Paula Chapulis opened the meeting with many announcements including Adam Lokken and Jay Lokken (his dad) as special guests. Adam isour outbound Rotary student heading to Argentina this fall for the school year. He attended the youth exchange student conference last weekend and said it was excellent.
Paula announced Eric Charpentier has graciously agreed to head up Rotaract and RYLAfor our club. Jeff Birks announced that the Peaches will be shipped around August 18/19 this summer with Cashwise as our partner again. More ordering info to come.
The second quarter Service Above Self Award presentation was given to Amy Price. Her sponsor, Sheila DeChantal, shared that Amy volunteers at the (senior) center and realtors association. One example is bringing groceries to shut in seniors and is quick to say yes and is willing to help no matter the circumstances.
Speaker: Heather Kelm and Mary Kay Verkennes from Central Lakes Rotary shared more information about the Rotary Ends Human Trafficking (REHT). This is a music & camping festival raising awareness of this serious crime. They need our help. Please contact Stephen Blenkush (stephenblenkush@gmail.com) if you're interested in joining the volunteer ranks.
Mary Kay launched REHT last year. On July 28 and 29 this year’s event is being held again in Pine River. Expect to be entertained by live music with several national bands and popular regional bands. Before the concerts there will be presentations on human trafficking by knowledgeable speakers. Camping with electrical hookup or primitive is available. A food court with food vendors and full bar is nearby on the property.
The statistics shared included:
The average age of a child who is recruited into sex trafficking is 11 to 14 years old.
Forced to have sex 5-40 times per day.
Life expectancy is just 7 years.
48 million estimated slaves/victims in the world today.
300,000 new sex trafficked victims in the US each year.
$99 BILLION in profits from sex trafficking.
$55 BILLION from labor trafficking.
2nd largest black-market crime behind illegal drug trafficking.
Sadly, our lakes area has the highest rates of human trafficking in MN. Please buy and sell tickets to support this important event. Check the REHT Music Festival website for updates www.rehtmusicfestival.com
July Board Meetings:
This month's Club board meeting will be moved from July 18 to July 25 to coincide with the District Governor's visit. Anyone is welcome to join.
Upcoming Speakers:
July 25: Dave Long, 2023-2024 District Governor Visits
August 1: Jessica Whales, Warrior Warehouse. Brainerd High School & Forestview Middle School
Greeters:
July 25: Curtis Nielsen, Dan Brown
Aug 1: Daniel Klement, David Schaeffer, David Ten Eyck
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.
Brainerd Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at 12pm at the Northland Arboretum (lower level) - 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back. Join us here for updates, announcements, and stories.
To see our schedule of upcoming speakers, click HERE. If you have an idea or question, contact Bob Nystrom at robertnystrom5@gmail.com.
Sergeant at Arms
Our committee is continuing on! The President of the year designates where the funds go from the dollars raised for the year. The committee is looking for 1-2 newer members who would be willing to join the committee. It's a great way to get to know your fellow Rotarians. Contact Paula at paulachapulis@gmail.com.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Samanta Candia Aguirre - from Peru will be arriving this summer. If you’d like to be more involved in our youth exchange program and willing to join our Youth Exchange committee, please contact Jesse Hopkins at 218-515-0821 or jesse.hopkins@hhrarchitecture.com or jesse.david.hopkins@gmail.com.
Rotary International Convention:
May 25-29, 2024, Singapore.
Brainerd Club Board
Meeting occurs at 11am on the Third Tuesday of the month at The Northland Arboretum. Anyone can attend.
Brainerd Foundation Board
Anyone is welcome to join the meeting at 11am on the second Tuesday of the month at The Northland Arboretum. More information on Foundation Grants, grant process, grant applications at https://www.brainerdrotary.org/page/brainerd-rotary-foundation.
Social Media and PR
Please take and share photos of current rotary club events. Share with Allie Verchota allie.verchota@deerwoodbank.com or Brian Andrews executivedirector@larjp.org so we can keep our website and social media platforms current. Thank you!
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