Program for  February 17, 2014:  International Rotary President Elect Gary Huang

Invocation by: Jim Andrew

Guests: Karey Hawkins, Hailey Osborn and Tanner Howell.

Happy News:  Judi Holdorf had a great time delivering and presenting dictionaries to the students in Wilton. Jamie Hopkins is a proud Dad!!  His son achieved the highest ROTC score! Jamie is also happy the Cyclones won!! Steve Jameson was proud that the Muscatine Journal placed 3rd in the Iowa Newspaper Awards at the recent Convention. Mary Wildermuth was happy to say that 65 club members will attend the meeting next week.. some will be away celebrating the President's Day Holiday!!

Tony Joseph acting President reminded us of the International President Elect Gary Huang's visit next week! He also noted that Wayne Merrell and Rachel Riley Smock are joining as a transfer and a new member!!  Welcome!

Rotary Program: Mary Hopkins, Executive Director of the Erika Kate Alliance provided an informative update on the Alliance's current activities and future vision.  Mike Frye, grandfather of Erika Kate introduced Mary to share the program.  The Alliance provides financial support and case specific services to families of children who have congenital heart defects. 1 in every 100 children born will have heart defects.  The Alliance serves 44 Heart Centers around the United States.  The Erika Kate Alliance has helped over 500 families by providing financial support in the form of a grant or emotional or spiritual support in the family's time of distress!! 

 The Alliance's Vision is:

 To create a substantial national community of individuals and organizations working together to extend hope by offering financial, emotional and spiritual care to families experiencing a heart related medical crisis with their child.

Further information is available at the Erika Kate Alliance Website: www.erikakate.org