Presiding: Murray Schroeder
Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan and Crew
Inspiration: Tom Wolfe
Professor’s Quote:
Foundation Flash:
Introduction of Guests: Amanda Givan
Guests: Keith Downey introduced prospective member, Dan Furphy.
Junior Rotarians/RYLA/Young RYLA/Exchange Students: Jaydann Trabing and Kendall Teini
Rotaract/Interact Students:
Humor: Todd Pearson
Foundation Drawing: Tom Mangan won $10 with $225ish in the jackpot.
Announcements:
- Don’t forget to volunteer to work the greeting table!
- World Polio Day was Oct. 24. Wild polio still exists in Afghanistan and Pakistan, so our work continues.
- Tony Hoch told the club that we may reschedule trash clean-up day.
- There will be a social on Oct. 30 from 5-7pm at Altitude’s. If you bring a prospective member, you get a free drink and so does your guest.
Upcoming Programs:
- Nov. 6: Wyoming State Geologist, Ranie Lynds
- Nov. 13: Wyo Text Crisis Text Line, Teresa Arens and Caroline Elik
- Nov. 20: UW College of Business, Kent Noble
- Nov. 27: No Meeting
Rotarian of the Week: Terry Moss nominated the group who helped with the Jae Foundation event, as well as Todd Pearson for helping get the extra boots to Cheyenne.
Songs: Get Together Song
Program: Jason’s Friends Foundation, Christine Robinson, Ali Psusha, and Douglas Smith
Introduction: Tony Hoch
Christine Robinson is the executive director of Jason’s Friends Foundation. She has been involved with the organization for 24 years. The organization was founded in 1996. The organization was created after Jason Eades passed away from a brain stem tumor.
JFF provides support for families whose children are battling cancer. The organization provides needed financial support during difficult times.
Having support during a difficult financial and emotional time has been pivotal for Wyoming families. To be part of JFF, the child must be under the age of 21, have cancer, a brain tumor, or spinal cord tumor, and have a parent/guardian that is a U.S. citizen and a Wyoming resident. There are no income restrictions.
Ali Psusha noted the different avenues the organization takes to support families. This includes travel assistance. JFF has even partnered with lodging areas down in Denver. The organization can also help with household bills, insurance deductibles, mental health services, and final expenses.
JFF has 180 families enrolled, and eight of those are in Laramie. The nonprofit is in it for the long haul. It has provided over $8 million for Wyoming families, and 90 percent of funds raised go to the families. The nonprofit is unfortunately growing in need, but it has not had to turn anyone away. In 2025, they have already added 28 new families and provided $700,000 in financial assistance.
Families are eligible for assistance while the child is in treatment, ill as a result of treatment, and for follow-up appointments.
Support looks different for each family. Douglas Smith, from Laramie, talked to the club about being a family supported by JFF. In 2023, his daughter, Francine, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Luckily, it was operable and treatable. While the operation was successful, Francine had several hospitalizations during rehab. JFF helped with their mortgage, utilities, and travel. Francine is now two years post treatment.
Response: Eric Feuerstein
‘Response: The Rotary Club of Laramie will make a donation to the public library children’s book fund in the speaker’s name.
NOTE: We Do Not Donate a Book!
Rotary 4-way test
Of the things we think, say, or do:
•Is it the Truth?
•Is it Fair?
•Will it build Good Will and
Better Friendships?
•Will it be Beneficial to All
Concerned?
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
•FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
•SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
•THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
•FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
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Website: laramierotaryclub.org
Spoke Editor: Caitlin White, 307-630-1965, cwhite@acplwy.org