Shodair Children's Hospital CEO, Craig Aasved, and Major Gifts Manager, Adrienna Hines (shown above), were presenters at our May 16, 2023 meeting.  Shodair provides a myriad of services, including a world-class genetics research program as well as inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services for adolescents.  A major upgrade to Shodair's operations is a new hospital building in the final stages of completion.  The $66MM project is funded by a combination of fund raising and bond debt.  Efforts to enhance donations of all amounts are underway to sustain operations and continue to keep the physical plant up to date.  Shodair is a wonderful addition to the Helena community.  For more information, see: https://shodair.org/ 

Helena Food Share CEO, Bruce Day (r) and Tim Joyce, HFS Development Director, spoke to Helena Sunrise Rotary on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.  Food Share is our local non-profit agency partnering with us on our next Trivia Night fundraiser.  Bruce and Tim updated us on the status of operations as well as progress on a new building to house Food Share’s services in Helena.  A building campaign has raised bit over $7MM out of a $10.3MM goal.  It is unfortunate that the need is so acute in our community, but reality indicates Food Share is a lifeline for many families and individuals.  Thanks Bruce and Tim!!

March 21, 2023.  Helena Schools Superintendent, Rex Weltz (R) and School Facilities Director, Todd Verrill (L) made a thorough and detailed presentation to the club about the physical footprint of Helena Schools and upcoming school levy votes.  (Also joining but not shown was Lisa Cordingly of the Helena Education Foundation who helped arrange the program).  The Helena Public Schools are housed in many buildings on multiple campuses to fit the "neighborhood" characteristics Helena voters have shown preference for, but raise significant challenge for maintenance and safety needs, as well as keeping up with demographic changes in student populations.  The upcoming levy votes will cover a portion of the overall needs that school staff have deemed most essential although actual infrastructure needs are much higher.  All are encouraged to vote on the levies.  Thank you Lisa, Rex and Todd!

Our speaker on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 was Nick Radley, board member of The Angel Fund (above [L] with club member Gary Carlson).  Angel Fund assists Helena school children (eligible for free/reduced lunch) with clothing, school supplies and other necessities.  Nick is also principal of Central gradeschool in Helena, so sees the significant impact of Angel Fund.  The Angel Fund is our February Trivia partner on February 15.