PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS: President Ken Sizemore read the names of Terri Kane as a prospective member of SGR who he hopes to induct in the next week or two. Other prospective members include Jeff Norton, Andy King, Tiffany Cox and Don Shelline.
Greg Basso asked for support of the Backpacks for Kids project, now in its 6th year with a history of helping 660 kids. His organization needs volunteers to help with all aspects of the project, but he particularly needs someone to serve as a secretary and the vice president.
President Ken noted the date for the Guatemala trip is set for April 23-30. Commitments must be made to Dan Strobell by mid-February.
PROGRAM: Phil Hall introduced his friend and dental professional Scott Bulloch, DDS who shared his affection for and experiences in Haiti. The father of 12 - soon to be 14 children (2 adopted from Guatemala and 2 - about to be 4 - adopted from Haiti), noted the Haitian government is in disarray, education is almost unheard of in some parts of the country and the people have little or no health - or dental care. "There are millions of children who have been orphaned by the earthquake, and many parents are trying to deliver their malnourished and injured children to orphanages in hopes they will get the help they need, because the children in orphanages are the lucky ones!"
Dr. Bullock, who visits Haiti at least once each year, reports he and those who travel with him, work around the clock for two weeks at a time, "but we feel we are barely scratching the surface of the need (for dental care). Some of the children have never even seen a toothbrush. We work in difficult conditions with no power, no lights with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees and 100% humidity." Of the people in Haiti, Dr. Bulloch notes, "most are hardworking, beautiful people, but it is a nation with a corrupt government, no public works and 80-90% unemployment."According to the dental professional, "what we are trying to do is not always long lasting, but change is happening . . . a little at a time. Health is gradually improving and little by little children are getting some education. Many of the children can read a little, while their parents and grandchildren can’t."
In a plea for support from SGR, Bulloch notes, "Feed the Children (a non-profit relief organization which delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to children and families in need throughout the world, has made a commitment to provide food to the children, if there is a facility where they can eat and utensils." The cost for utensils in the village where Dr. Bulloch works would be approximately $2000. The board will consider whether SGR can make such a commitment.
In a plea for support from SGR, Bulloch notes, "Feed the Children (a non-profit relief organization which delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to children and families in need throughout the world, has made a commitment to provide food to the children, if there is a facility where they can eat and utensils." The cost for utensils in the village where Dr. Bulloch works would be approximately $2000. The board will consider whether SGR can make such a commitment.
