El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel January 22, 2009

President Jack welcomed us to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.  Nobuko led the flag salute and President Jack provided a thought for the day.

Introduction of guests and Visiting Rotarians:  Sec John announced no visitor today.  Maybe the rain kept them away.

Announcements:

ð     President Jack told us about the success of the GGF’s crew on Sunday.  Seems it was a very busy day and they sold out of everything at the booth.  Did great with tips as well.

ð     Pres Jack announced that Lee Prutton is doing well based on a conversation with Lee’s wife Heidi.

ð     Mark S is now the new Managing Director of the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce.  Congratulations Mark!

Happy dollars:

Nobuko announced the birth of her twin grandson and granddaughter by her daughter.  The twins were born on Monday Jan 19^th.  Nobuko contributed $100 for two LN-4 hands.  Tracy is happy about her daughter auditioning for the play at the CCCT .  Mark S is happy about the rain and his new position at the EC Chamber.  Karen had $5 congratulation for Mark S and happy for the care her cat received at Abby Pet Hospital.  Blaine is also happy about Mark S’s new position.  Kathleen is happy about the successful surgery her cat had at Abby Pet Hospital.  Don is happy that he is Ksusha’s Rotary councilor and that she will be our guest speaker next week.  Lance is happy for Mark S and knew he would not remain in retirement very long.

Sgt at Arms:  Not on duty today

Today’s Program:

Sil introduced Andrew Gooden, Chair of the Gooden Family Scholarship Fund.  Andrew has lived in El Cerrito since 1972.  He had two careers, one as an Engineer and another as a Contractor.  Now he chairs his family’s foundation.  Andrew’s son Drew is a National Basketball Association player who currently plays for the Chicago Bulls.

Andrew Gooden – Gooden Family Foundation Chair

Sil introduced Andrew Gooden, Chair of the Gooden Family Scholarship Fund.  Andrew has lived in El Cerrito since 1972.  He had two careers, one as an Engineer and another as a Contractor.  Now he chairs his family’s foundation.  Andrew’s grandson Drew Gooden is a National Basketball Association player who currently plays for the Chicago Bulls. 

Andrew began his presentation by sharing the main mission of his family’s foundation being to provide a structure and resources for youth in high school so they can succeed in the last two years of school and successfully apply for and be accepted at a college.  In addition, scholarship funding is provided to the student when they are accepted to their college.  A lot of pro bono work is done by individuals and organizations for the foundation to insure the successful journey of the students into and through college.  The foundation is always looking for donations of volunteers and money resources.  Since the foundation has been in operation their capacity to serve students has increase exponentially.  One of the more important things the foundation does is mentor the parents of the kids.  This gives the parents an understanding of their role and how they assistance can make a huge difference in the success of their student.  Andrew did a good job of informing us about his organization and the good work they do.  Thanks Sil for inviting Andrew to speak!

Today’s Lottery Winner:  Marv had his ticket pulled for chance at winning the pot and selected a cat’s eye marble; he won the bottle of wine.  Next Week the pot is worth $130. 

Interact Corner by Gary Buffon – Rotary Advisor to Interact: 

 The Interact Club is settling into the new school and looking forward to the next round of community service projects they are planning.  Also, the Africa Interact Club mentoring project is moving along.

Thought for Week:

 The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.
--Delacroix