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Terri Bastuk took notes tonight.   Thanks Terri!

Tom Kosanke reported that the grant is in for $4k for the Signature Project being submitted to the District.

Dave Shaheen shared that 75 tickets have already been sold for the May 13th Reverse Drawdown.  While we will sell all 100 tickets in the next few weeks, there is still an opportunity for an incredible meal at price!

Both Steve Schwock and Kim Miranda attended the President Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) Pels Conference.  Steve is going to work with Kim on objectives.

President Brandon is looking to create an event in conjunction with the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Scheidt applauded the quick ROCMusic proposal approval from the Irondequoit Rotary Foundation. ROCMusic said they have never seen anything get approved so quickly!

Doug Decker shared that there will be a fundraiser to benefit Walk MS and the National MS Society.  See Doug for more information. 

Diana Nightingale, Chief Development Officer and Alyssa Rodriguez, Development Associate from David’s Refuge presented this evening.  They explained that the organization’s mission is to provide respite, resources and support to parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions where they will be refreshed, restored and renewed in their role as caregivers.

David’s Refuge was started by Warren and Brenda Pfohl in honor of their son David, who was born November 2, 1988. He was a typical, healthy, happy little guy who lived life to the fullest.

In late February 1997, two months after the Pfohl family returned from living overseas in Poland, David began to have difficulty seeing. Within a matter of weeks, he lost all of his central vision and some of his peripheral. The initial diagnosis was Macular dystrophy, a non-specific name to describe his loss.

In an attempt to get a more specific diagnosis and help determine the best educational program for David, Warren and Brenda traveled with David to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Little did they know the emotional turmoil their family would face. For over a month they waited and wondered what the testing results would prove.
The phone call finally came with the news that David had Batten Disease, a rare progressive disease in which he lacked an enzyme necessary to break down and remove the waste that occurs from cell activity in his neurons. 

David battled Batten’s for thirteen years. David’s Refuge was formed in honor of David to encourage parents to keep pressing on. As a guest, their prayer is that caregivers will be restored and refreshed to fight the good fight, to finish the race and to keep the faith. 

The organization provides getaways for couples such as weekend respite which includes two nights at one of our partner bed and breakfast or hotel, meals and gifts, all provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers.

The organization is always looking for volunteers.  There was a discussion about partnering with them for a Santa event providing treats and crafts for families. 

Many contributions for a very effective Foundation board, for our speakers, all Dave’s work on the drawdown, tonight’s speakers, Steve stepping in as temp president and Lily’s support, March Madness, foundation and polio. Steve for a work bonus that will probably go toward a computer for Lily, and everyone gave a big thumbs up to Bob K. for a great rib dinner. 
Lastly, Bob Spatola put in $20 for his son Paul who is a firefighter with St. Paul Blvd Fire Department. Paul was recognized at a recent banquet for his successful lifesaving efforts on two pediatric patients!