Rotary Exceeds Expectations at First Gala in Three Years
Funds Raised for Gift of Life, Hudson City Schools and the Scout’s Historic Cabin
After cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Galas due to Covid-19, the Rotary Club of Hudson staged a successful evening of community fun replete with a cocktail party accompanied by a silent auction and dinner highlighted by a live auction. Over 115 gifts were bid upon and when coupled with four raffles raised $67,000. All silent auction items were available for bidding on-line four days ahead of the Gala.
Generous sponsors of the 36th Annual Gala included:
- Platinum--Kaulig Giving and Eric & Amy Treend
- Gold—Ohio Senator Kristina Daley Roegner
- Silver—Akron Children’s Hospital, First National Bank, Patricia Goetz, M.D., The Tobin Family and The Forhan Foundation.
- Tables—EMS Outreach Fund, Bill & Marie Libby, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce Explore Hudson, Hudson Scout Troop 321 and Callahan’s Carpet One.
Live auction gifts included:
- Lexus of Akron/Canton—a Guardians Homeplate Club Celebration
- Antique Style Tilt Top Table—crafted by master woodworker Ron Strobl
- Swim School Birthday Party—donated by the Goldfish Swim School
- Blue Door Chef Mitch Firis—preparing a special meal for 14 in the winner’s home
- Historic Spread Eagle Tavern—gourmet dinner and overnight stay
- Breckenridge Condo Vacation—ski or hike courtesy of State Senator Kristina Roegner
- Florida Condo on Anna Maria Sound—week’s stay donated by John and Sarah Adam
- Cedar Point tickets for 4 plus overnight at the Breakers Hotel and tickets to the waterpark—donated by Patricia Goetz, M.D.
- Sports Car Convertible—usage for one month donated by Don Sitts Auto Sales in Cuyahoga Falls
Raffles included:
- Date Night Dinners for a Year—featuring Edwins, Farmer’s Rail, North End Wine Bar, Lager & Vine, Russo’s, Gervasi Vineyard, Comida Hudson, Tomato Grill, Brown Derby, Brew Kettle, the Blue Door and Downtown 140
- Bourbon Baskets(2)—donated by the Rotary Board of Directors
- Wine Basket—donated by the Rotary Gala Committee
The Twinsburg Hilton Garden Inn staged a spectacular event, as usual, featuring a well- managed cocktail hour with tasty hors d’oeuvres and a delicious steak and salmon dinner topped by a chocolate Bombe dessert.
Presentations highlighting the three major beneficiaries emphasized Rotary’s continuing commitment to the Hudson community and to serving the medical needs of unfortunate children.
An update on the Historic Log Cabin renovation project indicated that the campaign has achieved 80% its $200,000 goal through community donations and a major grant by the Rotary Club of Hudson. Plans are to proceed with the cabin rebuild and site improvement work in early 2023.
The Hudson High School Service Learning program continues to thrive with Rotary’s involvement and the annual college scholarships continue with six $3000 grants just awarded. This Fall, the award-winning Service Learning program begins its 25th year of teaching high school seniors the value of service to their community.
The gift of Life Northeast Ohio has benefited from the Gala for many years helping fund heart surgeries for struggling children in underdeveloped countries, one of which is Haiti where Akron Children’s Hospital has recently opened a facility for surgeries.
The Rotary Club of Hudson is indebted to Gala co-chairs Marilyn Orr and Kris Barker who engineered a rousing success. Other hardworking members of the Gala Committee were Joe Avella, David Basil, Kelly Brennan, James Field, Dan Filburn, Nicole Kowalski, Jim Lang, Evan McCauley, Bill McClure, Doug McDowell, Thomas Petropolus, Patrick Scherer, Ron Strobl and Jay Yard.
Rotary members once again proved that they are People of Action applying leadership skills to solving social issues, tackling community challenges and finding lasting solutions to the world’s systemic problems.
 Registration Desk Greeters—Marilyn Orr, Sam Orr, John Orr |  Silent Auction items—bike, Cavaliers items |  Kelly Brennan and wife Debbie—Head of the Scout Cabin campaign financing |
 Presentation at dinner |  Piano player and raffle items |  Date Night for a Year poster |