Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

Status Report

Dear Fellow RCMNers,

I’m pleased to report this week that two of our major projects are progressing quite well – the LEAP Congress in January and the 36th Anniversary celebration of Makati North in May.

That’s not to say that our work is done, though. Far from it.

For the LEAP Congress, our Inner Wheel partners are having a golf fund-raising tournament on October 21 at nearby Villamor Golf Club. If you have not purchased your tickets, please do so right away. Tickets are only P2,500 each, which covers green fee, caddy fee and a meal.

The LEAP – and the golf tournament – is worthy of your support, because this is a project that aims to inspire college students. These are the very young people, whom we call the future of our society. The event will feature exceptional leaders and other personalities who are invited to inspire a young audience to become productive members of society.

Past President Ric dela Torre has reported that his team has raised P120,000 from hole sponsors. More are needed. And donations for raffle prizes are also welcome.

Anniversary celebration

Another worthy project taking shape is our anniversary. As many of you already know, several club members led by Director Christophe Bellinger have been hard at work to develop a fundraising concept for our next anniversary.

The idea, as I had suggested earlier, was to turn the celebration into a fundraising project for a worthy cause – instead of just having a party. I had thought that we could have a party to enjoy each other’s company at any time, but how often do we actually make a difference in other people’s lives?

Hence, the Makati North Anniversary Ball – which is patterned after the Le Cabaret program organized by Christophe’s Ann, Michelle.

As I had mentioned to Christophe, I believe it’s important to decide on a beneficiary as soon as possible. During last week’s board meeting, there were several suggestions about the beneficiary.

With your indulgence, I want to make a case for my preference, which is Operation Smile Philippines.

First of all, this is a truly worthwhile program. Since 1982, Operation Smile has performed free reconstructive surgery on more than 14,000 Filipino children and young adults afflicted with harelip and other facial deformities.

As I had suggested to the board, I said that we could probably identify potential patients residing in our club’s adopted villages – that is, Barangays Singkamas and Santa Cruz. Obviously, there needs to be a lot of follow through on this point.

Second, Michelle’s group has actually done two fundraising shows over as many years, also for the benefit of Operation Smile. My point here is simply: let’s not reinvent the wheel. Michelle and her troupe have a tried and tested formula, one that I think we can embrace as our own.

To be fair, another suggested beneficiary are cancer victims or support groups that help them. That, too, is a worthwhile cause, and we talked about especially targeting children with cancer.

But I was concerned that we might be biting more than we can chew, so to speak. Cancer treatment can take a long time – and can be very expensive. In contrast, Operation Smile involves only one procedure (presumably) to realize a life-changing dream.

Think about it. But let’s decide now. Have a great week.