Mercy Chefs

Jeff Wells introduced the ROD -Walt Sobczyk. Walt likes Rotary because of the fellowship and building friendships. He is a PH Society member and has been in Rotary since 2007. He is married to his beautiful wife, Donna.

Walt introduced Nick Beckman, Strategic Relationship Manager, and Chef Tom Yager with Mercy Chefs. Unfortunately, founder Chef Gary LeBlanc was not able to join us today.

Nick gave an overview of Mercy Chefs. They have been feeding people since 2006. They have served people in 134 disasters in 10 countries with 10,000 volunteers. They believe in giving HOPE in the form of a meal. By 2020, they had served 10 million meals, today, they have served 18.5 million meals in all types of disasters.

Due to communities increasing need, Mercy Chefs now has kitchens throughout the United States, including mobile and brick-and-mortar facilities. They have a new headquarters home in Portsmouth, Virginia. The amount of people they serve is staggering. The highest number of meals they had served in one day was 15,000, but they recently hit a new high at 22,106 HOT meals in one day. They can accomplish this with help from local Churches and helping neighbors.

In 2021 their motto and word of the year is ELEVATE. They aim to elevate everything they do in all of the communities they serve. Mercy Chefs is funded privately and through grants. The average cost of a meal is $2.50 -$4. Mercy Chefs has a full-time staff of 30 hardworking people.

Mercy Chefs – Feeding Body and Soul.

The Meeting:

Today’s meeting was led by Laurie Harrison. Bob Heely led us in song with “Silver Bells” and “American the Beautiful”.

Jim Sell gave the Invocation and recognized and remembrance of Bill Gough. He also asked for a special prayer for John Cameron who has stage 4 cancer.

Brian McGuire gave the Visitation Report.

Introduction of Guests- Marty Raiss introduced a visiting Rotarian from Rotary Club Roma Circo Massimo. Rotary Flags were offered on behalf of each club. Jeff Wells introduced Scott and Julie Keisley in traduced her daughter Cassandra who is visiting for a bit. Dr. Garrett introduced his fiancé Carolyn.

School of the Week is Larchmont Elementary School.

Announcement and Club Business

December Birthdays

Jack Kavanaugh Dec 03

Randall Garrett Dec 08

Joe Massey Dec 10

John McLemore Dec 14

Mal Branch Dec15

Barbara Lifland Dec 15

Tom Ambler Dec 19

Joel Heaton Dec 20

Angela Kerns Dec 20

Jason Drane Dec 22

Dianna Starkey Dec 24

Bob Ash Dec 27

Will King Dec 27

December Anniversaries

36 years, Bernie & Lois Cohen

Dec 04, 1985

32 years, Michelle & Bill Nettles

Dec 09, 1989

53 years, Mal & Nancy Branch

Dec 21, 1968

10 years, John Cameron & Abby Van Voorhees

Dec 27, 2011

19 years, Lorna Cochrane & Daniel St-Cyr

Dec 28, 2002

60 years, Thomas & Ann Lawrence

Dec 30, 1961

December Rotary Anniversaries

20 years, Bryce Burton, Dec 01, 2001

37 years, Thomas Lawrence, Dec 01, 1984

40 years, Bob Powell, Dec 01, 1981

31 years, Jim Sell, Dec 01, 1990

36 years, Mark Shaw, Dec 01, 1985

16 years, John Searing, Dec 12, 2005

1 year, Clay Dills, Dec 15, 2020

16 years, Chip Finch, Dec 31, 2005

16 years, Cy Grandy, Dec 31, 2005

The Club is voting for 3 new members, Kay Stine, Robert Archer, and John Miller.
Sigur gave an update on the Club’s successful Giving Tuesday’s offerings –

$7,375 contributions resulting in 2 new Paul Harris Members, and 12 PH++ members

Next Tuesday will be the Club Assembly and voting for the 2022-2023 board of directors:
- President – Laurie Harrison
- President Elect – Jeff Wells
- VP Programs – Barbara Lipskis
- Secretary/Treasurer – Dave Duncan
- Directors –
  - Tom Ambler
  - Chris Bugg
  - Jennifer Dilworth
  - Sharon Laderberg
  - Marty Raiss
  - Walt Sobczyk
  - Kelly Stefanko

2022 Grant Applications are now available

Happy Bucks/Fines:

Bruce gave HB for his newest grandchild.
Chris Bugg gave HB for Go Navy, Beat Army! And, HB for successful back surgery.
Amanda Workman gave HB for her engagement on Halloween and for moving into a new home.
Dianna Starkey gave HB for son’s new job and returned stolen car, and for Marie Osmond concert coming on 12/13.
Jim Kitz gave HB for the Army Football team making it to the Bowl – Go Army, Beat Navy!

The Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say, and do:

1) Is it the TRUTH?

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Continuing the Tradition

Rotarian Bob Heely presents a new book to Terri Clark, librarian at Larchmont Elementary School. The book honors the Rotary Club of Norfolk's recent speaker from Mercy Chefs. The club has a long tradition of honoring its luncheon speakers by presenting books in their honor to Norfolk elementary and middle schools.