Dan O'Brien: The Rotary Foundation - 100 Years of Doing Good in the World
The Rotary Foundation started in 1917 with $26.50 and has grown today to over 3 billion dollars! The Foundation has six primary areas of focus:
1. Promoting Peace
2. Fighting Disease
3. Providing Clean Water
4. Saving Mothers and Children
5. Supporting Education
6. Growing Local Economies
 
 
Our club projects have supported the India Village Clinic in India, wells in Kenya, restroom and sanitation for students in Honduras, and an orphanage and school for children in Nepal, and more locally PROP, the “Soaring Bird” statue in Eden Prairie, the 66 West Apartments for homeless youth and many other local nonprofits.
 
92% of funds go to programs—only 8% to fundraising and administration. This is remarkable and you know your money is put towards great purposes.
 
There are many ways to give.
1. Write a check
2. Make a pledge
3. Go online and pay with a credit card
4. Become a recurring member and have money deducted from a savings account or credit card on a regular basis.

100% of EPAM members gave over the past 4 years. EPAM members’ average contribution is over $425.00 annually.
 
Announcements
  • Gary Bergren reported that $1691.27 was collected at our kettle at the EP Cub Foods which was matched by Gary and by Cub Foods. To see photos of bellringers, click here.
  • Beyond the Yellow Ribbon has a goal to write 50 letters that will be sent to service people overseas. Please volunteer for this important endeavor.
  • Welcome Back Cheryl Eastbourne.
  • Rather than a progressive dinner, let’s plan some kind of winter social activity. Please step up if you have an idea and volunteer to plan an event. Contact our club president if interested.
  • Community Service Grants applications due in Nov. 30.
  • PROP Holiday Gifts and/or gift certificates in honor of people.
  • The EPAM Family Holiday Breakfast is on December 20th . Invite the children – Santa will be present along with a choir providing holiday sounds.
  • Swallowship on December 7th at Don Pablos.
  • Bruce Hutchins says thanks for the card—it was very much appreciated.
  • Both Eden Prairie Rotary Clubs are partnering with Royal Credit Union to present Test Drive… Next Stop Reality to half of the senior class at Eden Prairie High School! Here is the link to sign up. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0A4FAFA62AA4F94-test2
New Member Induction: Lyndon Moquist
Lyndon Moquist was inducted as the newest member of the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club on Tuesday, November 22.  Lyndon is the managing broker at Edina Realty and was sponsored by Craig Blixrud
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spotlight on Dennis Kim
If Dennis Kims looks old to you that may be because of the fact that he is old. He has surpassed 200 years by his method of counting. First one must understand that there is no actual record of his birth. His claim that he was born, and that this event occurred in Korea, could be difficult to prove if ever challenged. Somewhere along the way he picked January 15th as a date to call his own. Searching back in time it was found that in some incomprehensible way September 17th has a connection with January 15th and furthermore that October 17th holds an inexplicable significance as well. So Dennis came to have three birthdays per year and Rotarian Kim figures he has now aged over 200 years.
 
Rotary meetings are one of Dennis’ passions. He is especially passionate about the youth exchange program and encourages others to host a student. Dennis loves music and has played piano for over 35 years. He admits that the more he plays, the worse he gets.
 
Dennis owns an energy company. Wind and solar, with 40% being solar. Technology and price will drive the success of alternative power sources. Power is changing. And if things don’t quite go as planned, based on the way Dennis counts birthdays, he could certainly do well as an accountant for the next 50 years or so.
 
Happy Fines
  • Cathy Haukedahl –Recognizes Dan O’Brien for offering his architectural expertise to a nonprofit ministry “Whispers of Hope” that is renovating a farm for housing women that have been abused and trafficked.
  • Jane McGinty – Parents are up for Thanksgiving, her father is a new Rotarian, and a random act of kindness when Dan O’Brien stopped by years ago to present her daughter with a gift when she was ill.
  • Roger Jorgensen – Curt Tryggestad—Superintendent of the Year! Congratulations to Curt! And Roger brought up the infamous Dan O’Brien balloon stabbing incident.
  • Dennis Kim – Nice weather -- Dan O’Brien too!
  • Rather than calling out Dan O’Brien for another one of his good deeds or shenanigans, Michael Kraines chose to recognize Mark Weber. Mark was presented with CHOICE’s Distinguished Community Partner Award. Mark was selected for this award by the employees of CHOICE because of the support the Eden Prairie Community Foundation has provided CHOICE over the years, Mark’s attendance and participation at CHOICE events, and for hosting a monthly gathering of Eden Prairie’s non-profit leaders. Congratulations to Mark!
 
Visitors
Jack Haase - Rotarian 
Cheryl Eastbourne - Prospective Member
Krista McGinty - Guest
Ale Pena Gonzalez - Student
Student interns: Bailey DeMets