Katie Lindsay
Ending World Hunger - Heifer International
By Suzanne Bledsoe
      
Katie Tyler caught our attention when she announced, in her introduction of Katie Lindsey, that she had been given a water buffalo for Christmas last year and was hoping for some goats this year! Katie Lindsey joined us today to share her obvious passion and commitment to the mission of Heifer International. As a volunteer for Heifer International, Katie devotes a lot of time to educating groups about its mission and history.
 
Heifer International (HI) is a not for profit organization, working to end world hunger by giving livestock to impoverished families in communities around the world. The idea is that, through training delivered by HI volunteers and staff, families learn to care for animals and grow crops in ways that are sustainable for future generations. They teach recipients about animal health, water quality, gender equity, the environment and community development. As a way to "pay it forward", the recipients agree to share the offspring of their animals with others in need. This serves to multiply exponentially the benefits of every donated animal while allowing the recipients to pass on the gift of the hope of a future. Heifer, organized in 1944, currently provides 29 different kinds of livestock, plants and trees to 57 countries, including the United States. In fact, in eastern North Carolina a current initiative involves teaching former tobacco farmers how to grow and care for hogs.
  
Giving an animal to a struggling family in a supportive community changes their lives dramatically by providing them nutrition, income, self sufficiency and hope. The support of the community and the education provided by HI volunteers allows an opportunity for those less advantaged to receive a hand up, rather than a hand out.
   
To find out more about HI and look into a goat or two for Katie Tyler and other friends and colleagues, visit their website at www.hiefer.org. And if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Charlotte group at Info@charlottehiefer.org.
 
Head Table: Mike Crum, Jill Santuccio, Mac McCarley, Katie Tyler, Michael Elder, Spencer Williams;
Invocation: Carol Hughes
Visitors & Guests: Tom Hutchins; Health & Happiness: Harley Dickson; Song: Meg McElwain

• Sympathy is extended to Jay Deyton and family in the death of Jay's wife, Mary on July 12th. You will remember Jay had been hospitalized for tests the prior week.
     
• Leroy Mayne said wife Annette surprised him by submitting their tales of romance to the Observer. The captions in the story had headings of 'the intruder, the beer, the roses'…you'll need to ask Leroy; As reported by Jeff Elder: Tim Newman has thrown his weight, and anthem-warbling baritone, behind the upstart Charlotte Music Awards on September 6; Donald Haack has released his second book, Diamond Safari, and expects to have a third installment out by early next year.
        
• Graham Wilson was installed as 2007-2008 District Governor in a touching ceremony last week. Graham, born and educated in England and a member of Union West Rotary Club, came right out of the gate by naming his four children, two son-in-laws, and two grandchildren Paul Harris Fellows. The bagpiper that entered the room playing Amazing Grace both surprised and greatly pleased Graham. Tom Robertson was inducted to serve as Assistant Governor for Charlotte Rotary. Graham will address the club on August 28th.
 
• OFF TO PERU…David Anderson announced plans are underway for a trip to Peru in February. The group will leave at 6:45 PM February 8th and will return either February 16th or 17th. Total cost (depending on the side trip once in Peru) is approximately $2100. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due by October 8th. Those that made the trip last year returned in awe of the work that has been done and ever mindful of work that needs to be done. If you are interested or need additional information/testimony, contact David at anderso1@carolina.rr.com or 704-499-3277.

• Membership applications are available in the Rotary office. The first new member application for 2007-2008 has yet to come in. Chair Tom Bartholomy will never reach his goal of net 8 members at this rate.

• Community announcements: The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is recruiting volunteers for administrative, concessions, usher and tour guide positions. Contact Jenn Rubin, 704-379-1264 for additional information; CPCC Summer Theater opens Children of Eden on July 20th for 8 performances.