Rotary's own Amy Bruno was the guest presenter on Monday with an excellent overview of the impact of United Way on the very low income of Webster County. The agency intends to raise approximately $425,000 (100% to remain n Fort Dodge Area) to fund approximately 40 human service agencies engaged in the following categories:
- Fighting Hunger - Backpack Buddies, Lord's Cupboard, Salvation Army, Food Panties, United Way Humanitarian Fund
- Preventing Homelessness - Beacon of Hope, Bridging the Gap, FD Housing Agency, LOTUS Women's Homeless Shelter, United Way Homelessness Fund, Upper Des Moines Opportunities
- In-School Education - AFES, Bridges Mentoring, Early Childhood Center Dodger Academy, FDSH Credit Restoration, Foster Grandparents, Joy of Reading, St. Edmond After School, Vision to Learn
- Emergency Assistance - D/SAOC, United Way Humanitarian Fund, Wheels for Work
- Medical ad Mental Health Services - Community Health Center, Catholic Charities, Children ad Families of Iowa, CFR, Hope for Healing, Prescriptions for Kids, Lutheran Social Services, Webster County Health Dept.
- Enrichment Programs - Blanden Youth, Character Counts, Fort Dodge Rec Youth Sports, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Youth Enrichment Fund, Youth Musical Programs
- Supporting Our Seniors - Meals on Wheels, Senior Emergency Assistance Program
Some interesting statistics:
- 42% of children live with a one parent. Most likely to be in poverty
- 50% of kids in rural schools ted to stay in the area after graduation. Thus it is imperative that we provide these youth with maximum help and training for jobs
- The key is now basic assistance for basic existence, which many very low income families do not.
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At Monday's meeting Rotary hosted seniors from Fort Dodge Senior High and Saint Edmond High School. The students from Saint Edmond: Andrew Gibb, Ayrton Peterson, Ellie Wallace, and Hannah Zinnel. From Senior High: Marissa Smith, Brooke Erickson, Jace Peterson, and Anthony Wagner. Each student discussed their plans after high school, favorite memories from their school, and their parents. Rotary provided each with a Certificate of Attendance, 4-Way Rotary Key Chain, and brochure on Rotary in Fort Dodge. This program packages with the Club's emphasis on youth. 
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Kraig Barber passed around a copy of the latest Master Plan for Snell-Crawford Park. The latest version incorporates some of the suggestions by Rotarians of leaving the road into the interior of the Park. Kraig noted that within the near future the Fort Dodge Parks, Forestry, and Recreation Commission will be reviewing this issue. A picture is included for your knowledge.
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