The Program
Rotarian of the Day Pam Tubbs introduced our guest, Colleen Bonadonna. She’s District 7600’s Polio Plus Chairperson, and she is as dedicated to Rotary as any person you’ll ever meet…for good reason. When she was 10-years old, her father killed himself, leaving Colleen’s mother to raise seven children all under the age of 11. While her mother would eventually go back to school to become a nurse, the first few years were very hard. The family was on public assistance and her mother had no way of providing anything beyond the basics.
That’s where Rotary entered Colleen’s life. That very first Christmas, the local Rotary Club provided the holiday meal and presents for the entire family. She never forgot that generosity and as an adult, she was eager to join Rotary and do her part to help others. She has certainly done that and more. Here are just a few examples:
- Two-time Past President of the Rotary Club of West Point, Virginia
- Rotary Foundation Major Donor and Member of the Bequest Society
- Past District Chair for Water & Sanitation, International Service, and District Conference Committees
- Club Builder Award
- Rotary Foundation District Service Award
- Rotary International’s Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World
Colleen has participated in nine Polio National Immunization trips to India and Nigeria. During her time with us, she shared some of those experiences and the challenges ahead. “I know you are probably tired of hearing about Polio,” she said. “So am I, but we simply cannot give up.” Especially, she says, since we are so close. So far this year, there have been just 11 reported cases. Colleen says getting that number down to zero will require a massive, concentrated effort.
To date, more than 20 million volunteers have been part of the fight. The biggest barriers: cultures leery of outsiders and war. There’s another problem. While it may be hard to believe, there are still many villages that do not show up on any map.
Colleen still remembers the first trip she made to India. She was vaccinating a child. Its mother spoke no English, but there eyes met. Both in tears, it was clear to Colleen there was a deep sense a gratitude in that mother’s heart.
While we may not have that same experience, nor will we likely meet the people we are helping as Rotarians, Colleen says, “Make no mistake. What you do makes a difference in the lives of others.”
The Meeting
Following a rousing rendition of Sing out a Song to Rotary and You’re a Grand Old Flag, and the Innovation by Jim Baker, John Searing introduced our guests – Tyler Armstrong, Jasmyne Spirey, and Dr. Ivory Warren from Tidewater Community College. They were present to receive their charter as the newest Rotaract Club in our District.
That was followed by the induction of our newest club member, Jenny Lester, sponsored by Kelly Stefanko. Jenny is the Major Gifts Officer for the American Red Cross of Tidewater.
Since Dr. Steve Jones is still recuperating, Lorna Cochrane andTami Aloisa, gave us a final Suds & Buds report. She was very happy to tell us that we had more than 400 guests in attendance and brought in about $44,000 in revenue, netting about $30,000 that will be divided between our three designated charities.
Happy Bucks:
- John Lynn – For his first grandchild.
- Alan Nelson – For his 26th wedding anniversary.
- Ashley Molinaro – For her daughter’s birthday and her hope that this will be her last meeting before she and her husband welcome their second child into the world!
- Jim Baker – Granddaughter got married.
- Jim O’Brien – For the launch of the new Rotary satellite club
- Pam Tubbs – For her 40th wedding anniversary.
- Wayne Shank – For Ted Baker rejoining our meetings.
- Winston Whitehurst – Daughter received her doctorate from the University of California-Riverside.
- Gary Boswick – For the launch of the new Rotary satellite club.
One of guests from the new TCC Rotaract Club drew the winning ticket from the drawing, but not the winning card, so the pot continues to grow.