The sunshine basket donations this month are for our sister club in Saltillo.
Ben Carssow gave a tribute to member Roland Johnson who died last month and then the club observed a moment of silence.
New member, Lucina Barragan gave a biographical/classification talk that informed us of her early life and responsibilities, her experience in the restaurant business, marriage to Lupe and their business adventures that took them from Los Angeles to the state of Washington to Pennsylvania, and finally to Texas in 2006. Both have come up from the bottom in the restaurant business, she usually in the front, he beginning with dishwashing as a young teen and focusing on the kitchen. Their business model has included a lot of hard work, fairness and good treatment of employees, and Lupe’s big heart that led him to Rotary and to wanting to always help others.
Next several committee chairs reported on their work. George (Fund-Raising) is hoping Cinco de Mayo will work out one way or another in spite of COVID, but if not will plan something for later in the summer. Bruce (Service) reported on the Sunshine Basket collections: July $460, August $1120, September $670, October $885, November $512, December $555, January $800. So far we have supported Hart Elementary, Story Book Project, iACT refugee family, Abu’s work in Bangladesh, and our sister club in Saltillo. March's collection will be for Helping Hand Children’s Home. Frank gave a review of RI Foundation history and a call for members to make their Foundation contributions soon so as to insure our standing as a EREY club. President Elect Rich Hill firmed up his committee chairs for the upcoming year, then expressed his goals. He wants to more completely understand the job descriptions for each committee; improve our image through Facebook and an improved website; focus on an international project, hopefully with Abu in Bangladesh; and possibly continue with Zoom meetings even when in-person meetings are possible again. There was also discussion about putting together care packages for Austin’s homeless.