Sertoma Sharing Tree

Today Sertomans learned the difference between philanthropy and charity from Bernie Roberts who was recently named Philanthropist of the Year. Philanthropy is proactive, instead of supporting someone else's ideas, a philanthropist goes out and finds a need and works to make a difference. Sertoma is a perfect example of charitable giving but many if not most Sertomans are philanthropists in that they are constantly seeking new ways to serve. Charities are allowed by the government because charities are able to give more efficiently because people are not donating money, they are donating time. Mr. Roberts feels that the United States is the Charitable Super Power of the World. People in our country respond as an extension of all the things that they have been given. At the conclusion of his speech, several succinct comments about giving were shared including the idea that people forget what you said, for get what you do, but never forget how you made them feel.

An update was also given by all the various members of the Winter Wonderland Committee. The gala Preview Party was a huge success. President Sullivan remarked, "This was a truly wonderful event, the food provided by Timbermist was outstanding, and most of the sponsors in attendance were truly impressed. She thanked everyone for their hard work. If you wish to see some of the fun, just check the online version of the Brainerd Dispatch and the photo album "We Spotted" section. Steve Mau added, "The level of involvement so far in this project has been unbelievable." Joe Schulte and Nanci Hallam explained that everyone needs to fill in the time slots for November so that we know that things are organized for the opening. Be sure to go back to the website the next day after you sign up to make sure that you were the person who signed up for that slot first. They also explained that shifts really will run from 5:30 to whenever the last cars that are lined up at 9 p.m. get through. Joe remarked, "We don't want to have to close the gates and run!". Businesses are encouraged to think about adopting a night to work and bringing their employees to fill in some of the spots. Paul Gropper has Winter Wonderland signs for display. Please put them up wherever you can. Rory Coit has a workday set up Thursday to put together the remainder of the display signs.

The Brainerd Jaycees also sent a note thanking us for our contributions to the community and our support of the Distinguished Service Awards.

If your business is a sponsor and not on the list, you should be getting your coupons very soon. Contact Joyce Anderson for more information.

• Byran Jelinski was declared a turkey today, oh no he paid a fine for advertising Cub Foods turkeys
• Mike Boen is a Jeff Olson look alike.
• Mark Korte couldn't convince anyone he was an attorney even though he was sitting in the missing attorney's chair.
• Charlie Bartles is not allowed to appear on the advertising for his hair restoration business--he has some idea that if you grow enough on your face nobody will notice the rest. Either that or he is going to be Santa at the Winter Wonderland.
• Karen Owen almost got declared Senior Citizen of the Year when she had a senior moment trying to remember her new job.
• Dale Bolt thinks George is God.
• Art and Bob Nibbe were not fined today but they got to pick two people who did.
• Kari Robinson wishes her buddy Tami would come back to Sertoma and pay her own fines.
• Happy 50th Birthday on Saturday to Jeff Olson--the coward is getting out of Dodge so no one can drag him into a bar and make him drink too much!
• Laura Beilke's little trip to Key West turned her into a "hot" number that had to pay a fine.

Kari Barnes and her assistant Cathy Picek are the go-to folks for Pipe and Drape information.

Need awards? Did you lose your pin? Bonnie Cumberland (bcumberland@mailstation.com) is the person in charge of awards and meeting paraphernalia.