Paul will provide a brief overview of the realities of sex trafficking in Lincoln and surrounding communities, including the impact it has on adults and our youth. He will also discuss the upcoming conference, Connect to Protect, the first conference in Lincoln that specifically addresses sex trafficking in Lincoln.
Paul Yates is the Executive Director of I’ve Got a Name, a faith-based non-profit organization committed to eradicate sex trafficking in Nebraska. After 24 years working in the public and private sectors, Paul discovered a new passion within himself as he began to work for a non-profit fighting sex trafficking in Nepal. This new journey was foreign to anything he was familiar with, he will tell you it was a time in his life when “everything changed.” After 8 years protecting the “daughters of Nepal,” Paul felt called to focus his experience and passion on behalf of those threatened by sex trafficking here where we live, in Nebraska. Paul became I’ve Got a Name’s first Director in 2016. His message is simple, become aware, get involved, use your talents and gifts, take action and become a life-changer. Become the hope for those who see no hope in their future.
On February 11, 2023, Rotary 14 hosted its annual Rise.Shine.Give. event to raise awareness and funds for the Rotary 14 Foundation and this year’s beneficiary, Hope Spoke. Almost $77,000 was raised, and $38,000 of the total was granted to Hope Spoke. On Tuesday, event co-chairs Katie King and Michelle Zlomke presented the funds to Katie McLeese-Stephenson, Executive Director, and Becki Roberts, Development Director, of Hope Spoke. Katie McLeese-Stephenson expressed their gratitude, and shared that the grant funds were already being utilized to meet the Lincoln community’s mental health needs. Thank you to Rotary 14 for coming together (Right now!) to make this an impactful event!
Rotary Dues are due by June 16, 2023. Your Rotary dues are due by June 16, 2023. Invoices were sent out on May 11. If you need a copy of your invoice, please inform Yolanda at yolanda@rotary14.org.
We are looking forward to another great Rotary year with you.
Rotary 14 Board of Directors has established a fund for Dues Assistance to members who may be experiencing financial hardship. Please inform Treasurer Ben Martens via email at ben.martens@ubt.com if you would like to avail of dues assistance of up to $200.
After imagining the future of Rotary in Melbourne, Australia, members and speakers at the 2023 Rotary International Convention looked ahead to next year's gathering in Singapore and being able to share hope with the world by focusing on mental health and well-being.
"Singapore is a city that embodies the spirit of service and giving back to the community," said Jennifer Scott, chair of the 2024 International Convention Committee. "This city-state is a hub of culture, cuisine, and innovation, and is renowned for its architecture, natural beauty, and bustling nightlife. There is something for everyone in Singapore." Source, click here.
Recently, Past President Roger Ludemann, on behalf of the Rotary 14 Foundation Board, recognized the most recent donors to our Foundation's 5|25 Campaign. L to R: Roger Ludemann, Charley Ogden, Fred Ohles, Sheila Odom, Chuck Schroeder, Brett Neely, Mari Lane Gewecke, Kathryn Schubert, Jess Kinser, Erin Dobesh, Courtney Hillebrecht, Pat Leach, Martin Massengale, Rotary 14 Foundation President Sandi Fabry, Jim Mastera, Kris Rutford, Steve Letts, and President John Gessert. Thank you, Rotarians!
Lincoln Rotary Club 14 recognized Rhonda Seacrest as the 2023 Nebraskan of the Year in April. Rhonda Seacrest grew up in North Platte, NE. The work ethic and culture of a rural, pioneer town helped set her character and focus. Hard work is part of being in Nebraska. There were pioneers that traveled on and there were those who stayed. You do a thing because it needs doing. You see a problem and you solve it. These are among Rhonda’s guiding tenets. Many years ago, Rhonda found a passion for supporting children and youth in our communities, investing in backpack and shelter programs, acknowledging that hungry children find it difficult to grow and learn. In that same vein, she is committed to the arts, “because they build ideas and vision for the future, “while inspiring children and helping them fuel their minds.
Video created by Randy Bretz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjLbR3B7XsA
The Rotary Foundation (International Foundation) has consistently received 4 stars out of 4 Star Rating by Charity Navigator. So you can donate with absolute confidence! Click here to donate online to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) of Rotary International (RI). Our goal this year for both the Annual Fund and PolioPlus is $32,000. So far, we have met $14,524. We still need to raise $17,476.00. We need your help. Your donation comes back to us in three years in the form of Global and District grants to spend on our projects. Thank you to those who have donated so far this year. The following are our YTD 2022-2023 Rotary International Foundation Donors as of January 8, 2023.
Here's the unedited live capture video of President John Gessert's rendition of Come Together Right Now, Rotary! The performance earned President John Gessert and his Rotary band a standing ovation from fellow Rotarians.
Club Information
Connect with Rotary 14
Rotary 14 is the place to be.
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Talon Room
230 N 12th Street, Suite 1
Lincoln, NE 68508 United States of America
The Rotary Club of Lincoln is meeting in a hybrid format. Join us at the Talon Room or on Zoom using the following information:
To join the meeting virtually, use this link: https://bit.ly/3YosV2W
Meeting ID: 849 7976 2224
Password: 661910
PAUL YATES
Rotary Dues are due by June 16, 2023. Your Rotary dues are due by June 16, 2023. Invoices were sent out on May 11. If you need a copy of your invoice, please inform Yolanda at yolanda@rotary14.org.
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