Connie Reid provided a snapshot of Rotary Loves Kids Golf tournament, Rotary's largest fundraiser.  We as Rotarians volunteer at many of projects our club coordinates and supports.  RLK is our largest fundraiser for the club.  On Friday July 28th we will once again gather together at Trillium Wood Golf Course and Black Bear Golf Course.  Then golfers, partners, and non-golfers will meet downtown at Market Square for dinner and live entertainment. Bayview Golf Course will host 34 children and youth to an amazing day of golf that they would not normally have.  These kids will experience the golfing range, putting course and then play 9 holes.  Bayview will provide lunch, and Rotary will provide goodie bags.  We have an amazing group of volunteers who will spend the day with the kids ensuring a fun time.  After golf, the kids will then head to the YMCA and have pizza and go for a swim to finish off the day.
 
10% of RLK funds goes to The Children’s Foundation Reach for Success bursary program.  Last year, over 60 youth received bursaries.  To date RLK has donated $125,000 to this foundation.  One of our bursaries went to Candice who is now a lawyer with O’Flynn Weese Law Firm. Thanks to everyone in this room, these youth and many more are achieving their goals and dreams.  Three youth who were past bursary recipients have donated over $500 each to our bursary program since they graduated.
 
Sam Brady segued into Party In The Square. RLK's Party In The Square is the Club’s main fundraiser, raising approximately half of the Club's annual service budget.  Started in 2002 by Bob Clute and Wolfe Tausendfreund, RLK will be in its 15th year.  Since inception our Club has raised a total of over $1.2 million!!!!
 
How is this done? What should the club focus on?  How to reenergize this event? Ninety (90%) percent remains here in our service budget. Sponsorships account for between $53,000 and $85,000.  That is where the priority is and should be.  An amount of $250 gets the sponsor signage at one golf course and $375 gets signage at both golf courses. Profit from golf alone is on average $6,500.  That’s only $32.50/per golfer based on 200 golfers.  Clearly we need to fill the sponsorships.  Each of us should reach out to at least 10 people to come on board as a sponsor for this amazing event. Some of our sponsors that have been with us since day one including Parrot Foundation, Quinte Broadcasting and The Intelligencer.
 
This year Eric Thompson and Sam Brady are chairing the event.  They need more help, come join the committee.  Volunteer for the event - speak to Pat Feasey.  Or Sponsor the event. Or help to attract more sponsors.  This is a big event and needs a big team!  Please support this valuable initiative to ensure funds are raised for the many worthwhile projects Rotary is involved in.  Thank you.
Any questions reach out to anyone on RLK.