Rotary Gift of Life Team leaves For Vietnam

Wednesday night Ray Hough, Pat LaRocco, Andy Topp and PDG Joe Laureni left for the Gift of Life's mission to Vietnam. Several Rotarians went to the airport to assist with the equipment and to see them off and I can honestly say I was never prouder to be a Rotarian when I saw Ray, Pat, Andy and Joe walk towards their gate along with 25 medical personnel (there will be 14 more medical people joining them along the way) all volunteering their time to save about 40 children's lives. I ask everyone to think of these people in your prayers.

On February 13, 2009 we will be holding our annual Gift of Life Celebration Dinner. Based on the level of ads in this year's Journal the tough economic environment has impacted area Rotarians and businesses and the Celebration committee is very concerned about attendance at the Dinner. This is the one time every year when Rotarians of District 7490 can get together, enjoy fellowship and congratulate each other for all of our accomplishments, not just GOL but everything we do to make lives locally and throughout the world a little better.

The cost of the Dinner was maintained at $80 despite our expenses increasing. The Dinner is not intended to be a fund raiser but a true celebration. I promise great food, short speeches, dancing and a surprise worth the price of admission. Each club president should have registration forms but if you need one please feel free to contact me.

Please join us and celebrate who we are and what we do.

Paul A. Platek

GOL Foundation Chair