In  1994, the founder and now Executive Director Jim King was asked to join a group of community leaders, educators, law enforcement, elected and appointed officials, who were seeking answers to youth violence and gang activity. Jim, after many meetings, focused on the importance of education as a positive influence to curb this type of activity.
 
Jim pulled together social service workers, law enforcement personnel, parents and others to help him build the vision for what would become If Given a Chance. The first step was to create a program, which would assist teachers, counselors, law enforcement, probation and parents in identifying these young people as they began to refocus their lives and move forward in a positive way.
 
If given a chance has provided over 300 young people with awards to college or training. In 2007, 92 young people attended 34 colleges across the US. The foundation provides other funds to assist these students in times of need or to help them overcome obstacles such as car repairs or need for Internet service. More that 200 laptops have been given to the students to aid in their success. In 2008 a new program CAN(Communicate, Advocate, Navigate) will become a part of our support for our students. All students will go through training in conjunction with Napa Valley College that will impart independent living skills and college campus/services skills to enhance the possibility of success.
 
Today the Foundation is poised to be a force in the healing and rebuilding of young lives. One man's idea has evolved into a community vision. In 1995, twelve students were awarded $1,000 each. If Given a Chance provides an average of $150,000 each year, in awards of $2,500 per student per year, for the duration of the recipients' college attendance.
 
Kent Gardella introduced Wes Simpson, a recipient of the Foundation's support, as a wonderful example of the success of the program.
 
If you are interested in volunteering, nominating someone or making a donation, the contact number is (707) 260-5656.
 
Visiting Rotarians

• Richard Hyde, e-Rotary Club One
• Kent Gardella 

Guests:

• Paul Hood, husband of our esteemed Past President Carol Sobczak
• Heather Knight guest of Tim Doran
• Eddie Bell guest of Charles Bell
• Wes Simpson, guest of speaker Ken Gardella

Birthdays: Chuck Meibeyer, Ron Sculatti

Club Anniversaries: Margo Kennedy (18 years)

Announcements:

• St Helena Rotary Club Banners have arrived
• Joice Beatty - Texas Hold'em next Saturday (the 14th) at Rianda House
• Veterans Day Celebration at 10:00 am at Grgich Hill Winery
• Nancy Levenberg needs help on Thanksgiving Day morning at 7:00 a.m. to put up decorations on Main Street.  Meet at 1414 Main Street (Jeff and Cindy Warren's office)
• Natalie Klug requested ideas for Club Service Projects
• Lisa Marie Andersen requested help for Christmas Party decorating and tear down

• John Muhlner announced his 4th grandchild, Eleanor, was born at 8 lbs 5 oz
• Kathleen Patterson honored her father who turned 92
• Pres Wendell Laidley lauded Roger Adams for his run for the school board

Finemaster Bill Word quizzed "old" members on "What do you know about our newbies?" Remember to pay attention, folks, or you will be fined!

1. Club Stands For: 
   1. Largest Supporter of Youth Activities 
   2. Beacon to Community/Forward Looking 
   3. Partnerships for Youth & Vocational Services 
   4. Best Service Club in Community  
2. Club Size: 100
3. Club Attributes:
   1. Recruit next generation of business professionals
   2. Active membership participation
   3. 100% of members contribute in a meaningful way 
4. Club Service: 
   1. Annual Board Retreat 
   2. Craft Talks Are a Regular Part of Meetings
   3. Membership Team
   4. Powerful Programs
   5. Lots of Fun
5. Vocational Service:
   1. Publicize Real Examples of 4-Way Test
   2. More Rotarians as Mentors (e.g. Job Shadowing)
   3. Craft Talks w/ Interact 
6. Community Service:
   1. Another Large Project w/ Possible Partners
   2. Continued sponsorship of local Boy & Girl Scout Troops
   3. Seat Belts in all school buses 
7. Humanitarian Fundraising: 
   1. $500,000 per Year at Winter Ball
   2. $250,000 from Smaller Events over [next] 5 Years
   3. Fundraising Ramped up over [next] 5 Years
8. International Service:
   1. 20 Members Participate w/ Youth Exchange 
   2. Sponsor Annual Rotaplast Missions
   3. A Matching Grant Each Year
   4. Spearheading Polio or Next Generation Program
9. Rotary Foundation Success:
   1. 50% Paul Harris Fellows
   2. 100% E.R.E.Y ["Every Rotarian Every Year"]
   3. 100% [Members Will Be] Paul Harris Fellows w/i 5 Years
   4. 125 Annual Giving Maintained 
10. Leadership Development:
    1. Co-Chair for Each Committee
    2. Complete Winter Ball Training Manual
    3. Assign Mentors to New Members
    4. Interactive Leadership Training w/i Club
    5. 100% of New Members Attend District Assembly or Conference
    6. All Board Members Attend District Assembly 

Visiting Rotarians : Isabel Good (Fresno); Richard Hyde (E-Club One)

Guest: Lester Hoel, Guest of Servaas Mes  

Announcements:  

• Kelley Crane and Natalie Klug attended the Rotary Foundation Dinner Saturday night which celebrated our contributions for the past year.
  • CarolSobczak accepted an award on behalf of the Club for our participation in the Polio Plus Challenge during the last Rotary year, and
  • Steve Ebersole won a door prize. We raised $4,400, ¾ went to the annual programs fund and ¼ went to the polio plus campaign.
• Steve Yost spoke withJulie Spencer of the Rianda House and suggested that we hold a joint Rotary/Rianda House Texas Hold-em.
• Gene Armstead announced that the St. Helena Chamber Singers will be holding their Holiday Concert December 19th and 20th at the St. Helena Catholic Church at 8:00 pm and 4:00 pm, respectively.  Tickets are $20. For tickets, contact DeWitt Garlock, Lisa Marie Andersen, or Gene.
• Wendell Laidley reminded us to sign up online for our Holiday Party on December 11 or to contact Lisa Marie Andersen.
• Wendell Laidley reminded us that this is the last week to make Poinsettia orders to benefit the Women's Opportunity Fund. 

Raffle:  Luckiest Rotarian Jim Bachor won the black marble but I think he only got an IOU.  Steve Atherton and Bill Word were also lucky winners.

There were no Bell Ringers or Finemaster today to allow more time for the Vision Facilitation Program.