January 27, 2014 Spokesman

Posted by Mike Hunter 
on Jan 27, 2014
 
Rotary Club of Kirkland
Monday, January 27, 2014 Meeting
President Scott Rethke called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.  Brian Tucker led us in the Pledge.
 
Guests included Dillon Gabeline (son of our speaker), Ren Singh, Amy Mutual, Jane Hengraft, Cathy & Steve Dewalt, Sandy & Mac Potts, Jessica Olson (daughter of Eric), and our own Jim Hart (who’s really a long-time member also known as Miss Kirkland)!
Cathy & Steve Dewalt invited everyone to the “Ten Grands” performance on April 4th at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.  This is “Ten Grands” seventh year and funds raised from this performance benefit the educational programs of the Seattle Symphony.  An exclusive offer for Rotarians is a private reception prior to the performance from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.  Tickets for the reception and performance are $80.  Call 206 215-4818 for more information.
 
After Cathy & Steve spoke, Mac Potts, who has been blind from a young age, performed for us on the piano keyboard and he is great!  Mac will perform at “Ten Grands” again this year, so you do not want to miss this event.
Steve Shinstrom set up a Super Bowl Pool and squares were selling fast for this Sunday’s win by the Seahawks!
 
Announcements:
John Pruitt announced a wine tasting at St. Michelle Winery in Woodinville on Sunday afternoon, February 9th at 3:00 PM.  Cost is $10 each, so give John a call if you weren’t at the meeting to sign up.
Jerry Campo is zeroing in on a hockey night with the Silvertips in Everett.  Dinner on your own will be prior to the game.  Cost is $16 each for lower level seating.  Looks like March 8th or 15th are the best nights, and a minimum of 15 people are required, so more information will be coming.
Barb Seaton announced the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction on March 22nd at the Women’s Club.  The Bruners promise another wonderful spaghetti dinner, and there will be silent and live auctions.  Of course the bidding for desserts is expected too!  Give Barb a call if you have items for the auction.
Don Dix announced the performance of Crème Tangerine at the Kirkland Performance Center this Friday evening (January 31).  Tickets are $20, or $60 if you want to go backstage and meet the band, get a t-shirt, and help with the Amps like a Groupie (not sure about helping with the “Amps”).  Give KPC a call for tickets.        
 
Program:
Jason Overleese introduced Kevin Gabeline who spoke about venture capital funds and how they help finance businesses.  Kevin started with the Fluke Capital fund and now has his own fund with a partner.  Most of their investments are in the Northwest and with companies and businesses they know.  Their office is now located in downtown Kirkland.  Involvement is at a high level with companies, like a Board seat, and an old saying is, “noses in, hands out” in relation to how involved the fund normally gets with businesses.
Kevin provided a lot of information and was very candid about certain companies.  Thanks for a great program!
 
Joker Pool:
Jerry Campo won the ticket drawing (and also the free upcoming Alaska flight to New York for the Time Square party to watch the Super Bowl.  Lucky guy!)  Unfortunately the Joker stayed hidden, so the pot continues to grow.
 
President Scott adjourned the meeting at 7:35 PM.
Submitted by Mike Hunter, Scribe for the Week