This meeting had a pretty jam packed agenda so Rick got things rolling without delay. Brown Santa and his merry helpers made a quick appearance. They reported that last year the Brown Santa program provided turkey meals for 525 families and gave two gifts each for 1,580 kids. Our club members again generously donated gifts and wrapping paper. There is public wrapping on Saturday from 9:00-noon if anyone is intereted in donating their time to help out. There are additional dates and times on Dec. 11 and 12 from 1:00-8:00 p.m. The warehouse is next to the Post Office on Hwy. 80 if you plan to go.
Brown Santa's helpers with club members' gift donationa.
REPORTS:
Jesse reported on Merry on the Squarey going on this Saturday, Dec. 7th. Due to inclement weather much of it has been moved inside different businesses on the square but is still going on. He will have his photo booth at the Sweet Spot.
Glen and Lon attended the Lake Highlands Interclub meeting in November. They reported that about 50 members and guests from different clubs attended.
Rick reported on Pancake Day with Kristin providing the names of sponsors who have signed up so far for ads for the placemats. About $1400 has been collected with more to come.
Penny passed around rosters with duties assigned for those who had volunteered to help with Pancake Day pre-set up and duties for the event on Dec. 21st. She had everyone confirm they could do the assignments as noted. If you were not at this meeting and did volunteer, please contact Penny to find out where and when you will be helping and if you can at those times.
The following businesses have signed up to place ads.
Memory Law Memorial Park Cemetery Corridor Title Williams Computer Consulting Ted Breihan Electric
Kristin Wingard, Coldwell Banker Realtors Grins Chelsea Roberts/Mary Evans CBDHR Edward Jones Ivy Rose Pearl foundation Poco Loco
Thomason Funeral Home The Dameron Group
Pennington Funeral Home San Marcos Barber Shop
State Farm, Amber Leighe Armer Muzzy Group
Pecan Springs Publishing Co. The Wild Flowers
Champion/Lesters Automotive Victory Cleaners
McCreary, Veseika, Bragg & Allen, PC
Rick asked if everyone would donate a bottle of syrup for Pancake Day, it would help lower costs.
This year, instead of Adopt-a-Cop gift bags, a collection for money is being made at the next meeting to help with costs of providing snacks in baskets for the officers. In the past the club has donated club funds through our Community Service donations. This time it will be through member donations.
Guest Allie Boles, Kiwanis Children's Fund Development Officer for TXOK District, spoke to the club about the Possibility Project and the Kiwanis Children's Fund. She noted projects Kiwanis International helped fund such as the Eliminate Project that provides maternal and neonatal tetanus protection.
The Children's Fund is a Kiwanis International fundraiser that provides grants to support Kiwanis club projects around the world. There are two different grant programs. One that our club could apply for is the Microgrant for clubs with 35 or fewer members. The thought is to apply for this for the Good Citizens Camp.
Forty percent of these grants are awarded to international projects with the remaining 60% going to U.S. clubs. Denton Kiwanis Club received a grant due to their having a full time dental clinic.
Allie noted that Kiwanis clubs are getting smaller so Kiwanis International is trying to help support local clubs. The goal is to reach ten million kids by raising 25 million in the next 5 years. This is known as the Possibility Projent. Clubs have the opportunity to join the Impact Club by having $100 donated per member. It can be a donation by individual members, by the treasury, or by having a fundraiser that is specifically for the Children's Fund. No part of member dues go towards the Children's Fund. February 25th is the "Day of Giving" when KI has the goal of raising $100,000 in one day to support the Possibility Project. Allie said they are looking for volunteers to visit clubs to spread the word about this fundraiser.
We had a very productive after-meeting meeting with Allie. Kristi gave her details about the Good Citizens Camp. We received a positive response from Allie about our club applying for the microgrant for the camp. Allie also gave us some ideas for future fundraisers since the Clayshoot will no longer be done. A cornhole tournament is a strong possibility. One club made $15,000 one year with this event.
Many thanks to Allie for her time and information!
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Dec. 12th: Christie Murillo from San Marcos Parks and Recreation
Dec. 19th: No program. Pancake Day planning.
Dec. 26th: Round Table
Jan. 2: Round Table unless someone has a program idea.
We have only one program scheduled so far for January which is on Jan. 9th. If you have ideas/suggestions for Jan. 2nd, 16th, 23rd, and/or 30th, let it be known!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dec. 7th: Merry on the Squarey
Dec. 14th: John Roppolo: Wreaths Across America at 10:00 a.m., San Marcos Cemetery
Dec. 18th: Board Meeting, Sunflower Bank, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 21st: Pancake Day, First United Methodist Church
Regular Reminders:
Don't forget to click "like" and "share" on Facebook and other social media to promote the Kiwanis Club. We need to keep getting the club's name out there to promote our community involvement and to add new members to help in our endeavors.
Be sure to check the Calendar posted on the San Marcos Kiwanis Club website to stay up-to-date on what is happening.
Humor and Musings:
These are more from Live and Learn and Pass It On by H. Jackson brown, Jr.
"I've learned never to underestimate the potential and power of the human spirit." Age 82
"I've learned that the little sayings you learn as a child, such as the Golden Rule, are actually important." Age 15
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindneess, I usually make the right decision." Age 66
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
