Eliminate Project

In the last issue, I ended with a promise to announce the amount of money raised by the EliMiNaTe Walk and the Craft Fair, both held in mid-July. The Walk was a huge success, raising $10,000, and the Inlet Craft Fair and the table at the District Convention in August raised $1,200. The items that remained are being offered at a Fall Festival in East Hampton in mid-October, so more money will be raised at that event. Thank you to all who participated in both of these district-wide efforts to help EliMiNaTe MNT once and for all!
Our new Kiwanis Year has begun and we are moving ever closer to our 100th Anniversary Celebration in Indianapolis in June. We in New York can take much pride and satisfaction in the fact that we have raised over $980,000, thus protecting at least 544,444 mothers and their unborn children. That is over half a million mothers’ lives, and well over a million unborn children. Over 80% of our clubs have participated. I hope that the other 20% will come on board soon! However, we still have a long way to go. We are still trying to reach that elusive $1 million threshold, and our goal is $1,796,314.
For the final push, the Campaign Staff has announced several new opportunities. The first is an exciting one for those who are thinking of becoming Model Clubs. A generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous is offering 20% of a club’s amount needed to become a Model Club. For example, a club of 25 members needs $18,500 to make a Model Club commitment. They have already raised $3,000 with two Zellers and a pancake breakfast, leaving them with $15,750 to raise. The Matching Gift will give them $3,150, leaving them with $12,600 to raise over five years.
The second new opportunity is the Centennial Medal, which will only be offered from October 2014 through June 2015. It will be awarded for a donation of $1,500, which can be paid in full or as a pledge paid over a two-year period.
It is obvious from these two opportunities that funds will continue to be received until the pledges are completed. Model Club commitments are in effect from the day they are signed until five years after that date. Thus a club which signs its commitment on Feb. 6, 2015 would have until Feb. 6, 2020 to complete it.
As we reflect on our blessings this Thanksgiving, let us look at the children around our holiday tables and renew our desire to help those mothers who live “beyond the end of the road” to have the joy of raising healthy children. Let us look into our hearts and see if we can do more--as individuals and as clubs. In the immortal words of the Little Engine That Could, “I think I can...I think I can...I think I can.” Let me add: “I know we can!”
 

Column Posted on Web Site November 1, 2014