FogHorn Sept 24 Meeting

Posted by Editor: FDBobko 
 
The FOGHORN 
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
Article by  BILL JOHNSTON 
​Photos by EJ Deiterle
Program: Table of Plenty
 
 
 
By the end of 2015 the TABLE OF PLENTY will have served over 20,000 delicious meals to 80 – 135 hungry men, women and children every Thursday evening. Our speakers were Sr. Jeanette Braun and Debbe Kennedy. The program utilizes facilities at Our Lady of the Pillar Church, but it is an independent 501c3 wholly self-sufficient nonprofit.
 
Our speakers had a special Rotary connection. When Debbe became a Catholic she was sponsored by Dale Charnock.  Debbe, in turn, served as sponsor for Charise McHugh.
 
Several years ago Clyde Beffa Jr., who has been a wonderful supporter of many Rotary fundraisers and who is a founder of K & L Wine Merchants, met with Father Charlie Fermeglia of the Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church in Half Moon Bay. He wanted to do something in his mother’s honor. They settled on a wine tasting benefit. The funds raised from that event funded TABLE OF PLENTY for the first year. Similar fundraisers the past two years have enabled the program to be self-sustaining.
 
Hunger index figures show that for the United States as a whole, one in six families go to bed hungry. In San Mateo County the number is one in four. 
 
Sister Jeanette Braun shared with us some of the program rules. Treat each guest with dignity and respect. Serve simple meals accompanied by flowers and navy blue tablecloths. Meals are usually served restaurant style. There are two greeters for every Thursday evening. The servers try to learn the names of at least two guests each day.
 
Volunteers range in age from 13 to 80. They have a music man who plays music appropriate for the menu. Don Wright who was recently awarded the presidential service award serves as their baker. Meals are served every Thursday and on major holidays. Sometimes, families act as servers. Sister Jeanette shared some delightful pictures of small children pushing dessert carts. Volunteers include the Notre Dame University students, students from Notre Dame High School, students from Notre Dame Elementary School (who provide cards appropriate for various holidays) and students from our local high school and middle school. Two of the volunteers have become certified food service providers. Contributors to the program include Kelly St. Catholic Worker and No Strings Attached.
 
The most important point that Sister Jeanette shared with us was how TABLE OF PLENTY has evolved into a real community.
 
Debbe Kennedy has reinvented herself from an IBM executive, to a business consultant, to someone who is making a real difference through TABLE OF PLENTY. She talked to us about three important lessons that they have learned. First, building and keeping a top volunteer team that is second to none and operates with repeatable processes to make it possible to serve guests with love and effectiveness. Second, controlling the rate of growth so that they can deliver excellence within budget. Third, the poor and the homeless love beauty and beauty is not a budget item. She shared with us what she called the miracle of achieving their nonprofit status as a 501c3 entity in a matter of days, a process that usually takes months. She also told us how their story had been published as the cover article in the prestigious business journal called Leader to Leader. Finally, we were all issued an invitation to participate as volunteers.
 
 
September 24 Meeting Recap
Article by  Dwight Wilson
Photos by EJ Dieterle
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Dave Andrews began the meeting, and Eric Shapira lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
For the Inspitational Thought Dave Dixon, who just returned from a fabulous vacation, talked about Yogi Berra’s famous quotes from past.  He ended by one of Berra's most famous quotes, “I never said the most things I said.”
 
GUESTS 
Dick Charnock introduced his spouse, Gail.  Eric Shapiro – his mother, Betty. Dave Dixon introduced his spouse, Marla Wong. Charise McHugh introduced our speakers, Sister Jeanette and Debbie Kennedy.
 
 
Happy/Crappy News 
Rosie Fontana just came back from Belize where she visited the local Rotary Club and indicated they need help with purchasing a waste burning and a cleaning water device.  They also would love to have donated books in English or Spanish. It was a delightful visit, even though it was hot.
Dave Dixon had a great time in Italy and kept to his goal of having wine every night.  One night he looked around, and who did he see? It was Patricia Roma who also was visiting Italy. 
Charise McHugh turned 63 this last week and donated to the Foundation. 
Eric Shapira just came back from Northern China where he was teaching and volunteering.  He is seeing some changes in how the Chinese provide healthcare to their citizens.
 
Announcements
Dave reminded everyone that the Pumpkin Festival is the weekend of October 17th. 
Dan Miller announced they are cancelling the monthly clean up at Carter Park for this month only.
Paul McReynolds announced that Jim Schurery died this morning.  He had been an active Rotarian for the club.
Rosi Fontana announced that there are 308 3rd graders in the school district this year.  She also stated you now need a sticker to park at the high school.
 
Leah Lambrecht, our District President has reminded us that we need to buy tickets for the Rotary World Peace Concert scheduled on November 14th at the Herbst Theatre.  See more details on our website home page with a link to go online to purchase them.
Augustine Gill from RotoCare will be addressing the Board at their October Board meeting.
 
Dave's CHEERY Quiz of the Week: Today it is about Workman’s Compensation.
Question: What is the cost per $100 salary for the following working classes:
  • Amusement park workers ----- $27
  • Bankers ----- $4
  • Carpenters ----- $70
  • Roofers ----- $145
  • Teachers ----- $6
  • Horse Jockeys ----- $477 per race
 
No wonder it is hard to manage personnel payroll
 
 
 
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL REMINDER
 
 
MARBLE DRAW THIS WEEK! Irwin!  But it was Green.