Continuing our Zoom meeting format, we had the unexpected pleasure of welcoming back Jerry Fohrman to preside over our first meeting of 2021. Art Harrington guided us in prayer, Terry and Teresa Smith led us with the pledge to our flag, and Greg Raskin with the Four Way Test.
Thought of the Day provided by Par: “Whether you think you can, or you can’t - - you’re right.” Henry Ford.
The club was very saddened to hear about the untimely passing of former Sunupian Chuck Abbott. Chuck was a very entertaining and sincere friend to many as well as a dedicated, hard-working Rotarian. Rest in peace Chuck. PASS meal project coordinator Laura Vanderberg invited members who wish to volunteer to provide dinner to the women’s shelter on our regularly scheduled first Monday of the month to please contact her. Thanks went out to Teresa and Terry for volunteering to provide an additional meal on Jan. 22. Sharon Harrington reminded us that volunteers are responsible for the cost of these additional meals. Art Harrington announced that the 1st shipment of mobility equipment, including 125 wheelchairs loaded into a 46ft semi, departed for Central Mexico last week.
John Stewart was asked to make a rare appearance as the Sgt. at Arms and promptly fined Dennis Light for appearing on the front page of the Prescott Courier as he received his Covid vaccination. Dennis reported no side effects. Dennis also had sad bucks in remembrance of his longtime friend and colleague who passed from a work-related illness. John fined Greg Raskin for building a new home in a very nice neighborhood; however, Jerry F reminded Greg he’s still “down the hill” from him. Todd was fined for his currently frozen-solid drip system. Par and Bud paid birthday bucks, Phil Goode was happy that a new airline will be providing additional flights between Prescott Airport and Harbor, Linda Mast showed her appreciation to John Scholl for all his work keeping our kids educated, and Jane Anne announced that her husband Bob Shimizu is playing at the Hassayampa Inn from 5-9 pm on Friday nights of Jan. 15 & 22. Many sad bucks remembering Chuck Abbott.
The guest speaker for today was our own Art Harrington and the topic was The Rotary Foundation: Let’s Make a Deal! Specifically, Art’s presentation provided 
a general overview of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and an explanation of our club’s Paul Harris Fellow promotion called Let’s Make a Deal, where our club offers to match any member’s donation towards achieving a Paul Harris certificate and recognition pin or achieving a higher level.
The Rotary Foundation is one of the largest and most prestigious international fellowship programs in the world. As a promoter of world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs, it is consistently rated as one of the highest rated, most efficient, charitable foundations in the world. One dollar in the hands of Rotary can do the same as $17 in the hands of government.
The Rotary Foundation is supported entirely by donations from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation; thus, we are literally the lifeline that keeps it going. Sunup Rotary is holding a special promotion for donations to The Rotary Foundation called Let’s Make a Deal, where the club will match any donation you make to the Foundation, and those donations will go towards your Paul Harris Fellow certificate, pin and a plate with your name on the club banner. It takes a total of $1,000 in donations to The Rotary Foundation for a member to become a Paul Harris Fellow. So, for example, if you donate $300 before March 31, the club with match your donation with another $300, and you will have $600 towards your Paul Harris. If you donate $500, the club will match that and you’ll receive a Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin. If you already have a pin, you can do the same and become Paul Harris ‘plus one’ or ‘plus two’ and continue.
Watch your e-mail for a notification from Sunup regarding how far you are along to becoming a Paul Harris Fellow and details on how to participate in Let’s Make a Deal. Donating to The Rotary Foundation means clean water and sanitation. Health and hope in areas that were once ravaged by diseases like polio. Economic development and new opportunities. Your financial help makes all this happen, and much, much more. Please see your email for details or contact Art Harrington for more information.
