Kenneth Hooper opened the meeting with an invocation. President Jeri Strange then recognized members marking their Rotary anniversaries in July. Celebrated for a combined service period of 35 years were Ron Hanby (18 years), Steve Gauntt (2 years), Hari Katoiya (9 years), Stacey Offield (1 year), and Dr. H.T. Sanchez (5 years).
Kim Street introduced her guest, Coleman Morrison from Happy State Bank, who has shown interest in joining the Plainview Rotary Club.
During the weekly announcements, numerous members pledged contributions to The Rotary Foundation in return for making "brags". Richard Porter applauded Jeff Earhart, a fellow Rotarian, for completing the two-day, 150-mile Bike MS: Cactus & Crude ride from Midland to Lamesa to Lubbock. Porter also highlighted an upcoming Hale County Literacy Council fundraiser. Supporters can donate 20% of their Cotton Patch meal costs on Monday, July 31st.
Janice Payne announced the upcoming Lincoln Day Dinner for the Hale County Republican Party, scheduled for Thursday, August 17. Steve Gauntt, the Service Chair, reminded the club about the Blood Drive taking place on Wednesday, July 26 at the YMCA Spin Room, hosted by the Rotary Club. He also encouraged members to assist with the move-in of new students at Wayland on August 5th and 11th. Coralyn Dillard announced a visit by Maude Esconde, a former Rotary Youth Exchange Student, who is in Plainview from France.
Foundation Chair Leslie Gattis presented the day's program discussing corporate sponsorship recruitment for the annual Running Water Draw Arts & Crafts Festival in October. Gattis emphasized the importance of such sponsorships, pointing out that a Gold Sponsorship of $500 contribution can fund 142 of the eight hundred dictionaries distributed annually to third graders in Hale County. Last year, the club awarded almost $10,000 in scholarships to seventeen outstanding high school graduates and sponsored juniors and seniors attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). A Platinum sponsorship of $1000 could fully cover sending three young leaders to the week-long camp. Corporate sponsors gain visibility at each Rotary meeting, at the RWD Arts & Crafts Festival, and in digital marketing. They also have opportunities to promote their businesses at club meetings. Businesses interested in sponsoring can visit plainviewrotary.org.
Following the meeting, the Rotarians dispersed, committed to the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" as they seek ways to "Create Hope in the World." The next meeting will take place at noon on August 1st in the PISD Board Room, featuring a presentation by RYLA attendees. The Season’s Way will cater the meeting.