FLORIDA'S FLAMINGO PUDDLE MEETING SUMMARY FEBRUARY 28, 2013--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We had 10 attendees at the meeting held on the veranda of the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch.
Anthony Satira of Global Risk Solutions was called to CAT duty a day before the meeting , and was not available to do his Member Profile. He asked to be allowed to do it in March.
Jane and Joe Evers from F.E.L.T. shared an overview of this organization: Feeding Empty Little Tummies. The founder of the Sarasota Puddle’s charity spoke to the group for the majority of the meeting. Highlights included:
* The charity was founded two and a half years ago and has been feeding homeless children for the past two school terms. They have served about 48,000 meals.
* They serve 13 schools in Manatee County and feed 1700 children. Each child receives a breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 healthy snacks per day, for a 2 or 3 day weekend, in a back pack distributed at the school or preschool that they attend.
* 30 to 50 volunteers show up every Friday to fill back packs. If Friday is a holiday, they show up on Thursday.
* NO ONE RECEIVES ANY FINANCIAL REMUNERATION. 100% of the money collected is used to buy food.
* The Puddle can do anything they choose to raise money for them. If the Puddle chooses to do publicity for a fund raising event, Jane Evers asked that they run it by her for a review before posting it or printing it.
Most of those attending brought food, which was presented to Joe and Jane as an initial gesture of support of this wonderful charity.
Our group was captivated by Jane and Joe Evans. Joe proudly told us, at the end of the presentation, that Jane recently received the Community Foundation Award for her service to the children of this community. The Puddle is starting to plan its first fundraising effort.
The Sarasota Puddle informally discussed a wine tasting meeting which would include spouses / significant others and hopefully work friends, who may be interested in joining and working with us for our next month’s meeting.
Another idea that was tossed out was a fashion show. Everyone is interested in these potential meeting events, so the group will pursue them. We would look to this event as a potential fundraiser, as well as, a membership drive event.
John Miano will look into the possibility of holding a Chili Cook-off as a fund raiser. He held one for a prior employer and said they raised a lot of money. He will report to us next month.
We did not get to the issue of sponsorships or advertising, so these issues will be carried over until the March gathering.
Stephsnie Horne has a connection with a restaurant in the area with a private room, which likely has a small charge for its use. We will be looking into this location as a potential alternative, if the location is convenient for most of our members.
Anthony Satire and Fran Pollock from the Zenith will present member profiles next month.
Next month’s meeting will be on Thursday, March 28th, place to be determined later.
BLUE GOOSE INTERNATIONAL
Jane Evers is in the dark suit
