It was great to see everyone so bright and early today. 

We started the meeting with Good News Bucks:

• Courtney - Reported that her foster dog, Cloud, got adopted a second time. The first adoption didn't work out. Fingers crossed that this time it sticks. A friend of hers drove down with her family from Wisconsin on Sunday to pick her up. 
• Tama - Spent Saturday in Warsaw at a Gaming Convention and had a great time.
• Nanci - reported that the Spring Into Service event on Saturday went very well. She, Carol, and Amy were there to represent our club. We had plenty of contributions. Nanci also announced the best kept secret in South Bend. She ushered for the first time at Morris Performing Arts for the production of Aladdin. Great time! Great Show.
• Chris - She and her daughter drove to Virginia over the weekend to buy a privately owned 2015 Honda Pilot to replace the one that was totaled in an accident a few weeks ago. It was a 24 hour quick trip and her daughter is thrilled that she got an exact replacement. She also reported that a couple weeks ago she did a 13 mile hike at TK Lawless Park in Vandalia. She was very proud of her accomplishment.

Rotary News:

• Reminder that Trivia is April 19th. Bring your friends and family. George reported that we have 19 tables with room for 10 more. We also need three more Round sponsors. Items are still needed for the baskets. Bring them to the meeting. Baskets will be built on the 14th and 15th.
• South Bend Civic Fundraising event on Saturday, April 6th - We Built this CIVIC! An 80's Prom Fundraiser. They also need 2 volunteers to run the games. Volunteers get free entry and meal. If interested, contact Tatiana.
• Reminder that the District Conference is coming up on Saturday, April 20th from 8:30am-9pm at Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana. Registration is still open Rooms are available at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Nanci and Courtney are attending. We invite others to join us. For more information, visit the District 6540 website. Click here.

Courtney introduced our speaker today, Octavia Ray-Tate, founder and director of Kingdom Community Center Marketplace Ministry. KCC focuses on helping provide the disadvantaged community with a safe support system that helps to educate, equip, empower and encourage everyday people desiring to succeed. They work with entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, and small businesses helping them problem-solve and strategize. They provide training, education, resources, platforms and encouragement that is founded by faith. They recently created the Kingdom Recovery Academy, an 18-week training program for the overlooked and disadvantaged populations. They work with adults between the ages 18-40 who desire to be entrepreneurs, own a business or have an organization that serves the community. The program topics cover life and social skills, the principles of financial success, personal and business credit, home purchasing, proper business structure, stability, identity, and character and Kingdom principals/strategies for everyday success. For more information about the program or how you can help, contact Octavia at KCCMM2023@gmail.com.