New Bedford MA Rotary - About Us - The Year in Review -- 2007/2008

Well, it's over. What a wonderful and challenging year. I just wanted to take the time to thank each of you for the work you have devoted to the Rotary Club of New Bedford. I think back to the same time last year when I first stood before you defining our goals and wondering just how the heck would this work out. I am very happy to report back that all goals were met for the year, and in some instances, were exceeded beyond my imagination. Here's a quick recap of what I can remember off the cuff.

Community

In terms of disbursing funds to community organizations, well over $20,000 was returned back to local organizations. Among the distribution of funds, we met our annual installments of $2,000 and $1,000 to the St. Luke's Hospital Emergency Room and Schwartz Center Building Funds. We only have a couple of disbursements to go and we will have fulfilled our cumulative donations of $15,000 to those organizations.

Of course, there was our mega donation to Share the Harvest at the Dartmouth Y.M.C.A. that totalled in excess of $6000 which was a function of 25% of our 2007 Wine Tasting Proceeds and some "match" dollars from Rotary District 7950. Three $750 scholarships were awarded last year to deserving students from the New Bedford area. Then there were the monthly disbursements that were dispensed wisely by your Board to over 20 organizations throughout the City as well. They ranged from giving money to Youth Organizations; buying Christmas Presents for kids at the Bridge House, and supporting First Nite as well as the Local Arts programs that truly were deserving of our help. I am especially grateful to the Board for its generosity provided to the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford Maxfield Street "Peace Garden" project which has since been completed and is a welcome respite within an economically challenged neighborhood.

Fellowship

We experienced Fellowship in a number of ways this year also. Those of you who attended the District Rotary Foundation (and there were 20 of you), got treated to a luxury bus excursion and an opportunity to have dinner with the President of Rotary International. It didn't end there as the highlight was the presentation of an Foundation Award to Carole Johnson for her previous year's effort to raise money for its purposes world wide.

Other club fellowship activities included the Holiday Yankee Swap and we also did Dinner and a Show at the Zeiterion. Beyond that, we made it a point to take some time off from the Guest Speakers to just sit down at a Wednesday luncheon to catch each other up on our lives and families.

International

International Service came closer to home this year with Ron Melbourne's participation with the Martha's Vineyard Club traversing to Peru to deliver Wheel Chairs and good will all on behalf of Rotary. And, right here in our back yard, we hosted the Group Study Exchange Team from India showing them the assets of our City and sending them off with a well rounded perspective of life in these here United States.

Fund Raising

Fund Raising continued in the past year with a challenge to all to assist in the increase of our ability to give back to the community. This occurred in stellar fashion. Breakfast with Santa was greatly enhanced by holdng it at the Y.M.C.A.; The Wine Tasting was a huge success - thanks again to Stu Lawrence and his team. And to top it all off, we benefited from having 3 club members (Sarah, Michelle and Rich) who work for Verizon, which in turn provided the club with $3000+ for their work in our organization. At the end of the year, we came close to or exceeded raising $30,000. Include the value of the Sweat Equity allocated by our many volunteered hours we easily exceeded twice that hard dollar amount as well.

Then there were the Million Dollar Meals. Instead of our weekly Wamsutta buffet, we went out into the community and rolled up our sleeves assisting in the Food Pantry of MoLife. We sorted presents at the Salvation Army so indigent children would receive gifts. And, early in the year, we ate from the gardens of Share the Harvest. In return, all lunch proceeds were earmarked and donated to the Rotary International Fund in accordance with Rotary tradition.

Vocational Service

Vocational Service within our club continues to grow under the watchful eye of its committee. Its major focus has been education and providing Scholarships to deserving students entering their first year of college. Through the efforts of the committee, this year our club will be awarding six $1,000 scholarships at a meeting to be held this summer. This would not be possible without the efforts of the Chairperson of the committee, Kathy Castro and the generosity of Carole Johnson and Rich Medicke. To date, we have received approximately 20 well thought applications, a three fold increase from the previous year.

Paul Harris

Of special note, I also want to congratulate within this missive, our 2 newest Paul Harris Fellows. Carole Johnson and Richard Cardoza. Receipt of this award at a recent luncheon placed them in a unique status with the Rotary International Foundation due to their many contributions to our club. Paul Harris Fellowships have been revived after a 4 year hiatus. It is anticipated we will see additional members inducted into this prestigious society of R.I. in the immediate future

Membership and Growth Challenges

Membership increased this year as well. Thanks to all the individual efforts put forth by our existing numbers. In a time when most service organizations are struggling to survive, we are flourishing with folks waiting in the wings to join. It is expected that no later than this summer we will be in excess of 50 members.

Speaking of growth, I leave you all with one very important point. That, is the need for our organization to be more structured.

To that end, in the past year, we affiliated with the South Coast Community Foundation. They now serve as the fiduciary trustee of our funds raised and subsequently disbursed to the community. For those of you who are unaware of this very important milestone in the club's history, this is very important. It essentially provides donors with the knowledge that funds donated to our club are now tax deductible under 501 (c) 3 status. Receipts for all donations are acknowledged formally, and disbursements come directly from the Foundation on our behalf.

Structure also is developing in the form of protocol within our organization. Like any business that begins to grow larger we have to keep in mind that as responsibilities are assumed by our Officers, Board Members, and Committee Chairs, those positions are to be respected and expected to operate under the highest standards in order to enjoy continuing the unprecedented growth we are experiencing. We expect our Officers and Board members to represent us both internally and externally in an exemplary manner. And further, it will be their responsibility to entrust the club's numerous committees to get the job done at their respective levels and heed their recommendations.

In summary, much work has been done in our past year, with much to be accomplished. Together we can continue to make a difference and I look forward to continuing my relationship with all of you. As stated at our recent Induction and Installation, I have grown much in the past year and seek to continue to grow with you all in the future.

Thanks to all for your support and continued success to our new President, Sarah Lamothe in 2008/2009.

Peace to all,

Jim Oliveira

p.s. I won't ever forget how hard all the Board Members and Committees worked to make this a successful year. Thanks again...