Community Service

Today_Sand Point Block Party

 

On Thursday, June 28th the University Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting its 12th annual block party for Solid Ground Housing in Sand Point. Solid Ground connects people with resources and tools to help them stabilize their housing, access healthy food, and build stronger futures for themselves and their families. We will be grilling up hamburgers and hotdogs, and putting on carnival games, face painting, and a good ol’ soccer match for the kids. All are welcome to join us.  If you need additional information reach out to Betsy Conklin at communityservice@usrotary.org.

 

 

And a good time was had by all

 

Debuts and Discoveries is now over for 2018.  This year Seattle Uncorked, and University Sunrise Rotary had a great fun hosting an array of new beverage vendors along with good food and the band “Ranken File.”  All this effort to support “Friends of the Children” but pictures are worth a thousand words.

 

 

 

More photos>https://www.flickr.com/photos/125163167@N05/sets/72157692867151011

Debuts & Discoveries Partner: Seattle Uncorked

The last 5 years University Sunrise Rotary has partnered with Seattle Uncorked to bring you Debuts and Discoveries, a wine, beer, and spirts tasting event to benefit a local charity. The Rotary Club would not have been able to produce these events without our partnership with Seattle Uncorked.

David LeClaire is the founder of the Northwest’s largest wine club, Seattle Uncorked. Seattle Uncorked is a “social” club for enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine, beer, and spirits! Unlike most “wine clubs” whose real purpose is to sell wine, Seattle Uncorked is a resource to learn about fun tasting & social events in the Greater Seattle Metro area.

In its 16th year, Seattle Uncorked also produces their own annual events such as NW Women Stars of Food & Wine, Sexy Syrah, Debuts & Discoveries, Rose’ Revival, The Cabernet Classic, Taste of Oregon, Fresh Hops Festival, and many more. There is no membership fee to join.

Come join the fun and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with us this year at Debuts & Discoveries. The fun runs from 5-9 pm and you’ll have a chance to find your new favorite wine, beer, spirit or cider!  Over 20 local vendors will introduce you to their latest special beverages.  When you get hungry, four food trucks will be on hand with a variety of delicious victuals.  And the Ranken File Band will entertain with a variety of music; dance anyone?

Where’s all the fun?

Building 30, in Magnuson Park.  Enter the park at NE 74th off Sandpoint Way NE and follow the signs to parking and the hangar.

Buy your $35 tickets online, www.usrotary.org or $40 at the door.  Entry limited to 21+.  This event is coordinated by University Sunrise Rotary, Seattle Uncorked (www.seattleuncorked.com) and Friends of the Children (www.friendsseattle.org).  Proceeds benefit “Friends,” an organization that provides professional mentors to at-risk youth.

 

 

Debuts and Discoveries 2018: Sponsors Needed

While the major University Sunrise Rotary fundraiser is 6 months away (March 17, 2018), we need event sponsors NOW!

Of course, the big reason for soliciting sponsors is to reduce or eliminate the amount needed from our net proceeds to pay our event organizing costs such as rent, permits, beverage curator, printing, PR and more.  The more sponsor dollars we have coming in, the more we are able deliver to our supported charity, Friends of the Children.

In past years, many of you have stepped up to sponsor personally or on behalf of an employer.  We truly appreciate such great support and are hoping that this will be repeated this year.  If neither you or your employer can contribute, perhaps you have a business that you frequent that might be interested in helping.

To help gathering sponsors contact Nancy Bolin: tasting[at]usrotary.org

Sponsorship and the benefits of sponsorship plus details on Friends of the Children are linked.

Sponsor Solicitation Letter.doc

D & D Sponsor Benefits_2018.doc

Beneficiary: The Friends of the Children

Thanks for your wonderful support!

American Cancer Society

Last week’s presentation came in three parts:

Paul Kilian spoke of the Cancer Resource Centers, of which 10 exist in WA. His, the Valley Resource Center, sees some 1,000 patients par year. Volunteers visit every patient on infusion. They provide support, wigs, gifts, and information binders to the patients. Advocates are full-time employees and work in behalf of this work, to the extent of lobbying in the legislature. The Committee on Cancer, a branch of the American College of Surgeons, is a consortium of professors concerned with screening and other matters. These organizations are devoted to improving social situations and quality of life for cancer patients. A 24/7 telephone network is there to answer all questions and concerns.

Audrey Fine, RN, dwelt mainly on prevention, but touched on gene therapy. This method stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells. Positing that cancer touches all our lives, she quoted the head of the Resource Centers, to wit, 50% of cancer could be prevented if we implement what we already know. She also noted that the Research Department boasts 47 Nobel Prize winners.  Prevention includes smoking avoidance, early detection, HPV vaccine, and the realization that tanning and obesity are risk factors. Access to health care is a must. The cost of cigarettes has become a factor in discouragement of the habit. Patients are seen at the resource centers regardless of ability to pay. More are needed to be screened. Certain barriers in getting patients to be seen are language, poor education, time off from work, infancy, old age. The centers have interpreters.

Kimberly Arent dealt with the matter of funding for this work, namely Relay for Life: August 12th , from 10AM to 6PM this annual event will take place. Participation is urged for as many as possible. Signups are with Alan. Our contact for this program.

 

SandPoint Block Party, and a good time was had by all.

The Block Party was anticipated and well-received by the neighborhood. There were treats and games for the kids, and a fire engine for them to swarm over.  Hamburgers and hot dogs abounded.

Rotarians scurried around, most clad in identifiable T-shirts provided by Tim Lenihan. The burgers (plain, cheese, and veggie) were turned out, over hot grills, by Dave Mushen and Ron. Our Nearest Star caused one and all to broil a bit. Tom and his musicians (Ranken File) provided totally audible entertainment.  

All who participated shared the feeling that it was a pleasure and privilege to serve. In fact, according to our motto, that is what it is all about. Photos!

Join Us June 29th Annual Sand Point Block Party

On Thursday, June 29th our Rotary Club is hosting its annual block party for Solid Ground Housing in Sand Point. Solid Ground believes that housing & family stability are foundational to ending poverty in our area. This event which started out years ago as a small barbecue has turned into one of the primary social events of the summer for the residents. Be sure to block out your calendar from 4pm to 8pm on the 29th and be sure to invite your friends to help. If you need additional information reach out to Jeff Mushen at jeffrey.m.mushen@ampf.com.

Food Drive for UNIVERSITY DISTRICT FOOD BANK: March 4th

University Sunrise Rotary helps support various local charities; one of those programs is the University District Food Bank.  Currently our focus is on donations for the “Packs for Kids” program. 

The importance of proper nutrition for a growing child is well documented. Hungry kids have decreased attention spans, increased behavioral problems, and more school absences due to sickness. Simply put, hungry kids can’t learn as well, and when they fall behind academically as young children, it is very hard to ever catch-up. Free meals in school certainly help, but they are not enough. After all, school is only Monday through Friday.

Through collaboration with eight local Seattle public schools, University District Food Bank provides meals and snacks to children who are at risk of going hungry on the weekend when free or reduced school meals are unavailable. These packs of food contain items that are age-appropriate, nutritious, simple to prepare, and easy to take home in a school bag.

Saturday, March 4th, 2017 we are hosting a food drive to support “Pack for Kids” at the Metropolitan Market, 2320 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. Join us on March 4th and donate.

Here is a list of needed items:

Nut-free granola bars
Cereal bars
Fruit cups
Applesauce
Pop-top soup
Single-serve tuna packets
Easy mac
Trail mix packets
Oatmeal packets
Jif to-go

Emphasizing single serve options for this is important.

And to complement the specific Packs for Kids items you could offer a family focused list of items too if you want to provide more options for shoppers:

Cereal
Peanut butter and jelly
Pasta and sauce
Soups (veggie and meat options, protein rich)
Canned fruit
Graham crackers
Healthier crackers
Kid toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)

See you March 4th!
Metropolitan Market
2320 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116