eBulletin week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2014
REDONDO BEACH, California) October 1, 2014 -- Today's luncheon was a day to remember. Bill Paul announced receipt of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service approving the club's petition for tax exempt status of its Community Foundation. The foundation lost its tax exempt status a couple of years ago due to an accounting oversight. The IRS determination letter reinstates the status of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Community Foundation as a 501(c)(3) organizaition.
Three of our members gave Craft Talks today.
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| Wayne Bradshaw | Amy Zimmerman | Nancy Langdon |
In his Craft Talk, Wayne Bradshaw said, "Joining Rotary is the best thing I've ever done." He's been a Rotarian for 25 years. Wayne recounted the 40 years he's spent in the
insurance business, much of it here in the South Bay. He acknowledged his wife Kelly, three kids (only one of whom still lives at home), at that he is caring for "my parents in Virginia who are at 91 and 95....That's what has kept me away from the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach."
Meanwhile, newbie Amy Zimmerman said "I'm a true Valley Girl and grew up in San Fernando Valley." A graduate of San Diego State, she started a career in sales in a "boiler room" and quickly became a star performer. Twenty-one years ago she started her own company. The mother of two daughters, ages 22 and 24, her hobby is philanthropy. A staunch supporter of Israel, her latest passion is surfing
Our third Craft Talk was given by Nancy Langdon. She was born on Valentine's Day and traces her ancestry back to the 1620 and two passengers on the Mayflower. Indeed she is a 16th generation descendent of those early American pioneers. I've worked in newspapers, media, transportation logistics and now my husband and I own a business analytics firm. She is our club photographer and has also written a bestselling book (on Amazon) about sewing patterns.
Announcements:
Terry Bichlmeier reported that despite the hurricane that severely damaged Cabo, Mexico the club's trip to LaPaz is still on. So far nearly a dozen members of our club have signed up to go on the trip. "There are 120 students in need of school supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.," he said.
President Rolando invited members to assist with the “Bike MS Coastal Challenge,” Oct. 11 & 12. Click HERE to learn more.
Luncheon speaker Melissa Norman talked about Comfort Zone Camp, a nonprofit 501(c)3 bereavement camp that transforms the lives of children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. The organization was founded in 1986 in Richmond, Virginia. That's where Wayne Bradshaw, who introduced Melissa for her presentation, first encountered the organization. When he discovered the organization here in southern California he brought it to our club.
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| Photo courtesy Comfort Zone Camp website |
"We offer a childhood bereavement program for children ages 7 to 17 who have lost one or more parents," said Melissa. "Our goal is to help kids cope with their personal grief."
The CZC website outlines it mission as: Comfort Zone provides grieving children with a voice, a place and a community in which to heal, grow and lead more fulfilling lives....(We) envision " a world where grieving children are not forgotten or left to grieve alone, and are supported by a wide community that understands and appreciates them."
The organization provides three-day weekend camps for youngsters ages 7 to 17 that help them cope with their loss. The camps are held year-round in, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia. The organization has three locations in southern California. "It costs about $500 per camper per weekend," she said and typically takes about 100 volunteers to run one weekend program. Click HERE to learn more about Comfort Zone Camp.
Visitors today included Ryan Sullivan, a special guest of Karina Garcia, and Jim McCarthy, a special guest of Eli Gauna.