Dear Frankfort/Visiting Rotarians and Friends,
Yesterday, Lindy Evans and I began to wonder if we should consider canceling our annual Rotary Revue fundraiser scheduled for April 17.
Lindy had been notified by Bayside Printing that many of their customers, including some groups much larger than our Rotary club, were canceling upcoming events in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Lindy next spoke to Matt Olson, Superintendent of Benzie Central Schools. Matt told her that many local districts were creating a message to send to parents and communities regarding limiting large gatherings and events at the schools. Although no specific time period was identified, Olson said he did not anticipate the danger to be over soon.
Later in the evening, we learned that Governor Gretchen Whitmer had ordered all Michigan schools, public and private, to close beginning Monday and remain closed for three weeks.
As you have surely noted, professional sports events, the NCAA tournament, and university classes around the country have been canceled or postponed in the interest of public safety.
Lindy and I also contacted our Rotary Board and the Willoughby Rotary Board (which receives the proceeds from the Rotary Revue) to solicit their views.
With all of this input, we have decided regretfully to cancel this year’s Rotary Revue. This would have been the 18th year for this successful Rotary fundraiser.
Lindy has begun the process of thanking her volunteers and we will be contacting the sponsors. We have incurred some expenses for the event, but that should be manageable.
The Rotary Board expresses its sincere gratitude to Lindy and her committees over the years. The Rotary Revue has created much positive energy for Rotary club in this community.
Thank you all for your support
Carol and Lindy