The February 1, 2016 Rotary Club of Kirkland meeting was called to order at 6:30 by President Rich Bergdahl and John Pruitt led the Pledge. Mike Hunter gave the inspirational moment with news from Bill Gates that Polio should finally be wiped out by year-end 2016. The Gates Foundation has exceeded the pledge it originally made to match Rotary’s commitment to raise $750 million and has actually contributed over $1 billion to wipe out this scourge.
 
Our student of the month, Desperit (sp), was introduced to the club. He is a Senior at Juanita High School, captain of the football team and a member of the National Honor Society.
 
Amy Mutal introduced her guest, Anne Hess, the new owner of Kirkland Living Magazine.
 
Patti Smith announced that there will be a Duck Dash Committee meeting next Monday @ 5:15. She also called for sponsors and Rick Walter was the first to respond and support our signature event.
 
Joanne announced the Foundation Auction will be held March 5th at the Women’s Club. Please think about things you might have to donate.
 
Dave and Amy Mutal announced there will be a run/walk event and a bike ride, which they are coordinating, celebrating the opening of the 520 bridge. If you’d like to participate they would be glad to sign you up.
 
Rich announced that Sigi Schmid will be the speaker at our March 7th meeting and that our next board meeting is March 10th. All  are welcome to attend. Also that the district conference will be held this year at the Coeur D Alene resort. Our February 29th meeting will be at the Flatstick Pub.
 
Nourishing Networks is in need of food during this slow season of giving. Joanne announced that our Duck Dash teams will compete with the Downton Club to see who can bring in the most food, “by weight”.
 
Rich announced our officers and board for the 2016-2017 Rotary year. They are:
 
Scott Becker- President
Steve Shinstrom-President Elect
Rick Walter-Vice President
Rick Walter-Treasurer
Rich Bergdahl-Past President
Anne Hamilton-Secretary
Dave DeBois-Club Service
Joanne Premavera-Community Service
Alice Volpe-International Service
James Nevers-Vocational Service
Rotary Foundation-Don Dicks
Program Chair-Jason Overleese
Sargent at Arms-John Pruitt
Public Relations-Bob Webb
Webmaster-Steve Shinstrom
After Hours Chair-Scott Rethke
Head Duck-Patti Smith
 
David Aubrey introduced our enthusiastic speaker, Kintisha Williams, who is the Development Coordinator at Treehouse. Founded in 1988 Treehouse serves 7,000 foster kids every year from birth to 24 years old providing a safe place for them and giving great childhood experiences. Treehouse began its funding with Bake Sales providing small benefits for its foster kids. Now it is able to answer wishes these kids have as well as providing sports equipment, ASB cards, clothing, etc so they can have an assemblence of a normal scholastic experience. They also work with middle and high school students with goal setting. Going one step further to provide a sense of pride in their lifestyle Treehouse has a warehouse that includes a free store where these kids can shop six times/year, choosing 25 items of their choice. Currently they are in need of little boy’s jeans.
 
Patti Smith had the winning ticket in the Joker Pool but was not able to find the Joker., AHHHH.
 
Your Scribe for the night, Scott Becker