Today's Program : Casey Croxton and "Assistants"

Last Week's Program:

Led by Vice President, Rick McLeod, the meeting opened with the singing of "America" and recitation of the "Pledge of Allegiance". The invocation was given by Dick Daniel. Allison McElroy led our "Tettrazini Song".

Bert Kell introduced Cheryl Ellis, Director of Marketing, Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter. Cheryl was most graciously standing in for Tim Nichols, Executive Director, who was to be present for our program, but was sick with the flu. Cheryl began her presentation with a video about The Children's Shelter, whose mission is to provide a safe and loving environment to children who are victims of family violence, neglect and physical and sexual abuse.

The shelter served 350 children last year, and turned away nearly double that number who ended up in foster homes and other facilities across the state. The facility, currently located in Vaughn, is for a short 45-day-emergency placement care for children. Approximately 39% of the children housed at The Center are from Benton and Washington Counties, with the remainder of residents placed there from across the entire state.

The staff provides one-on-one care to children from infants thru adolescents that need immediate placement, any time 24 hours a day. NWA Children's Shelter provides: hope, education, structured activities, therapy, play, medical care, dental care, vision care for these children. They learn strong social skills in a safe environment and given time to heal.

Ellis and the video talked about several success stories of children helped through the Children's Shelter. One of the NWA Children's Shelter's staff members was formerly a child cared for at the Shelter. She is now working to help others.

NWA Children's Shelter has recently purchased 81 acres located 2 miles from their current location in Vaughn. They are now in the midst of a $9 Million capital campaign for an endowment fund to sustain the shelter and its services. They are also working on a grant for construction. Plans include a new facility, and two long-term group homes.

Ellis said that their annual budget of $2 Million is supported 70% through fund raising efforts in the community. Ellis welcomed any support from individuals and the community.

She reflected on the influence of Helen Keller: that we can all do something for others, no matter our circumstances. Ellis also shared that the Center works to restore hope and trust in the lives of the children. She said "We try to help them remember something positive about who they are".

Ellis closed her presentation, sharing a prayer for children that she finds inspirational . It spoke of the realities of life: some children growing up in good circumstances, and other children growing up in very difficult circumstances, at best.

Rick McLeod closed the meeting leading the club in The Four-Way Test.

Announcements:

• Hal Savage announced there are currently 134 members.

• Rick McLeod announced Casey Croxton will have next week's program.

• Rick McLeod also announced that the date for the Tetrazinni Dinner is now officially: April 17. More information forthcoming.

• Corey Davidson announced that Wheelchair money is due by April 1st. About half the checks have been turned in to date. We have 87 wheelchair pledges toward our goal of 100. Checks should be given to Corey or mailed to Clarence Guinn, PO Box 489, Rogers, AR 72757

Visiting Rotarians and Guests introduced by: Hal Savage
Visiting Rotarians: None
Rotarians with Guests:
Clint Hopper introduced Steven Beam
Bert Kell introduced Kenneth Green
Greg Hines (in abstention) introduced Joe Hines
Beth Stephens introduced Dwight Heasley

In the News: None, as Chad Kumpe was absent today.

Atta Boys and Girls (makeups):
Ray Burns
Chad Kumpe
Wendy Kumpe
Lori McBee
Tina Winnam