Eliminate Project

What an exciting Tri-K weekend we had in Albany! Sean O'Sullivan, EliMiNaTe Co-Coordinator of the Metropolitan Division, organized a very successful EliMiNaTe Walk, raising $20,001.09. Can you believe it? The walk was so much fun!
The three governors walked at the beginning of the parade holding a banner made for the event. Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia, who raised the most money, dressed in a baby bunting costume, complete with hat, bib and bottle! She was the baby whose life was saved by the injections, and Doris Mellina with a pillow under her shirt was the expectant mother needing the injections. Some participants wore funny hats, and even the Underwoods' dog wore an EliMiNaTe Walk shirt. At the evening banquet, the room was beautifully decorated with blue and gold balloons on each table and an arch of blue and gold balloons surrounded the banner which was hung at the end of the room. When they presented me with the ceremonial check, I was absolutely amazed.
There are now only 19 months left to reach Kiwanis' goal of $110 million. After the Tri-K Walk, we had a total of $700,000, thus protecting 388,888 mothers and their future babies. I am so proud of all we have done so far -- and each of you should be, too! However, we still have over a million dollars to raise here in New York, so we can't rest on our laurels. My personal goal is that every club will participate. To date 63 percent of our clubs have done so. Let's reach 100 percent participation by the end of 2013.
Some new initiatives are coming out of the Campaign Headquarters. There are now $5,000 and $10,000 giving levels, which can be paid over five years. These might be more realistic goals for our individual Kiwanians to reach. There are also various suggestions on the KI website for holiday gift giving.
We will be having a table at the Inlet Craft Fair next summer for EliMiNaTe. I am asking every club is asked to donate a hand-knitted or crocheted baby blanket, sweater set or toy. In every club there is a person who knows someone who can make a baby item. Some of you gentlemen may be into woodworking and are able to make toy for a child. Let your imagination soar! The only requirement is that it be a hand-made item. The price tag will include the number of mothers babies protected by the purchase. For example, "As you cuddle your child in this blanket, rejoice that your purchase has helped 10 other mothers to cuddle their babies." Sooo -- please grab those needles or your toolbox, get some yarn or craft materials, settle yourselves down to the long winter nights, and enjoy the fact that your relaxation activities are making this world a better place! Please try to have your items ready to bring to the Mid-Winter Conference in February, if possible. That will avoid having to send them, but items will be accepted until June 30.

Column Posted on Web Site December 29, 2013