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<\/p>\nUnderstanding that today\u2019s 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\u2019s local educational programs, as well as national and international causes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Auction items included: an Australian-themed basket; custom-made wine cabinet; Giant\u2019s Ridge golf package; Mark\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Other significant Maple Grove Rotary Club activities include: the Junior Rotarian programs at Osseo and Maple Grove high schools; \u201cService Above Self\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
In addition, the club donates about 2,000 hats and mittens to elementary school students through the \u201cWarm Heads, Warm Hands, Warm Hearts\u201d 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 \u201cH20 for Life\u201d and \u201cThe Run for Darfur.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gold sponsors included:
\nAmeriprise Financial\/First Class Mortgage
\nFroehling Anderson, Ltd.
\nHenningson & Snoxell, Ltd.
\nKlein Bank
\nMaple Grove Hospital
\nNorth Memorial Healthcare
\nOsseo-Maple Grove Press
\nPearle Vision \u2013 Maple Grove
\nRotary Club of Brooklyn Park
\nJane Schmidt \u2013 Keller Williams Classic Realty<\/p>\n
Silver sponsors included:
\nRaymond James Financial Services, Inc.
\nRotary Club of Crystal-New Hope-Robbinsdale
\nRotary Club of Rogers<\/p>\n
Bronze sponsors included:
\nAustin Mutual Insurance Co.
\nBroman Chiropractic, P.A.
\nISD 279 Osseo Area Schools
\nPrestige Builders of Minnesota
\nThomas D. Jenson, Ltd.<\/p>\n
Special thanks as well to Rhonda Robinson of Indigo Journeys, Giants Ridge Golf Resort, and Malmborg\u2019s Garden Center.<\/p>\n
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