Club President Jonna Buck called the meeting to order at 7:06 a.m. We had 41 participants, including guests! 
Our guest speaker was Angela Jiménez-Calhoun, founder and CEO of Pantry Partners.
To read more about the meeting and presentation, click on the gold-color Recap link above.
To watch the recorded meeting, click on this link to our YouTube account: Sooner Club Secretary
Club President Jonna Buck welcomed 41 participants to our online meeting this week, including guests Michele Viviero our former high school exchange student from Italy who joined from Padua where he is attending university classes; and Jared Deck, a Rotarian from Weatherford looking for a new club home in Norman!
Mary Sallee asked if it was too early for Christmas Carols; and after several members chimed in with a resounding "Yes!," we sang "Jingle Bells" using our keys or coffee cups for sound effects.
Happy Dollars
- Congrats to Jim Costello who announced his retirement as of the first of the new year. He and his wife are moving to a new home close to their current home location.
- Katie Kimberling participated in an open audition for Level 4 Improv troupe which she described as a great learning experience. She's awaiting word if she made the troupe.
- David Imy is $5 worth of happy to welcome Jared Deck who was a member in Weatherford Rotary from 2010-2017 and may be coming back to Rotary in Norman.
- Jane Purcell contributed a couple of dollars because her brother's early diagnosis of colon cancer is expected to require surgery and no chemo or radiation treatment.
Announcements
We were happy to hear Bob and Ellen Usry are recovering from COVID-19 after a tough couple of weeks at home!
Keith Busking provided an update on our Salvation Army Bell Ringing volunteer project. All time slots are filled for ringing bells at Sam's Club in Norman on Saturday, Nov 28. More volunteers are needed for slots on the Saturdays of Dec 5, 12 and 19.
Friends, family, co-workers and furry friends are welcome to join Sooner Rotary as volunteers. Participants are encouraged to take photos while bell ringing and send them to Keith, Bill Wallace and to post them on the club Facebook page!
As Jonna noted, “There is nothing sadder than an unmanned kettle.”
Dr. Jack Beller shared a special fundraising opportunity, recently approved by the club board. Members and their families are welcome to tour Jack and Ruth Beller's home on Sunday Dec. 13 which is fully decorated for Christmas, including their fantastic Santa Claus collection.
Tours are scheduled in 15-minute intervals between noon and 5 p.m. for a $20 contribution to the club. Tours end with a glass of champagne and a contest on the Beller's patio, weather permitting. Masks required.
Email is coming from Fundraising Chair Taylor Mauldin-Wagner with details.
Polly said our donation to The Willows was very much appreciated. Similar gifts to Food and Shelter and Transition House also solicited big thank yous from those organizations. These are the club breakfast dues not needed for food at our meetings during the pandemic. #ServiceAboveSelf
Our Program
Our guest speaker was Angela Jiménez-Calhoun, founder and CEO of Pantry Partners, Inc, a non-profit dedicated to fighting childhood chronic hunger and teen homelessness in Norman. It is 100% funded by individuals and community partners.
Angela (called Ms. J by her students) first became aware of teen hunger and homelessness in Norman as a teacher at Irving Middle School. When her son attended high school, she saw teens experiencing hunger on a regular basis and became a volunteer at the Norman High School Food Pantry.
Angela shared several stories about students who find themselves without access to food or homeless, even living in a car or couch surfing, who need help to complete school. Many recipients of services have gone on to college.
Angela's desire to help, grew into coordination with several local projects include the Assistance League's School Bell project, and partnerships with the Regional Food Bank, Food and Shelter, Laundry Love, and other organizations to connect high school students with the resources they need to live and achieve their dreams. Monthly food boxes for students and their families provide meals outside of school days, including nights and weekends.
Angela shared some data about hunger in our state, county and town. Pantry Partners has a small, new location and accepts donations by appointment. Phase two of their plan is to find a sponsor or sponsors in order to complete a wi-fi coffee shop for high school students to meet with tutors/mentors, do homework and hang out.
Volunteers are welcome to prepare monthly food boxes and for special boxes for Thanksgiving meals and Christmas meals and gifts. Pantry Partners also responds to student emergency needs for toiletries, clothes, shoes, school supplies and shelter.
Last year the organization sponsored 80 students who are not receiving support from other organizations, programs, or family. School administrators share student referrals with Angela.
Donors also can adopt a senior student to provide funds for caps and gown, senior pictures, etc. or donate to help with the New Shoes Project.
Thank you to Angela and everyone donating and volunteering at Pantry Partners for putting your arms around our high school students in need!