Relieving hunger has been a core Rotary value for many years, and the Bethlehem Rotary Club takes it seriously. On Wednesday, May 25th, Bennie Khamneh, Food Pantry Coordinator for the Hispanic Center of the Lehigh Valley, reminded us again about the ongoing reality of hunger in our community. Her food pantry, which serves the South Side and Bethlehem Township, feeds a minimum 60 families per month and is adding 26 families per month in recent years. They distribute over 7000 pounds of food per year to our neighbors and friends. The pantry receives its food from Second Harvest Food Bank, and Bennie thanked the Bethlehem Rotarians for naming Second Harvest as the beneficiary of our 2016 Tastes and Tunes. The refrigerated truck provided by Rotary should make it easier to deliver fresh milk, along with other dairy products and perishable foods. Bennie noted that the Rotary truck will be a great addition to alleviating hunger in our area. Thanks to Lorna Velazquez, who introduced Bennie.
On Wednesday, we also recognized the ongoing contributions of five Bethlehem Rotarians as Paul Harris Fellows. Pins acknowledging their continuing generosity were awarded to PE Gail Evans (+1), Dale Kochard (+1), Jill Long (+3), Luke Cunningham (+4) and Gordon Sommers (+5). Through their sustained giving, Paul Harris Fellows support an array of humanitarian and educational Rotary programs that save and improve the lives of millions around the world. I know all Bethlehem Rotarians join me in thanking and congratulating this latest group of Paul Harris Fellows.
In a related matter, I am pleased to report (via PP George Mowrer) that our club has exceeded our stated financial goal of $16,000 this year toward the Rotary Foundation. As of earlier this week, we were at $17,955, or 105%, not counting at least one contribution that came in during the meeting Wednesday. However, we are still shy of our member participation goal (100% of our 105 members making some contribution to the Foundation). Currently, 73 members, or 69.5%, have made a gift so far this year. Please help us meet our goal, and remember--no gift is too small. They all help improve the lives of others. George has requested that all gifts be sent to him by June 22nd as we close out the books for the Rotary year.
Other News
Our Centennial Gala and dinner on June 3rd is fast approaching, and registration is still a bit disappointing. As of Wednesday, we have 65 reservations in hand, with the deadline to register later in the week. Our Congressman, the Mayor and other city officials will be joining us. I am asking that you make every effort to attend this (literally) once in a lifetime event. We will honor reservations made through the weekend.
Our annual golf tournament (co-sponsord with Morning Star) is also coming up on Monday, June 6th. The Golf Committee still needs golfers and raffle prizes. If you play golf, please come. If you don't (or even if you do), please help by donating a gift certificate, bottle(s) of wine or other prize. Proceeds will benefit the BAVTS Bridges Foundation and the Centennial Project.
Our speaker on Wednesday, June 1st, will be Frank Whelan from the General Marshall Mansion in Carbon County. I hope you can attend.
