Rotary Berwick Catch Up
The last week and a half kicked off with a vengeance with an Art Screen Delivery to Pink Hill Hotel Last Monday Morning. Big shout out to Boony, Trevor W, Trevor W, Lou & Lou for making a big job seem so much smaller than it seemed.
This week we welcomed Jahanne Nagle to our club. Whilst I couldn’t attend the induction due to my testing positive to CoVID, the induction was well executed by Trevor and Geoff Double in his capacity as Past President. It was also great to welcome Sam along as a guest.
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The final Deb Practice was on Last Monday afternoon as well, which Andrew stepped into at late notice. Thanks Andrew.
The Presentation Balls on Wednesday & Thursday were nothing short of brilliant and well supported by the following Club Members…..Thanks to all
Wednesday 15 May | Thursday 16 May |
Isobel Caulfield (MC) | Jenn Marshall (MC) |
David Anderson | David Anderson |
Michele Somers | Michele Somers |
Andrew Somers | Andrew Somers |
Jack Kraan | Trevor Watson |
Trevor Watson | Jack Kraan |
Wendy Moseley | Adrian Funston |
Gary Castricum | Geoff Double |
Diana Gomez-Fulloway | Sharon Anderson |
Adrian Funston | |
Isobel & Jen both did an outstanding job as Masters Of Ceremonies over the two nights and a copy of our note to our suppliers and the College is included as part of the Bulletin.
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This week I got a note from Leslie McCarthy from Donations in Kind (DIK) which included an open invitation to the Donations In Kind Open Day on Saturday 10th August 10-3. DIK have invited a number of VIPs including the Vic Environment Minister and others. The following link can be used to register for the event if you are interested in going.
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Reminder - Roger Thornton from the Rotary Club of Pakenham has extended an invitation to all our Cluster Club members to attend their special presentation on Tuesday 28th May.
Nandy Gur, who is from Spend it Well will be speaking, see brief description below.
It would be great to have representation from all clubs in attendance to find out how we could be of assistance as a cluster.
Throughout Roger’s 10 years with DIK, clubs have been providing school furniture thru DIK to Timor Leste.
Anything we can do will certainly help assist them. Rotary matching grants can be used.
Spend It Well:
The Timor-Leste government is working hard to build the schools its children need, however its funds are limited. Spend it Well have been helping the Timor-Leste government to educate the children of Timor-Leste, by building desperately needed buildings in existing government schools, often in very remote areas.
Spend It Well is a little different to most charities as all administrative costs are funded by our founders, so 100% of donations are used for the nominated project.
To learn more about Spend It Well and the work they are doing, just an hour from Darwin, come along……..Pakenham Meeting time:
Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m.
Cardinia Club
71 Racecourse Road
Pakenham, VIC 3810
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My Note regarding the Presentation Balls
Hello everyone
I just wanted to close out the loop after 2 amazing Presentation Ball events.
In summary, over the 2 nights this week 57 Debutantes and their partners did a stunning job of making their respective debuts. Everyone at Berwick College should be justifiably proud of the way their students, including College Captains and staff showcased the College.
We welcomed close to 800 guests who came along over the 2 nights to be part of 2 world-class Presentation Ball events.
We can't thank our 2 wonderful Dance Instructors, Jo Hall & Judy Blackhurst enough for choreographing an absolutely entertaining display as well as working tirelessly to teach and coach all of the students. I think everyone who saw the finished product would join me in congratulating Jo and Judy for a job so well done.
The Debutantes & their Partners looked resplendent thanks to the provision of some very tidy suits from Ferrari Formal Fashion Hire and beautifully crafted corsages and buttonholes from the team at Des Flora floral design.
Special thanks must also go to Bec & John for their photography and videography work, the result of which will be so well treasured by the Debutantes, their Partners and families for years to come.
Thanks also go to EZI Print Pakenham for providing our 1st Class Programs, which I noticed proud family members taking home over the 2 nights as mementos of the nights.
The 2 Presentation Ball events went so well because:
Haley, Adam and the Band Almost Famous did a ripping job on stage and kept the dance floor full for a big chunk of the night, as well as providing the music for the opening dance of the night.
Our Masters' of Ceremony Isobel Caulfield and Jen Marshall very ably kept things on track throughout the night, nailed every announcement and kept the guests informed of what was happening.
Rad, Glen & the team at Cathies Lane Receptions who hit the ground with their organization, meal preparation and service as well as split second unanticipated problem resolution when required.
I also want to call out the terrific way that Natasha & Michelle, College Co-Ordinators made everything work with the Debutantes & Partners from selection, weekly practice, Parent communication through to being there over both nights to support their students with everything from emotional support, wardrobe malfunctions to marshaling. Both the ladies were first there and last to leave. All at Berwick College should be justifiably proud to have them on the teaching staff.
I also wanted to call out the behind the scenes work from Michele & Andrew Somers, making sure that all things ticketing went as smoothly as possible and for being the conduit between the guests and the 2 Presentation Balls. Additionally I want to acknowledge all the Berwick Rotarians who helped out with practice sessions and support on the ground over the 2 nights. Your work in welcoming guests was just terrific.
I'm absolutely positive that as a result of the collective work by all involved that our 2024 cohort of Debutantes and their Partners will look back on the 2 nights for a long time to come with pride, and that their families will continue to remember the Presentation Balls as true milestone events in their loved one's lives.
Everyone, please take a final Bow as you have helped make a positive impact on the lives of everyone who attended.
Thank You
Cheers!
David
