Evergreen Rotary

Operation WarmHeart

by Dick Mund

Hi Gang,

Operation Warmheart could not have been better presented or received at the District Conference in Vail this weekend! Jane Weinberger and Howard Hoch deserve our thanks and congratulations on taking a thoughtful suggestion from Tom Johnson to fruition, and our thanks also to Nancy Dykeman for her heartfelt narration of the project video, which I think made it so powerful. This presentation, which only had an audience of about 75, because of its having been scheduled early on Friday afternoon, still came to be complimented repeatedly by the District Governor, several speakers, and the Rotary International representative in her closing remarks.

Our President, Mark, took it to the next level by having the Military married couple, who moved us all in their respective presentations (sorry, left the names in Vail) attend his cocktail reception and meet with interested potential donors. Yours truly collected $400 that night!! Moreover, Governor Dave Beal promised to match any donations we receive in the next few weeks, up to $4000 for this project.

Now, get this Jane, Howard, and Tom! If we can get another club(s) to participate in donating, the District will match up to $8000!

What a wonderful Rotary initiative. Regardless of our individual perspectives on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this project is above the political issues and is designed to help the families of soldiers, which have pressing needs at home, while their spouses are doing their duty abroad. I urge you all to give this unique project and this special opportunity for obtaining matching monies some thought.