Service Above Self

Cabarrus Rotarian Kimberly Strong (Executive Director of Cabarrus Meals on Wheels) and Concord Rotarian Venetia Skahen (Executive Director of the Community Free Clinic) were on hand at last week’s meeting to present Anita Brown with the grand prize check of $750. Her lucky duck was the first across the finish line in a fundraising event to benefit these two great organizations in our community.

Our club is preparing to send a third round of care packages to soldiers who are currently serving our country overseas. We have currently adopted the 203rd Red Horse Squadron (Virginia Beach, VA) for this round of the project.

For information about how you can help, email project chair Steve Grubb. You can also view a list of suggested items to mail here on on our web site.

Adopt-a-Soldier Featured in the News

This project has been featured recently in two publications:

Cabarrus News on Wednesday, Jun. 08, 2011
Rotary supports troops: Third round of care packages to be shipped for July holiday
By Lukas Johnson

An effort started by a member of the Rotary Club of Cabarrus County has touched the lives of at least 120 U.S. military members serving overseas – so far.

• Click here to read the entire story on cabarrusnews.com.

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Independent Tribune on June 02, 2011

Rotary Club looking for donations for packages for soldiers
By Robin l. Gardner

The Rotary Club of Cabarrus County is asking the community for help with another Adopt-a-Soldier effort. Adopt-a-Soldier supplies soldiers with gifts from home. This time the packages will be sent to 203rd Red Horse Squadron stationed in Afghanistan.

• Click here to read the entire story on independenttribune.com

Thoughts on the day from Rhonda Poppen
Tom Brokaw had it right.  The men and women of WWII WERE “The Greatest Generation.”  To be honest I had never given it the thought I should have until today.  I spent the day with 120 men between the ages of 85 and 95 on a trip to DC and I will never forget it.  I heard stories of Model T’s that you had to drive backwards uphill when you were running low on gas.  I listened as some commented on the fact that we were taking a trip on a German-made Airbus 321 and they went to war to fight the Germans (ironic).  I watched as they cried when HUNDREDS stopped and thanked them for their service.  I was amazed at one’s courageous stories of sailing the Atlantic in a 40-foot Coast Guard vessel, intercepting subs, and calling for back-up to protect our coasts.  These men were my age or a little older when I was born and their humor and insight is a proven, vintage, “class act.”

As Mike said on the drive home from the airport tonight “Kenny, we got our day today!”  Bands played for them… flags waved for them… police escorts stopped all Beltway traffic for them…  children greeted them… Bob Dole made time for them… fire engines made a water archway for them…  soldiers in dress saluted them!!  Everywhere we went, THEY were the celebrities and they deserved every minute of it.  It was overwhelming and I am thankful to have been a part.  A HUGE thanks to my fellow Rotarians for putting this event together for so many years.  It went like clockwork.  You are doing something great for the greatest.

President Elect Jay White accepts Club of Excellence Award from District Governor Firoz Peera

A great time was had by all the 2011 Rotary District 7680 District Conference. A group of Rotarians went to represent our club and had a wonderful time. Rotarians attended information sessions and evening awards celebrations.  Our club not only received the Club of Excellence award, but also the award for highest attendance at the District Conference. Well done again this year Cabarrus Rotary!