|
Around 200 Rotarians from District 5340 met at the Princess Resort in the Palm Springs area over the weekend of 24-26 October 2014. Although I have attended multiple District Conference events in the past, I questioned whether I should go. I finally decided to attend this meeting because I wanted to meet Rotarians from the various clubs in the district to generate input for the district websiite and NewsBits. I also needed to present the petition I authored that asks the RI Board of Directors to recommend to the Council on Legislation the the conference be made optional instead of required because of attendance issues.
 |
| Carl and Mary Jane Kruse at RB Sunrise Hospitality |
The first event was a party organized by DG Louise Andres. The party's them was International Hospitality rooms. The party was held outside the 10 rooms that have a patio and lawn next to the pool. Carl and Mary Jane Kruse hosted a Mexican themed booth to represent RB Sunrise Rotary Club. The food was freshly made quesadillas, quacamole, pineapple salssa, 7 layer dip, and several kinds of corn chips. Carl, in addition to making the quesadillas, was kept busy making frozen margaritas that proved to be crowd favorite. Carl reported at the end of the evening that he made around 125 six ounce servings. Mary Jane was kept busy making sure that the food didn't run out.
Here is the list of Hospitality Rooms with the club and the country represented (in the order of the room numbers)
1. Rancho Bernardo Sunrise - Mexico - (best margaritas!)
2. La Jolla Golden Triangle - Afganistan
3. San Diego Club 33 - Uganda (demonstrated solar cooking)
4. Rancho Bernardo Noon - Indonesia
5. Vista - Germany - Oktoberfest (German food and beer)
6. Don't Wait - Vaccinate Committee - Australia - (promoting the Invisible Threat movie)
7. Valley Center - Kenya
8. La Mesa Sunrise - Peru - voted best room
9. San Diego Downtown Breakfast - Italy - (Italian food and limoncello)
10. Fallbrook - United States - (various foods made with avocados including guacamole)
Because Friday was World Polio Day, there were bowls or other donation container to allow party goers to donate to Polio Plus. DG Louise announced on Saturday that the party donations totaled $2500!
This fun party proved to be just the beginning of a great weekend. Yet to come were presentations of some fascinating projects and some great inspirational talks. At Rotary Foundation Gala Saturday evening, a quilt made from donated Rotary themed neckties and scarfs was auctioned and raised another $2500!
Watch for more information about the events and projects at this fantastic District Converence. Despite my early questions about whether I should attend, I am glad I went. I have been to multiple District Conference meetings in the past. This one was the best yet!
Jim Dunny
Sunriser Editor
|
