Gift of Life Gala 2017
Dale Vetter (c) and past Michael's Heart winners
Fun with a purpose is the trademark of Rotary, and it all came together at the 20th Annual Gift of Life Foundation Winter Gala of Rotary District 7500. Rotarians from around the district met at the Crystal Point in Pt Pleasant on February 11, 2017 with one primary goal – to repair the hearts of little children around the world.
The Gala is a fund raiser to support medical missions for poor children in underserved countries who would die from congenital heart defects if we didn’t help. Rob Raylman, CEO of Gift of Life International, addressed the attendees with encouragement and praise for all the good Rotarians from D7500 are doing to save children’s lives. He reported that the many Gift of Life organizations, working through Rotary, now are the #1 charitable organization in the world that helps children with heart disease. We not only help the children but the families that love those children so much.
The Michael’s Heart Award was presented to a person who demonstrates dedication to Rotary District 7500 Gift of Life Foundation and who follows Rotary’s principles of service above self, compassion and integrity. This year’s winner was Dale Vetter of Willingboro Rotary Club who gave a very moving acceptance speech.
Asbury Park Rotary supported the event with a $500 ad in the program book and an auction item donation. Attending from our club was Gary S, a member of the GOLF board of trustees.
Chuck Watson of Red Bank with Gary S and Rob Raylman