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 An ambitious combination of energy, enthusiasm, sweat-equity and financial support was the recipe for the BBRC Centennial Project, as envisioned by President-Elect Norm Johnson at Friday’s meeting. In cooperation with the Bellevue Parks Department, the BBRC hopes to join in developing a special needs play areas at Crossroads. Back in December, Johnson outlined the elements required by Rotary International to qualify for a Centennial project of whichare: 1) identifying a community need; 2) selecting a project that is meaningful to the community; 3) providing hands-on opportunity for members; 4) capturing measurable results; and 5) identifying Rotary as a project sponsor.
“This project will provide ‘inclusive play’ for all youngsters, but is particularly designed to serve the needs of disabled kids. It will be a water park with what is called ‘zero-depth’ play area, a sound garden and other special amenities,” said Norm. The area is designated as Crossroads Community Park and fits in with a master plan developed by the Bellevue Parks Department.  Tom Purdy, a member of the BBRC who does capital fund-raising campaigns for a living, outlined the elements of the project. “The partnership with the City of Bellevue is important, since the city owns the land and will provide design, engineering and insurance to support the project. It is the job of the BBRC to spearhead the project within the community, helping to raise $1 million.” Purdy unveiled a chart that showed how many gifts and of what size would be needed to reach the goal of $1 million. He also discussed an organization chart that would use the talents of as many as 60 BBRC members to bring about success for the project.
 Madeline Gauthier talked about some concerns that she and others on the committee had in regards to this proposal. She wondered if the project fits previous guidelines of raising money for 501 (c) 3 organizations, questioning that the City of Bellevue doesn’t fit the criteria. Extra committee work will be needed by all members to make this work, while, at the same time, the raffle will continue. “It’s not our job to look good, it’s our job to do good,” Madeline observed.
The project will serve a diverse neighborhood and mixed cultures. The design of a “Rotary Koogle,” has been approved which will bear the Rotary International logo. The committee has voted to contribute $50,000 over two years to the project, which includes $10,000 this year if the club approves the project. The $10,000 has been set aside from the previous disbursement of funds to local charities. The Centennial project coincides with Rotary’s 100th Anniversary marked on February 23, 2005, and to be celebrated beginning this month and continuing through 2005. Voting for the project began Friday when 53 ballots were cast. Some members took ballots home with the intention of mailing their response to the BBRC. Members who were absent last Friday will have an opportunity to acquire a ballot and vote this coming Friday. Deadline for accepting ballots will be midnight, February 10, 2004. The results of the voting will be released to the membership during the meeting of Friday, February 13, 2004. TOP | | |
