Success Through Teamwork 1/11/13

Posted by Tony Ciancimino 
on Jan 11, 2013
 
Each week President Jim will share his thoughts about that week's meeting with Tony Ciancimino who will pass them on to members and friends. Below, Sibyl Buchanan listens in as a representative from Visitation School expresses his appreciation for the five grants Sibyl presented to his school. 

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Dear fellow Rotarians and friends,

As we had previously reported, this week's Wed. meeting was cancelled in favor of today's Teacher Mini Grants Awards. We met at Playa Vista's Center Pointe Club and were hosted to a delicious breakfast by our own Sibyl Buchanan. 

ImageGwen Vuchsas opened the meeting with a short history of the Grants, which is a program she modeled based on one similar in the District. Grants of up to $250 or $400 for two or more teachers, are given to the highest rated applications as judged by five or more readers, until the funds run out. She started in the 1980's by giving out $1800. Through dedication and a passion for education the program has grown significantly since then. Funding comes from our Club and sponsors who have a like passion for education and giving back to the community. The Los Angeles Commercial Realtor Association (LACRA,) Equity Offices, Howard Hughes Center, Superbtech, Inc, Rotary District 5280, The Jim Bunch Memorial Fund/Travelodge, Donna Lassman and Howard Pollack were just some of this year's supporters. Last year a new feature was added, asking teachers what would be on their "wish list" for needed supplies. Actual donated supplies were distributed to eight schools who submitted lists. More schools got the hint this year with fourteen school writing up their wants. LACRA members made cash donations at their holiday party totaling $1600 which allowed Gwen and Gail Goldstein to go on a post holiday shopping spree at Office Depot (who also helped out with discounts.) These were added to actual supplies donated from a wide variety of sources and our membership. The boxes were handed out with the Grants. 

This year there were 142 applications submitted, with the top 84 being funded at twenty schools for a total of $19, 375, almost aImage record and in difficult times. Among the presenters were our own District Governor Lew Bertrand and good friend  Senior Assistant District Governor, Linda Black from Culver City. What impact have these grants had? One barometer would be young professionals who have come into the local workforce having been the recipients of Grants during their school years, like the chamber's own  Rachel Horning. Another might be when the daughter of a former grant winner, wins for the same school where her mom Lynn Allen taught, like Lindsay Allen. A final example would be to examine one school, Westport Heights Elementary Schools and see how many students will be touched. Seven grants were awarded impacting 193 students. The dollars go a long way in the Teacher Mini Grant program! Each principal, without fail, registered their deep appreciation for what we and our supporter accomplish. Once again, many hands lighten the load. 



Although the meeting ran a little longer than hoped, those principals who could, were great sports about hanging in until the end to have their photo taken with Governor Lew. Principals, supporters, organizers, ImagePlaya Venice Rotarians and presenters all have our extreme gratitude for making a day chocked full of "Rotary moments." Big thanks also to our photographers Don Culton and Judith Ciancimino for memorializing the program!


Be well.   

Yours in Rotary service,   

Tony