Carmi Rotary Club Hears from Salvation Army
The Carmi Rotary club had a very special guest on Thursday as Don Winkleman was on hand to give his wrap-up of the Salvation Army bell ringing campaign.
Don told the Rotarians that he feels as if he’s at so many Rotary meetings he’s almost a member. He then went on to tell about the very successful bell ringing campaign of 2018. He went through the day to day totals, but the two most important (at least to the day’s crowd), were the Rotary and Lion’s club totals.
Don told the Rotarians that they would finish second in 2018. The Rotary Club’s day for ringing was black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and when all cash, change and checks were counted, the Rotarians brought in $3,675 for the day!
However, that number was not even close to the season’s winning group, as the Carmi Lion’s club racked up an incredible two-day total of $8,427.50. Don explained that on the first day’s ringing, a check for three thousand dollars was given by one of the Lion’s Club members, adding to what was already a fantastic day’s total.
Don went on to mention that the kettle averages around a hundred dollars per day just in loose change. He laughed, that many people drop in change and say it’s not much, but it all really adds up.
For the year, over one hundred and fifty people volunteered their time to ring the bell, some of those in very cold and dreary weather. As Don said, for a town the size of Carmi, 150 people is really a great number.
For the entire campaign, the bell ringing brought in just at $22,000.00, which is up a little from last year. Don explained that using the Salvation Army and WADI, he is able to keep as much of that money locally to pay for food vouchers and other needs within our community. He went on to say how much that money is needed, as the funds usually run dry around September.
In club business, everything is close to finalized for the first ever “Get to know Rotary” dinner, which will be held on Tuesday, February 19th at the Elks Club in Carmi. This is an invitation-only dinner, but anyone who would like to attend and who might be interested in becoming a member of the Carmi Rotary club is encouraged to speak to any local member for details
Also on the horizon, the Spring Trivia contest which will be held on Saturday, March 9th at the American Legion in Carmi. More details on this big event will be coming out soon, but everyone is asked to save the date.
Tom Logan won the 50/50 drawing but did not claim the cash prize for the day. Cindy Conley named Randy Douglass as the day’s Phantom.
The Carmi Rotary club meets every Thursday at noon at the First United Methodist Church on Main Street in Carmi. Anyone wishing to learn more about this civic organization is welcome to attend a meeting or speak with any Carmi Rotarian.
