Wayne Ward introduced our speaker – Darrin Janisch, the Director of Business Development for Folds of Honor. Darrin is a retired US Army officer, formerly serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, and having several overseas deployments.
Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Nearly 73,000 scholarships have been awarded since 2007. Fifty-nine students were qualified in Minnesota last year. 45% of the scholarships are awarded to minorities. 91% of its annual expenses support scholarship programs, and Charity Navigator has given the organization a 4-star rating.
The folded flag was chosen for its logo to reflect the sacrifice of America's heroes among the military and emergency responders. It's a nationwide group, with 35 chapters. Minnesota's chapter is headquartered in Wayzata.
Darrin's contact info:
Phone: 612.968.8464
Email: djanisch@foldsofhonor.org
Announcements
Phil Solseng and Cindy Anderson reminded us to visit the Art Wander and attend our Club Social on Saturday at Sun Meadow Farm. See photos below.
Phil and Claudia Solseng, Cindy and Greg Anderson, their friends and relatives all deserve our sincere “Thanks” for many hours of preparation to provide us with the pleasant venue, table floral decorations, roast pork and turkey dishes and cold beverages. Hot dishes, appetizers, salads and desserts met the 4 Way Test and were fair to all concerned and brought everyone goodwill!
Many Rotary alumni and spouses came to the event, including Gary and Sandy Cooper, Gary and Lori Goeman, Lynn Ayers and Tim Looby.
Youth Exchange Update
Emma received our admiration for enduring the windy, cool, and wet evening of cheering for the football team last Friday night. She was happier anticipating the Chanhassen High School homecoming events with her host sister.
Robin Nesburg took us south to the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico. Although no provenance could be found about the Rotary club’s flag, the historical significance of the city is well established. Robin pointed out the Palace of Cortés, the oldest conserved colonial-era civil structure in the continental Americas, is represented on the club’s flag. Robin reviewed the club’s projects, including a unique effort to prepare students to travel to other countries to study.