Some of us have thought about the next clay shoot—April 26 & 27, 2003, but have not acted. We are currently working on a date for the kickoff meeting. The first one selected conflicted with a Chamber of Commerce meeting and kept many of our key players from attending. From a subsequent email survey it looks like October 17 will be the date when the most people can attend. So, those of you who want to attend please reserve the 17th on your calendar. The place will be announced later.

To make the clay shoot a success we need to put together a good marketing plan to sell sponsorships. That is where the money is. We barely break even on unsponsored shooters. Marketing to the shooters is easy and we will have no problem getting the 100 shooters we want. That is about the limit we can handle efficiently.

Chores that need to be done soon are the rewriting of the solicitation letters, updating our solicitation list, and assigning team leaders.

We have our charitable foundation in place and, hopefully, that will allow more of the big corporations to support our fundraiser.

For new members, our big annual fundraiser is a five-stand sporting clay shoot. What is that you ask? Pairs of traps are placed at five stations and simulate upland game hunting including rabbits. Shooters practice on Saturday then attend a dinner and auction that night. There are two auctions—a charity auction of donated items and a Calcutta where the shooters are sold. Whoever buys the shooter has the right to that shooter’s share of the Calcutta pot. On Sunday starting at 11:00 AM each shooter shoots 50 targets—10 at each station—to determine his or her class. There are four classes. Finally, there is shoot-off in each class to determine first and second place. The owners of the first and second place winners share the Calcutta pot. About 20 percent goes to the winner of the highest class and about six percent goes to the second place winner of the lowest class. We sell sponsorships to the event. There are four levels of sponsors—corporate sponsor ($600), station sponsor ($300), youth sponsor ($200), and auction sponsor (any amount including auction items). Sponsorships is the largest revenue center followed by the charity auction. A raffle is another, smaller revenue source. The remaining revenue comes from entry fees, practice rounds, and games.

On the weekend of the shoot we need everyone to help, but if you can’t be here for that weekend you can do your share by helping with all the planning and preparations beforehand. ▲

The first quarter of this Rotary year is behind us. Time flies, when you are having fun! I have really enjoyed serving as your president, for these first three months. With such an enthusiastic board and lane chairmen, I’ve got the easy job! (Kudos to all the worker-bees, out there.) It does seem like every time I turn around it’s Tuesday, however!

Our Tuesday meetings have been going well. We have high attendance, good programs, and lots of laughs. I hope y’all agree, and I always welcome your comments.

One comment that I recently received was from Dan Beekler. He said that he and some other gentlemen did not think that my joke about holding future meetings at the Women’s Clubhouse was very funny. Well, guys…get with it! Bring us some new male members!

I am very proud of the quantity and quality of new members that have recently been recruited. I know that these Rotarians will be assets to our organization! Nonetheless, we could use a few good men…just like the Marines. (A great motto, I must say!)

Over 40 percent of you pledged generously to the PolioPlus campaign. We have a goal of raising $10,000 during this Rotary year. Remember to do plenty of bragging with our Piggy for Polio program. It’s just $1 per announcement. Additionally, we will be selling raffle tickets to give away either a 2003 Ford 150 pickup or Mustang. Our club will split the proceeds with the Victoria Community Theatre. Our half will go toward PolioPlus. With the food booth at the Macaroni Fest, we should be able to pick up some more money for this final push to eradicate polio from the face of the planet. Help out where you are able!

There are plenty of opportunities for fellowship, just around the corner. Be sure to take advantage and get to know the very neat people that are in our club, but may not sit at “your” table! Look for a Texas Treasure Cruise, a Happy Hour at a local hot spot, and our Christmas party on December 13^th. See you there! ▲

Habitat for Humanity is coming         Gene Rice

In an effort to fulfill this year's theme, Sowing the Seeds of Love, we are teaming with Habitat for Humanity. Together we will help build a new home for a worthy family. There is no prerequisite to participate. Whether you have experience doing construction or have never picked up a hammer you can participate. Our goal is to have 50% of the membership of our club involved in the project. This is a wonderful way to Sow the Seeds of Love in our community. For more call Gene Rice at 753-9157 or email rice@cox-internet.com. ▲

Children immunized                 Terry Robinson

The Three Victoria Rotary Clubs came together to promote immunizations before school by joining the Texas Zoo in coordinating the 1st Annual Kids Fest. This event included organizations such as DuPont, the fire department, the police department, health department, and the Red Cross. We reviewed the immunization records of nearly 150 kids and updated shots to over 50 of them. It was a hot, enjoyable event with families able to get into the Texas Zoo free for having updated their immunization record.

Many Rotarians from all three clubs came to help. Free gift bags with cookies, crayons, and pens or pencils were given to those receiving immunizations. This helped bring a smile to an otherwise downturned face. This once again proves that a smile from a Rotarian will overcome any boo boo!!!

Thanks to all those who helped. We look forward to making the Kids Fest another successful annual Rotary activity. ▲

Bloodmobile was at our meeting        John Lenihan

The Bloodmobile from South Texas Blood and Tissue Center came to the parking lot at our meeting, August 20th, and Rotarians rolled-up their sleeves. Led by club president, Cally, who was the first to give the gift of life, other Rotarians followed her and the club donated 10 units. A few disappointed Rotarians were unable to donate and countless others gave their blood at other times. The next blood drive is scheduled for May. ▲

Centennial Committee meets        Mary Hodgkinson

The Centennial Committee met on Sept 17th. Discussion included defining a new community service project that will commemorate Rotary's Centennial. Our club project must be registered with Rotary International by January 1, 2003. We are working toward presenting a project to the Board in November that is identifiable, is measurable, and involves active participation from our members. If you have any ideas or suggestions please forward to marypt@viptx.net. ▲

Christmas party slated December 13        Cally Fromme

Polly Vick agreed to chair our Christmas party. Any interested volunteers my contact her. It will be on Friday, December 13^th. We have a great band lined-up and hope that not only our members and their spouses attend…but folks are welcome to invite their friends and business associates. ▲

For of our many new members and our longtime members who have been wondering about quarterly bills, the following is an explanation of how our billing system works. The treasurer bills at the beginning of the quarter for the following three months. For example, the bills distributed today are for the second Rotary quarter—October, November, December.

Each member is charged for 13 meals. Currently, the Country Club charges $10 per meal and is passed to members. To encourage members to attend meetings, none of this is refunded unless a leave of absence is granted; missed meal revenues go into the general fund and are used for our expenses—Christmas party, grants, supplies, etc.. Another recurring charge is a $9 Paul Harris donation which helps fund the Paul Harris Fellowships we give each year. Every other quarter there is an assessment for District and International dues—$33 most recently, but will increase to $37 next quarter. New members pay a one time $50—$40 initiation and $10 Rotary Foundation donation.

When recruiting explain that costs are a little over $50 a month, mostly for meals. That is $630, annually. ▲

Ten join Victoria Rotary Club in the summer quarter

                
Annette Alonzo              Jack Leinweber                      Harold Vick                     Polly Vick                            Julia Lee       

               
    Dinah Mills                   Tanya Scott                    Beverly Arnold                        Marti Boyle                       Jean Benchimol

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