Understanding that today’s youth represent the future of our country, the Rotary Club of Maple Grove has been a longtime advocate of initiatives that assist young people. Led this year by President Tom Anderson, the club hosted a dinner and silent auction on Nov. 21 in support of the club’s local educational programs, as well as national and international causes.

Several area businesses and organizations sponsored the event. Prime Advertising & Design Vice President (and Rotarian) Marilyn Bina served on the Silent Auction Steering Committee along with Dr. Carolyn Apker, Jason Bauerly (chair), Jeffrey Berg, Doug Broman, DeeDee Heitzman, David Henningson, Dan Hill, Tony Kieffer, Bob Kochenderfer, Robin Manthei, Kirk Moleski, Susan Peterson, Jane Schmidt, and Suzanne Sem.

Auction items included: an Australian-themed basket; custom-made wine cabinet; Giant’s Ridge golf package; Mark’s Lawn Service certificate; Northwest Suburban Conference athletic pass; Rush Creek golf package for four; Timberwolves suite package; and accommodations at the Winfield Inn in Bayfield, Wis. The event well exceeded the stated goal of $35,000.

One great example of how Maple Grove Rotarians have become involved in the lives of local youth is the STRIVE program. In STRIVE, club members serve as mentors during the school year, and ultimately reward scholarship money to students who have excelled in school by achieving high grades and regular scholastic attendance.

Other significant Maple Grove Rotary Club activities include: the Junior Rotarian programs at Osseo and Maple Grove high schools; “Service Above Self” scholarships; leadership training at Camp Enterprise; Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards); The Ethics Workshop; and assistance in the Sophomore Respect Retreat and Link Crew.

In addition, the club donates about 2,000 hats and mittens to elementary school students through the “Warm Heads, Warm Hands, Warm Hearts” program, and 1,600 dictionaries are distributed to local third graders. International Rotary efforts include the fight against polio, building a school in Haiti, an eye clinic in Borneo, and relief causes such as “H20 for Life” and “The Run for Darfur.”

Gold sponsors included:
Ameriprise Financial/First Class Mortgage
Froehling Anderson, Ltd.
Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd.
Klein Bank
Maple Grove Hospital
North Memorial Healthcare
Osseo-Maple Grove Press
Pearle Vision – Maple Grove
Rotary Club of Brooklyn Park
Jane Schmidt – Keller Williams Classic Realty

Silver sponsors included:
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Rotary Club of Crystal-New Hope-Robbinsdale
Rotary Club of Rogers

Bronze sponsors included:
Austin Mutual Insurance Co.
Broman Chiropractic, P.A.
ISD 279 Osseo Area Schools
Prestige Builders of Minnesota
Thomas D. Jenson, Ltd.

Special thanks as well to Rhonda Robinson of Indigo Journeys, Giants Ridge Golf Resort, and Malmborg’s Garden Center.