Next Meeting Monday, Dec 14, 98
Rotary Family Christmas Dinner
Reception: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm Sharp

President's Message
603 Seniors Served

Some last minute instructions for staff and then the doors are opened and 603 Seniors flow into the ballroom of the Prince Edward Hotel. There is a buzz of excitement in the air, lots of chatter, greetings being exchanged - it is the beginning of the annual Seniors Christmas Dinner.

Before the evening is over there will be a first class turkey dinner, entertainment, a sing- a-long and bingo. For some Seniors it will be their only night out this Christmas. For others it is one of the highlights of the Christmas season and they readily confess to looking forward to the dinner long before the winter season sets in. You can easily see why. Over 600 people, some in wheel chairs, some supported by canes or friends, others stepping spryly have the opportunity to get together in a top rated hotel and do some talking, some singing, and revel in first class service. Even Santa can't resist the fun and takes the time to visit every table.

The Seniors Christmas Dinner is another important community service project of the Charlottetown Rotary Club. For over a dozen years Seniors have been treated to this free night of Christmas spirit. In partnership with the Prince Edward Hotel and the Ray Murphy Group of Pharmacies, Rotarians organize and pay for the annual get together. It is a real community event. The Confederation Centre Children's Choir entertains. Hotel staff volunteer their time and organize their own choir to lead the sing along. The Murphy Group of Pharmacies donates prizes and the Lions volunteer to run eight games of bingo.

Over three hours later as you watch the Seniors depart you are reminded that sometimes the greatest community service isn't in bricks and mortar - it is reaching out to people.

Reflections on the Auction

Congratulations to all who organized and participated in the Rotary Auction. The numbers are very impressive, both from the dollars raised and the participation point of view.

This was the first year I had the opportunity to visit both the Call Centre and the TV Studio while the Auction was in full swing, and it is impressive. While recognizing the opportunity for fellowship has been diminished you can not help but be impressed by the efficient manner in which the auction operates and it still takes a lot of people to make it work.

From 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm more than three thousand calls were handled, photos of every item appeared on TV three times, and every item was announced three times.

I would like to thank the Call Centre students and management, Studio 10 staff, TV Ads Island wide, and the many others who provided assistance.

814 advertised items, valued at about $50,000. That is a tremendous investment from the business community in the service work we do as a Rotary Club. Those donations are a cost to the businesses involved, and there are a number that make very significant contributions. We very much appreciate that support.

We had even more than 814 bidders, and that demonstrates community support for the Auction, our Rotary Club and the service work it supports. I was especially impressed that a number of bidders bid the full value of items on their first call.

I also want to recognize Rotarians. From soliciting, to selling, to operating the drop-off and pick-up centres as well as running the actual Auction, Rotarians are a key part. You are missed if you don't participate. Some members had to take double shifts on the phone lines because some other Members didn't show up. Manning the pick up centre was a cool experience. A small electric heater was the only source of heat.

Finally, a thank you to John and the committee for a job well done. New ideas like the advance bidding and the medal presentations put some new spirit into a very long running project.

A thought for the week

"If I only had a little humility, I would be perfect."