Allentown Rescue Mission (ARM) CEO Jim Byrnes spoke to our Rotarians on Wednesday about the ministry and services provided by the 115 year-old shelter (and more) for homeless men. Jim explained that the ARM serves about 47,000 meals and 27,000 "bed nights" a year to the homeless. In addition, the mission offers extended programs that essentially re-educate the residents to prepare them for employment and independence. A very visible outreach of the ARM is the "Clean Team" of formerly homeless men that provide cleanup services at large public events like Muskiest and the Allentown Fair. The Rotarians responded appreciatively to Jim's presentation. The work of the Allentown Rescue Mission transcends food and shelter alone; it clearly is a vehicle to restore human dignity and hope, and as such, is a valued resource in the Lehigh Valley community. Many thanks to Hal Funt, who made it possible for Jim Byrnes to be with us and who introduced him to the club.
We have what we believe to be the final figures for this year's Rotary Foundation fund drive. Our financial goal was $16000; we raised $18865, or 118% of our goal. Thanks to all this Rotarians and others who made that possible. Our brothers and sisters around the world will benefit greatly from your generosity. Our member participation goal was 100%. We received gifts from 78 Rotarians, or 74% of our membership. We did a little better in this category than last year, but we are still going to push for 100% in the future. Many thanks to PP George Mowrer, who again did an outstanding job leading the fund raising effort this Rotary year.
Net proceeds from the annual Rotary Golf Tournament appear to be close to $15,000, an increase over last year's total. They will be distributed to the BAVTS Bridges Foundation and our portion of the remainder will go toward our Centennial Project at the Ice House Park. Thanks to all the sponsors, benefactors and golfers who made this possible.
Along the same lines, it appears that we realized nearly $6000 in net proceeds from the Centennial Dinner and Gala. Thanks as well to those sponsors, donors and all who attended one of the great events of the Rotary year.
Maria Nathans and Buck Jones put on an exceptional "Thirsty Thursday" Fun and Fellowship event at the Bethlehem Golf Club on June 16th. A dozen Rotarians and guests enjoyed each other's company and hoisted a few glasses to the Bethlehem Rotary Club. Thanks, Maria and Buck, for a grand time.
Thanks to all who donated food products these last three weeks in June. They are headed off to the food pantries as we speak.
Thanks to all those who volunteered to staff the Rotary Club booth at the Bethlehem 275th Anniversary Community Day on Saturday, June 25th. One of our distinguished Rotarians generously sponsored our table and mad it possible for the club to be prominently present at the big event at Steel Stacks. Thanks to Jill Long for coordinating the volunteer effort.
Jill Long also reminded us to please support "Rotary Fights Hunger" at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, August 16th. If you cannot attend personally, please buy a ticket to enable needy children to see a major league game. Remember that our club earns Rotary Foundation credits for each ticket sold that can be used toward Paul Harris Fellowship awards. New RI President John Germ will be on hand that evening to throw out the first pitch.
Please remember that our meeting on June 29th is the last of the Rotary 2015-2016 year, and will be the changeover meeting. We will install President Elect Gail Evans as the 2016-2017 President, and will also induct the new Officers and Directors. Please try to attend to demonstrate our support for the new leadership team as they assume their duties.
