Morning Meeting -- RFHS Sunshine Fund Update (Oct. 02, 2025)

Update from the RFHS Sunshine Fund

Board President Tara Albores introduced two student leaders of the Sunshine Fund, Leo Stamets and Elliot Bell, who provided an overview and update on the Sunshine Fund at RFHS. The group formed in 2016, which means that it’s just about to hit 9 years. It was founded by 2 students whose mother was going through tough times. In March 2017 it was established as a 501c3 non-profit organization, and it met its first annual $5000 fundraising goal. In 2018 they were recognized by Character.org as their non-profit organization of the year, and they served more than 200 families by 2020; from 2020 on, SF has reached over 700 families.

The students pointed out that after starting as a response to one family in need within the RFHS community, the Sunshine Fund now has a mission to provide donations to those in the wider River Falls community who are facing hardships. They emphasized that they provide equitable support. Click READ MORE for the rest of the story and more about the Sunshine Fund.

Special Announcement 3 - DACdb

This is the week for Special Announcements: Invoices using our new DACdb software have gone out. As expected, we've had some conversion issues, and our treasurer apologizes for any invoices sent in error. If your invoice has a $0 balance, it means that you're caught up. If your balance doesn't seem correct, email rkerfwilson@gmail.com with your concern. The long-term savings will definitely be worth working through these transition issues. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Fifth Tuesday Project

At Tuesday's Fifth Tuesday Noon meeting, we packed birthday bags for Backpack Program children whose families receive supplemental basic food through Our Neighbors' Place. In addition, we put Rotary stickers about 285 snack bags. The snack bags are going to be given to the Meyer Middle School students who donate the most diapers, and also who donate the most 5 and 6 sizes. These fifth Tuesday projects remind us about Service Above Self while giving an opportunity for some social time that we don't have when meetings include speakers. As always, we cranked it out PD quickly; many hands do make light work.

This Week's Announcements

--Holiday Backpack Program Presentation: Scott Morrissette has been collecting our club members' contributions, and he will present them to Shelly Smith at this week's meeting. Please make sure you have yours to Scott in time.

-Sharing Families is Underway: Tony Pedriana has been coordinating the signup list for gifts and gift cards to families in need as identified by the Sharing Families group. He reports that the list is fully subscribed, including the grocery and gas cards. As a reminder, the deadline for gifts to Sharing Families is December 6. Click READ MORE for more details.

--Jim DiPeso is our latest Paul Harris Fellow and Randy Cudd reached the next level PHF!: George presented Jim with his PHF certificate and pin at the October 28th meeting, and on 11/11 Randy received his PHF+3. Congratulations and thanks, Jim and Randy!

--November Calendar: Click READ MORE to see the November calendar.

--Diaper Drive is Wrapping Up! It's all over except for some school collections and awards to competition winners.