastmasters International curriculum and goals program to teachpublic speaking, personal responsibility, and servant leadership. Severalmembers of the committee attended the Golden Gavel Annual dinner onNovember 13 at the Central Unit prison in Sugar Land.
Committee members speak to offenders in classrooms at the WindhamSchool housed at the Central Unit in Sugar Land on the second and fourthWednesdays of the month. Two committee members speak each Wednesdayfor approximately an hour. We deliver basic life skill messages and interactwith the members of the class. The most important message we deliver isthat persons outside of prison care about them and are available to assistthem once they are released.
Committee members offer mock interviews for persons at Career and Re-covery Resources, Inc. once a month for approximately two hours. CRRprovides assistance for those who have barriers to employment. Many of thepersons served are ex-offenders. We provided an interview skills workshopin the place of mock interviews for the month of October.
The committee established the Distance Learning Pilot program establishedat the Ramsey Ad seg Unit where offenders are confined for 23 hours a dayfor their own safety. Fresh Start was instrumental in providing the monitorsfor the cells and the educational content that the offenders can view. Thisyear we continue to support the program by providing content and we areworking diligently to have the program adopted in other Texas prison units.
The committee provided $1,000 to Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. forChristmas parties on December 1 and 3 for the men’s and women’s recoverygroups. Committee members attended the parties and spoke with the groups.
Two $500 educational scholarships were awarded in June at Career and Re-covery Resources, Inc. The scholarships were established in honor of Wil-liam C. Burton, a long-time member of the Fresh Start committee, shortlyafter his death. We plan to provide scholarships annually.
Total service hours July 2009 – March 2010 - 75
Fresh Start
Committee Members
Chair: Susan Spurgeon
Committee Members: Dave Belding, Merritt Chastain, George Elam, Phil Hamp-ton, David Khan, Jason Kohll, Nugent Myrick, George Perry, Peggy Ricks, ScottSwanson, Vern Swisher, Randy Ward, Wade WelchF
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The Rotary Club ofHouston FoundationAnnual Golf Classicbenefiting Camp Enter-prise was held onMarch 2, 2010 at RiverRidge Golf Club. It wasa great success.
Eight full committeeand four sub-committeemeetings were heldduring the year. Activi-ties included securingbids for course selec-tion, prizes, and playergoodie bags. It was anall out and successfuleffort to sign up spon-
sors, teams, and playersfor the event. All com-mittee members volun-teered or participated inall phases of the tourna-ment with an estimated2400 man hours ofwork.
Volunteers at thetournament beganchecking in players at8:00 a.m. Tournamentactivities included sell-ing additional contestentries, coordinatingbreakfast, box lunches,and full BBQ dinner.They also manned the
three post tournamentcontests.
Rotary members alsovolunteered to drive thebeverage carts through-out the course duringplay and manned thelongest drive, andcloset to the pin contestholes.
A post tournamentcommittee meeting willbe held to evaluate andimprove the event for2011.
The Rotary Club of Houston FoundationGolf Classic Benefiting Camp Enterprise
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Committee Members
Chair: Paul Michael
Committee Members: David Belding, Michelle Bohreer, Bill Byerley, Linda Caruso, PhilHampton, Jack Lord, Derek Munger, Ted Pinson, Jeff Rawson, Peggy Ricks, Vern Swisher,Gary Tolbert
Our Mid-year Report (before our journey)
This year, the President’s project for the Rotary Club of Houston involves international worksin Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and the citizens of Haiti are indire need of clean water, viable enterprise, medical supplies and, simply, the basic necessitiesof life, which many of us take for granted. The President’s project began with our installationcelebration with a Haitian theme, raising money for clean water in Haiti. Fun was had by all aswe raised money for this amazing cause. The Rotary Club of Houston has already donated$5,000, in collaboration with the Bellaire Southwest Rotary Club, to build a well for the JelaSchool in Limbe, Haiti. The well project is underway and it is our hope to bring pictures ofthe well and construction following our trip in January. We have also donated much neededfunds for biosand filters for an orphanage and medical clinic.
On January 12, 2010, led by our area membership chair, Surpris Cherazard, members of theRotary Club of Houston (Michelle Bohreer, Vicki Brentin, Vern Swisher and Genelle Ed-wards) will travel to Haiti to work in the Omisseau Diquini Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti,and to assess the need for additional water sources, biosand filters, and medical supplies.Along with Restoration Ministries, Christian Alliance, and the Bellaire Southwest RotaryClub, we have worked toward loading a container for shipment to Haiti filled with medicalsupplies. Our District Governor-Elect, Sunny Sharma, opened his business to us to allow us tobring needed medical equipment to Haiti. By the time of our year end report, our report onHaiti will be filled with many stories, many pictures and, certainly, many changed lives.
That was then…
We arrived and within an hour a 7.0 earthquake hit Porte au Prince. The next four days werefilled with so many emotions and experiences. Arriving back in Houston in the wee hours ofthe morning on January 16 to an airport filled with friends and family was fantastic. Our jour-ney has been told on all local TV stations, we were featured on the front page of the HoustonChronicle, and the work of Rotary was highlighted on national news for ABC, Good MorningAmerica, and CNN. Since our return, we have diligently worked to fulfill our promise not toforget the people of Haiti. We have sent a mobile medical clinic and are readying an ambu-lance. On March 19th, we rallied local TV Channel 11 to help us get food to 19,000 peopleliving in a field across from the Diquini Seminary where we were able to borrow a laptop andsend word that we were ok.
We changed lives in Haiti, including our own. Our Rotary “Service Above Self” motto passedthe lips of so many in our community and around the world as our story was shared. What aprivilege.
The Rotary Club of Houston sponsored Dr. Alicia Menanteau a member of the Group StudyExchange to District 1880 in Germany.
The club also sponsored Victorina Piccio a member of the Group Study Exchange to India.
A Better Life in Haiti
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Chair: Angie Jimenez
Committee Members: Syed Ahmed, Stacey Barnes, Michelle Bohreer, Vicki Bren-tin, Richard Evans, Ozzie Ghandour, Jim Klodosky, Boris Lioznyansky, NugentMyrick, deForest Ralph, Peggy Ricks, Leona Urbish, Jon Vague, Lisa Whitaker
Group Study Exchange
BACKGROUND:
Through community-based programs in partnership with The Immunization Partner-ship, The Rotary Club of Houston maximizes the immunization efforts locally andstresses the importance of immunization to “Prevent What’s Preventable.” The Ro-tary’s Public Health Committee, in partnership with The Immunization Partnershipsponsored an H1N1 Flu Forum December 8, 2009. Speakers for this public gatheringincluded: Julie Boom, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, Baylor College ofMedicine, Director Immunization Project, Texas Children’s Hospital; Co-DirectorTexas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research; Flor Munoz,M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Vi-rology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine; Angel Angco, MBA, BSN,Texas Department of State Health Services, and: Cynthia Marietta, JD, research pro-fessor, Health Law Policy Institute, UH Law Center.
GOAL:
Strengthen immunization rates in Greater Houston Area.
OBJECTIVES:
Raise awareness of Rotary Club.Decrease the level of vaccine preventable disease.Raise awareness of The Immunization Partnership.
REACH RESULTS:
H1N1 Flu Forum*Audience Reach (viewers and readers)
KTRK-13 @ 11a 93,000KTRK-13 @ 4p 108,000KTRK-13 @ 6p 162,000KRIV-26 @ 5p 55,000KRIV-26 @ 5:30p 49,000KPRC @ 5p 59,000Houston Chronicle 450,000
GRAND TOTAL: 976,000
*Flu Forum media CD for KTRK-13 and KRIV-26 available through Houston Rotary Of-fice upon request.
Public Health
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Committee Members
Chair: Diane Pavey
Committee Members: Syed Ahmed, Bob Baker, Vicki Brentin, Dr. Richard Evans,Jay Hagin, Ted Hirtz, Meredith Iler, Angie Jimenez, Dr. Ken Mattox, NugentMyrick, Gail O'Neill, Garvin Stryker, Scott Swanson, Vern Swisher,Stephen Williams, Ron Woliver
Immunization Efforts - Rotary Club of Houston and District 5890
Immunization Chair: Vicki Brentin
The Rotary Club of Houston continues to play a leading role in District 5890 ImmunizationEfforts. Working with other Houston area Rotary clubs in collaboration with the Houston Immu-nization Partnership, we have helped to design and sponsor significant community projects thataddress issues embracing adult, adolescent and childhood vaccines. At the club level, immuniza-tion efforts are part of the Public Health Committee. At the district level, immunization activitiesare part of the District 5890 Service Committee.
Successes in 2009 – 2010 include the following:
Formation of a Rotary Immunization Advisory Council that includes members from RCH aswell as other clubs. Members of this committee are Vicki Brentin, Diane Pavey, GarvinStryker, Bob Baker, Angie Jiminez, Cecile Schuteer, Bernie Satterwhite, Judy Harwell, Dr.Nino, Jeff Tallas, Dr. Margot Winstom-Riley, Jeff Tallas and Sunny Sharma. SunnySharma, Jeff Tallas and Judy Harwell also serve on the Immunization Partnership AdvisoryCouncil. Vicki Brentin serves on the IP Board, representing Rotary. The IP Board is com-prised of leaders in the medical community and private sector.
Launched an adolescent vaccine project at the Museum of Health and Science that includedproduction of a middle school play and media conference. (Rotary sponsored)
Rotary branded fliers were distributed to over 60 school districts and partner organizations(public and private) promoting adolescent vaccines with back to school immunizationchanges. These fliers were distributed via these 60 partners to thousands and thousands ofHouston area families and educators.
Rotary branded PSA featuring Judge Emmett regarding adolescent vaccines.
Entered 2nd year of successful project working with Coleman College Medical Assistant program.Rotary provided the seed funding for this pilot and year one. Significant additional funding camefrom Houston Endowment and other private foundations. Top students are offered scholarshipsupported internships at local clinics serving at risk communities. All their work is focused onimmunization work in the clinics, with a focus to promote best practices.
October, 2009 was “Rotary Immunization Month”. Local efforts focused on promoting the fluvaccine. Circulated PSA’s via email and website. Several clubs had immunization programspeakers and gave flu shots at club meetings.
Rotary Advisory Council piloted a “community immunity project”. Members were trained andgave multiple presentations through out the community including at various Rotary club meet-ings.
RCH Sponsored a Community Education Seminar on December 8, 2009 in collaboration with theImmunization partnership that was attended by approximately 100 public and private health part-ners to learn about current developments involving Immunization best practices.
Spring, 2010 – in collaboration with the IP, will launch the “Rotary Community Immunity Cam-paign”. This multi year campaign, based on the pilot referenced above, will be announced at theImmunization Partnership annual luncheon and kicked off with a RCH contribution of $10,000.Judge Ed and Mrs. Gwen Emmett will serve as Honorary Chairs. Gwen Emmett is hosting theRotary Advisory council meeting first planning session at her home in April.
Immunization Partnership is honoring Houston area Rotary Clubs in District 5890 as the“Community Partner of the Year” at its first annual luncheon. Ed Charlesworth and MichelleBohreer will accept this award on behalf of Rotary. Rotarians will have 2 tables at this event thatis already “sold out”. Guests include 2 “immunization champions” – students from HCC whowere awarded scholarships for internships through the Rotary sponsored Medical Assistant pro-ject – in collaboration with HCC Coleman College, IP. Funding came from Houston Endow-ment, and several other foundations, with “pilot funding” from Rotary.
Public Health continued
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On November 19, 2009, the Rotary Club of Houston hosted a luncheon with the WestPoint Society to honor soldiers in every branch of the military. There were over 240 inattendance.
In August, the Public Servants - Veterans Committee worked to secure in-kind dona-tions for two home presentations to two wounded soldiers. A total of 90 hours werespent phoning VIPs and other residents to attend the home presentation and workingwith advance teams and media for the event. Over 200 people benefitted from theseefforts.
Rotary Club of Houston members Meredith Iler and Jack Lord are in the photo with the Sec-retary of Defense, Craig Biggio, Captain Moran and the HelpingaHero.org Bd of Directors
Rotary club of Houston members Rick Slemaker and Kelly Raley are joined by DG EdCharlesworth, DGE Sunny Sharma, with Sec of Defense Gates, Craig Biggio, Captain DanMoran and Lt Gov david Dewhurst
Public Servants - VeteransP
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Chair: Meredith Iler
Committee Members: Michelle Bohreer, Vicki Brentin, Lavonne Cox, Denis DeBakey,Jon King, Jack Lord, Kelley Raley, Rick Slemaker, Erik Saenz, Hector Villarreal
Rotary Distinguished Citizen Award
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Co-Chairs: Lavonne Cox & Denis DeBakey
Committee Members: Michelle Bohreer, Gayle Christie, Debbye Crofoot-Morley, AngieJimenez, Rick Olsen, Peggy Ricks, Courtney Scantlin, David Schwarz, Lauri Thanheiser, LisaWhitaker, Wade Welch, Ron Woliver
Since it was first presented in 1962, the Rotary Distinguished Citizen of theYear Award has gone to an impressive array of individual Houstonians andHouston institutions.
The Rotary Club of Houston, in operation since 1912, is an association ofmore than 300 successful business professionals, all prominent in their individ-ual fields of endeavor, who volunteer their efforts through the work of sometwo dozen club committees. Assistance is provided to such diverse groups astroubled youngsters, former prison inmates, business oriented high school stu-dents, families of cancer patients, deserving college scholarship candidates and,through its nationwide college athletic award, The Rotary Lombardi Award, thenation's cancer research efforts. Our DCA luncheon honoring First Lady Bar-bara Bush was a “Rotary Proud” event. Rotary shined and our image in ourcommunity was elevated.
2008-2009 Craig Biggio2007-2008 Jim & Linda McIngvale2006-2007 James A. Baker III2005-2006 Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and
Rev. William “Bill” Lawson2004-2005 George W. Strake, Jr.2003-2004 Harris County Medical Society2002-2003 Gordon A. Cain2001-2002 John P. McGovern, M.D.2000-2001 The Honorable William Archer1999-2000 Robert McNair1998-1999 Donald D. Jordan1997-1998 Ken Lay1996-1997 Richard J.V. Johnson1995-1996 Ben Love1994-1995 Charles A. LeMaistre, M.D.1993-1994 The Honorable George H.W. Bush1992-1993 Robert R. Onstead1991-1992 The Honorable William P. Hobby, Jr.1990-1991 Louis M. Pearce, Jr.1989-1990 Houston Endowment, Inc.1988-1989 Jack S. Blanton1987-1988 George P. Mitchell1986-1987 Leroy & Lucile Melcher
1985-1986 Leonard F. & Eleanor McCollum1984-1985 Erwin Heinen1983-1984 The Honorable Louie Welch1982-1983 The Honorable Roy Hofheinz1981-1982 Eddy Scurlock1980-1981 Houston Chamber of Commerce1979-1980 Oveta Culp Hobby1978-1979 Gen. Maurice Hirsch1977-1978 R. Lee Clark, M.D.1976-1977 Leon Jaworski1975-1976 Gus S. Wortham1974-1975 George R. Brown1973-1974 Walter W. Fondren, Sr.1972-1973 Michael E. DeBakey, M.D.1971-1972 Boy Scouts of America, Sam
Houston Area Council1970-1971 William H. Kirkland1969-1970 Ima Hogg1968-1969 Gail Whitcomb1967-1968 Colonel William B. Bates1966-1967 Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate
Word1965-1966 Denton A. Cooley, M.D.1964-1965 Humble Oil & Refining Co.1963-1964 Francis M. Law
Past Recipients
The Rotary House committee’s goal is to provide support for Rotary House and the pa-tients and family members who are staying there. While our most visible support activitiesare the receptions held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, we are often calledupon to assist individual Rotary House guests in a variety of ways. As chairman of the com-mittee, I am so fortunate to have a very dedicated group of Rotarians who believe whole-heartedly in what we are doing and pour their heart and soul into each and every receptionand answer the call whenever we are asked to lend a helping hand to a Rotary House guest.
From the feedback of those attending our reception, I know that we are making a differ-ence in the lives of the Rotary House guests – even if it is only for the four hours we spendproviding entertainment, food and fellowship each month. We are repeatedly told that,though a patient received discouraging news from their doctors that day or was facing majorsurgery the next morning, our lively entertainment and the conversations that the Rotary vol-unteers have with the patients and their family members (or caregivers) lifted their spiritsand, for just a little while, allowed them to put aside their health challenges. To see patientsin wheelchairs, patients weakened by chemotherapy and radiation, patients who have lost allof their hair, patients who have lost a limb or still have bandages or scars from recent surgery– to see these patients and their weary family members smiling, laughing, clapping, tappingtheir feet to the music and even being so moved that they get up and begin to dance is whatdrives our committee and motivates each and every one of us. I have often said that I feel abit guilty when I leave Rotary House in such high spirits out of concern that maybe I gotmore out of the evening than the guests. I have come to realize, as have all of the committeemembers, that the natural “high” that we depart with comes from the satisfaction and pride ofknowing that we brought some joy, hope and normalcy to an environment that, by its nature,is anything but normal and where joy and hope often give way to fear and doubt.
Halfway into the Rotary year, let me share a few highlights of what the Rotary Housecommittee has done:
1. From our first Service Day in July, one of the service locations was the Salva-tion Army Harbor Light facility. After touring the facility and serving lunch, Ihad the opportunity to sit down with Fred Smith, the director, and explore hav-ing the Harbor Light Choir perform at our 3rd Wednesday reception in August.What an amazing group of men and what an incredible response we got fromthe guests at Rotary House. Their music was like a magnet and filled not onlythe large atrium area where we hold the reception but also the 2nd floor walk-ways looking down into the atrium. They were so popular that we had themreturn in September and October and we have them booked for the months ofJanuary, February and March in the New Year.
2. In July, we had the pleasure of getting to know Chet Marshall. Chet is a Rotar-ian from West Virginia and a patient at MD Anderson. Not only is Chet a Ro-tarian, but he is the incoming President of his club, scheduled to assume thatrole on July 1st. Unfortunately, Chet was undergoing treatment for his cancerand couldn’t return for his first meeting. Instead, Chet prepared a video addressat various spots within Rotary House and MD Anderson and surprised his clubback home when the “Special Guest Speaker” turned out to be Chet Marshall
Jesse H. Jones Rotary House Int’l
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Committee Members
Chair: Tom Vann
Committee Members: Michelle Bohreer, George Elam, Jeff Gray, Gerry Grogin,Phil Hampton, Angie Jimenez, Derek Munger, Jo Murphy, Nugent Myrick, RickOlsen, BJ Randolph, Ken Scott, Susan Spurgeon, Gary Tolbert, Wade Welch, RonWoliver, Trey Woods
via his video. Chet also used the video to present a very special Paul HarrisFellow award to the widow of one of their long-time, active members. At oneof the subsequent receptions, we presented Chet with one of our club’s flagsand this fall, when he returned home, he sent us a flag from their club.
3. Also in July, we received an email from Raymond Ray, a member and pastpresident of the Griffin (GA) Daybreak Rotary Club regarding one of theirmembers at MD Anderson hospital. He was contacting us to let us know thatLarry Marshall was very ill and that his wife, staying at Rotary House, coulduse our help and support. I called his wife, Doreen, to see how we could helpand had a lengthy conversation about her husband’s cancer, etc. NugentMyrick and I set a time and went down to Rotary House and had a very nicevisit with Doreen. It was obvious that she was extremely frightened about thesituation and in need of someone to talk to. One of her concerns was makingarrangements to fly Larry home in a private medical plane since he was notstrong enough to fly commercial. Nugent Myrick quickly made some calls andput Doreen in touch with someone who specializes in such flights. Unfortu-nately, the following morning, I received a call from Doreen that Larry hadpassed away and she asked if I could come down to Rotary House and helpthem by shipping Larry’s personal items home since they didn’t have a way oftaking them on the plane. We boxed up the items and sent them via UPS thatafternoon.
On December 2nd, we held our annual night of Christmas caroling at Rotary House. Thisyear, we used the services of a karaoke jockey (KJ) to provide the background music andhelp lead the singing. Always a very festive evening, this year most of the committee mem-bers wore Santa Claus caps and we gave everyone a jingle bell necklace (they were sopopular that we ran out of the 200 we had ordered) and encouraged everyone to ring theirbells during the caroling. In addition to the bells, we also passed out candy cane tree orna-ments and small stuffed snowmen. We had a great turnout of Rotarians, including manywho brought their spouses and children or grandkids, and the evening was a huge successwith excellent participation by everyone there.
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Jesse H. Jones Rotary House Int’l continued
The Softer Side of FootballRotary Lombardi XL’s Community Event
On December 8, 2009, four of the country’s best linemen arrived in Houston totake part in the celebration culminating in the presentation of the RotaryLombardi Award to the Outstanding College Lineman of the Year. This twoday celebration involves far more than a football award. For the first time, theRotary Lombardi festivities included a community event in partnership with theHouston Texans and the YMCA. On Tuesday at 3:30 in the afternoon, the fourRotary Lombardi finalists, along with more than fifteen (15) Rotary Club ofHouston volunteers met at the CUNEY YMCA at 3260 Truxillo, in Houston’sThird Ward, to take part in the NFL experience, along side 150 children thatparticipate in the YMCA afterschool program. The smiles on the childrens’faces said it all.
On December 8, 2009, the humanitarian footprint of the Rotary Club of Houstonwas far greater than Ndamukong Suh’s size 15, Tarrant Cody’s size 22, JerryHughes’ size 14 and Gerald McCoy’s size 16 shoes combined.
…As I looked into the eyes of the children, I quickly realized they were receiv-ing an experience of a lifetime. Then I gazed past the children filled with joy tosee the smiles on the mothers and fathers, each of whom had to consent to theirchild’s participation in the NFL experience. I cherish these images and will re-flect upon them often as I think about how truly fortunate I am.
Rotary Lombardi Award continued
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Overview
The Rotary Lombardi Award was founded by the Rotary Club of Houston to honor the leg-acy of Coach Vince Lombardi and present the legendary Block of Granite trophy to the bestcollege lineman of the year. Keeping with wishes of Marie Lombardi and the LombardiFamily, proceeds are directed to the American Cancer Society to benefit cancer research.
The 40th Anniversary of this Award was expanded to include other Houston area Rotariansand Rotary clubs with the idea that this National Award should also reach out to involveRotary clubs everywhere.
40th Anniversary – 2 day celebration
In an effort to raise the community profile, the 2 day celebration included new componentsin this anniversary year such as the Lombardi Family Reunion Luncheon and a new com-munity event in partnership with the Texans YMCA after school program, as well as aSports Media breakfast. In addition, the inaugural Rotary Lombardi Humanitarian Awardwas presented to Texans Founder and CEO, Bob McNair by Ray Klinginsmith, PresidentElect of Rotary International. The full 2 day activities included:
12/8 Lombardi Family Reunion Luncheon - Josephine’s Italian Restaurant. Welcomedthe Lombardi family, Alumni (prior finalists and winners) , 2009 Finalists and familiesas well as top donors
12/8 4 pm Pilot Community Event – in partnership with the Texans YMCA after schoolprogram and the NFL Youth Program. Finalists participated in mock drills with chil-dren in this poor urban neighborhood. About 100 participants in this pilot, plus fami-lies that attended to watch. Strake Jesuit high school football players volunteered tohelp as well. Kroger donated food and drinks to serve children and families. This com-munity event was a huge success and captured the attention and hearts of our 4 finalists– who got the opportunity to participate in a meaningful Rotary service project.
12/8 6:00 p.m. Meet the Finalists reception at the Hilton Americas – This traditionalevent was in a “new space” at the Hilton, attended by over 200 persons
12/9 7:00 a.m. Sports Media breakfast co-hosted by John McClain and John Harris.Attended by over 125 persons this pilot event was perceived as a huge success – givingparticipants another more intimate experience with our 4 finalists.
12/9 Morning hospital tour for Finalists and special guests to the Pediatric Cancer Cen-ters of TCH and MD Anderson. This has been a longstanding tradition for the RotaryLombardi Award and gives the 4 finalists another opportunity to participate in mean-ingful Rotary service. Interacted with over 150 children. If they did not alreadyknow this to be true, then following this tour – the finalists learn that the RotaryLombardi Award is about a lot more than football.
12/9 1560the game Radio Show – co hosts Sean Pendergast and John Harris – live onsite 3 pm – 7 pm at the Hilton Americas
Rotary Lombardi Award continued
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Committee Members
Chair: Vicki Brentin
Committee Members: Lew Arend, Dave Belding, Michelle Bohreer, Adam Blumberg, BrianCarr, Linda Caruso, Eric Cassidy, Merritt Chastain, Dan Clinton, Charles Dabney, GeorgeElam, John Elam, Carter Franklin, Donna Glass, Jeff Gray, Mel Gross, Phil Hampton, AngieJimenez, Steve Kesten, Jason Kohll, Goran Krnaich, Sarah Langlois, Brian Lopez, JohnMaietta, Richard Meek, Paul Michael, Ela Miclea, Nancy Middleton, Derek Munger, RickOlsen, Burt Palmer, Gerry Parker, Michael Ragusa, Eric Saenz, John Schillaci, DavidSchwarz, Nancy Staples, Garvin Stryker, Vern Swisher, Jack Titus, Gary Tolbert, Tom Vann,Randy Ward, Wade Welch, Ron Woliver
12/9 Fox Sports – conducted interviews all afternoon of celebrities, former finalists,winners, etc. for the documentary Forty Blocks of Granite.
12/9 5:30 p.m. VIP Reception – approximately 400 attendees.
12/9 7:00 p.m. Awards Dinner - attended by almost 1000 persons. Emcee John Granatodid an exceptional job in his first experience with the RLA. Houston Grand Opera ,nationally known star, Richard Paul Fink sang the National Anthem. Keynote SpeakerBart Starr gave an outstanding address. RIPE Ray Klinginsmith presented inauguralRotary Lombardi Humanitarian Award to Bob McNair. Bucky Ribbeck, Front Linekid/high school lineman – with Ewings Sarcoma – gave very moving remarks followedby an appeal and remarks from Jerry Kramer. Approximately 15 returning finalistsand winners from previous years attended this year, including the entire class of 4 final-ists from the first year of the RLA. All 4 Finalists did a remarkable job. Award pre-sented to Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska. New Technology was used with a Wide Screen –this was extremely well received and made a significant impression on attendees.
Publicity and Special PromotionsThe following represents a sampling only and is not a full description of publicity and newscoverage throughout the season.
1560the game –Radio Partner. Regular promotions during football season, in particu-lar on the daily talk show hosted by John Harris and Sean Pendergast.
Houston Chronicle – John McClain wrote feature highlighting NFL accomplishments ofLombardi finalists and winners. (estimated 1.2 million readers)
Fox Sports - Taped a PSA with Jerry Kramer that was used in weeks preceeding eventby Fox Sports Houston. “Forty Blocks of Granite” documentary aired 32 times in 20regions. Rotary International and ACS PSA’s were used during 2 minutes commercialtime available to the RLA. Value of this commercial time was estimated at more than$60,000 to Rotary and ACS, respectively .
Continental Airlines In Flight Magazine - ½ page article promoting the RLA featuredin the November magazine, which was placed on every plane /every seat where CO fliesworldwide.
Yellow Cab – Signs promoting the RLA were placed on the backs of 100 Yellow Cabsbeginning in late September. These remained on vehicles until early December.
Rotary Magazine - 2 page feature on the history of the RLA being prepared for April2010 magazine.
ESPN - Interview with Warren Sapp, former winner, on the Mike and Mike Showpromoting the RLA. RLA Winner also announced on ESPN during the Home DepotCollege Awards Night on 12/10 in Orlando.
Texans Press Conferences – Invited to participate in 2 weekly press conferences withthe Houston Texans. This resulted in television, print and radio coverage to announceMcNair’s Humanitarian Award as well as pre- Event coverage during Jerry Kramer’sNovember visit to Houston.
Houston Texans – - Distributed an event promotion via email to all season ticket holdersand suite holders as well as promotion on Texans website. Also RLA trophy was show-cased at a Texans game, committee members were allowed to place trophy in centralarea for viewing, including area where top suite holders/Founder’s Suite guests mustenter.
Texas Bowl – Website and email promotion of the RLA.
Houston Rockets – In game promotion featuring the Rotary Lombardi Award and for-mer finalist Shawn Cody.
Oklahoma vs Texas A&M game at Oklahoma - Pilot project with Academy Sports fea-turing RLA trophy at Fan Fest and Academy booth. In game promotion of RLA on FoxSports televised game with trophy and fans from sideline.
UT/Nebraska game – Academy booth at Fan Fest featuring trophy.
Gallery Furniture – 1560thegame show hosted live to announce 4 Finalists. FeaturedJerry Kramer.
Rotary Lombardi Award continued
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On the fourth Thursday of each month, the members of the Rotary Club of Houstonselect from the below listed service opportunities and they go out as a group to serve in thecommunity. A true act of “Service Above Self”.
Medical Bridges - Warehouse & Office - 2706 Magnet StreetSorting of medical supplies --- 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Salvation Army - Harbor Light - 2407 North MainServe lunch --- 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Salvation Army - Family Residence - 1603 McGowenServe lunch --- 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Star of Hope - Transitional Living Center - 6801 Ardmore St.Serve lunch --- 11:15 am to 1:30 pm
Star of Hope - Men's Development Center - 1811 Ruiz St.Serve lunch --- 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Star of Hope - Women & Family Emergency Shelter - 419 DowlingServe lunch --- 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Target Hunger - Food Pantry -2814 Quitman @ Hwy. 59Sorting, sacking, and distributing food --- 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
YES Prep Public Schools East End Campus - 8329 Lawndale StreetSpeaking to a small group of high school students about careerexploration – 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Community Impact:Target Hunger: 300-350 familiesMedical Bridges: thousandstar of Hope: 400 peopleSalvation Army: 185 peopleYES Prep: 5 - 10 students
Total Service Hours: 500 - 600 per month
Rotary Service Day
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Team Leaders: Jeff Applegate, Clara Cooper, Denis DeBakey, George Elam, Trina Fowlkes,Martha Grady, Meredith Iler, Brian Lopez, Peggy Ricks, Mac Sharpe
The Scholarship Committee is getting prepared for its three scholarshipjudging events for 2010:
1. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo “Go Texan” scholar-ships judging to occur Wednesday, January 20, 2010
2. The Houston Endowment Scholarships—judging to occurearly March 2010
3. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Metropolitan and Op-portunity Scholarships—judging to occur in April 2010
In all, we will be judging over $11 million in scholarships, and we willvolunteer to these efforts approximately 3,500 hours by Rotary membersand friends.
Scholarship Judging
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Chair:Leona Urbish
Committee Members:Russanne Kelley, Jim McNee, Jo Murphy, Jack Owen, CandaceSigust, Martha Taylor, Mike Yonter
Shrine Circus Tickets
Each year for approximately the past 20 years, the Rotary Club of Houston(“RCH”) Youth and Education Committee works with the Shrine Circus to provide ticketsto two grade levels and all special needs students at four elementary schools: HighlandHeights; Felix Tijerina; MacGregor; and J.W. Oates. RCH donates $1,000 to the ShrineCircus fund-raising.
Annual Four-Way Test and Awards Program
The Youth and Education Committee speaks to fifth-grade students at HighlandHeights and MacGregor elementary schools and to sixth-grade students at Felix Tijerinaelementary school about Rotary, the Four-Way Test, service above self, leadership, collegepreparation, and the award program. Students are given handouts about the Four-WayTest. The award program is explained: they are all to follow the Four-Way test in theirdaily lives and practice service above self toward their school and community. In April,they are asked to nominate one boy and one girl who best demonstrated adherence to theFour-Way Test and service above self. The nominees are considered by the teachers andstaff for final selection of the winners.
The winners at each school receive the following:
1. A $100 savings bond for his/her college fund;
2. An individual plaque;
3. His/her name inscribed on a brass plate to be included on a large plaque located attheir school;
4. The winners, their family members, teachers, and principals are guests at an RCHluncheon meeting, at which they are recognized.
Interact Club at Yes! Prep East End
The RCH Youth and Education Committee is sponsoring an Interact Club at Yes!Prep East End, beginning this Fall. The Interact Club has elected officers and is beginningto coordinate its community service activities. The RCH Youth and Education Committeeplans on volunteering at the Interact Club’s events and community service projects.
Power Lunches at Yes! Prep East End
On October 22, 2009, the RCH Youth and Education Committee participated inthe first of numerous-planned power lunches at Yes! Prep East End. Five RCH Rotariansmet with ninth and tenth grade students at Yes! Prep East End and discussed college andcareer planning. All of the Rotarians agreed that this event was certainly one to continue,as the students were engaged and enthusiastic. Pictures from this event are attached to thisreport.
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Chair: Brian Lopez & Sarah Langlois
Committee Members: Jesus Amezcua, Linda Caruso, deForest Ralph
