President Jared Campbell called the meeting to order and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Laine Wilbur led us in a meaningful prayer.
As we just passed Veterans Day on Tuesday, Tom Woolwine and his guest, Dennis Hodges led in the songs of the our five (5) military units: Coast Guard, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and the Army
GUESTS & BANNER EXCHANGE: We welcomed two guests Dennis Hodges (life long friend of Tom Woolwine) and Hisham W. Hawari. Hisham is a Rotarian from Jordan. Hisham is the president of his Amman West, District 2452, which touches nine (9) countries! We did a Rotary Banner exchange. (Side Note: Hisham is a Kansas State University alumni.)
ROTARY HOLIDAY PARTY: Thursday December 11th, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza Kansas City – Club Lounge 28th Floor, with Heavy Hors d’oeurves (no meal) & Cash Bar.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Our Greeters were the membership committee
Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Tony Andresen shared the three dates Nov 22nd, Dec 6th & 13 at several locations. Only three open dates/locations: Dec 6th at Sam’s Club, American Girl and 95th & Mission Ace Hardware. Several other locations have only one Rotarian.
HAPPY BUCKS. Several club members had good news to share with their Happy Bucks.
PROGRAM: Jared Campbell introduced our speaker, “Abigail Swaffod”, the Executive Director of HopeKids Kansas City. Abigail is Northwestern University graduate with a master’s degree from DePaul University. Abigail began her career in special education and spent 12 years in the classroom before joining HopeKids Kansas City as Program Manager in 2022 and Executive Director in 2024. She is passionate about building community, creating meaningful moments, and walking alongside families challenging seasons. As a Quick Summary, HopeKids Kansas City, is a local non-profit that supports children with life-threatening medical conditions through ongoing, hope-filled events for the whole family.
HopeKids. HopeKids’s Mission is to provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. HopeKids surrounds these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope is a powerful medicine. HopeKids provides support to over 475 families in the Kansas City Metro or more than 3,000 individuals. We saw a USA map of the seven individual states in which over 30,000 people are served. The Kansas City Metro chapter, while considered “one state”, serves individuals in the state of Kansas and elsewhere that can come to Kansas City. The Kansas City Chapter is focused on children at Children’s Mercy Hospital. As to the Kansas City Chapter, HopeKids (HK) serves 510 enrolled families with 425 Events & 110 Events Partnerships, with over 3,000 total people enrolled.
Why Hope Matters, hope is a powerful medicine for the patient and family. Approximately 500,000 kids each year cope with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States. More than 50% of these parents suffer from acute stress disorder. Roughly 80% of the siblings have elevated levels of post-traumatic stress. Medical bills contribute to over 62% of bankruptcy filings each year.
The HopeKids Experience brakes down into the following areas: (1) Hope & Anticipation: HopeKids provides exciting events to keep families focused on the future rather than dwelling on their current medical condition. (2) Family Focus: Their events can bring a family together during a time that threatens to pull them apart. HK creates engaging activities for every member of family, not just the HopeKid. (3) Community & Support: The HK programs unite families in a supportive environment, fostering lasting friendships among those facing similar challenges. At HopeKids, no family walks this journey alone. (4) Safety & Acceptance: HK offers a safe, stress-free environment where every child – whether in a wheelchair, wearing a mask, or using a feeding tube is understood and accepted. (5) Economic Support: HK eases the financial and emotional burden of medical costs by providing much-needed social activities for the whole family.
HK’s HopeDay Program offers monthly events for families to enjoy, completely free of charge. Through incredible partnerships with local entertainment venues, HK is able to make these memorable experiences possible. Some of HK’s valued event partners include the Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting KC, Royals, Dave & Buster’s, the Music Hall, T-Mobile Center, American Royal, and many more. HK has virtual programs offering unique events such as book clubs and cooking classes that be safely attended from home or a hospital bed.
HopeKids Empowers Families Through Economic Relief: free haircuts, back to school supplies, free professional family photography sessions, parents date nights (offering a chance for caregivers to relax and reconnect while enjoying a stress-free evening out) and the Christmas
Market (toys & gits without the financial strain).
Hope Community: The HopeKids Community Program is thoughtfully designed to foster deeper connections and create a sense of belonging among the HK families. Each month, HK plans special events that gives families the chance to engage, share, and grow together. Whether it’s a relaxing Parent’s Night Out at a concert, a fun-filled dads-only event at Boulevard Brewery, or bringing the HK Families together for an unforgettable afternoon at TopGoff, these events offer more than just entertainment – they provide moments of joy, relief, and community.
How is HopeKids funded? 60% from individual donors, 30% from corporate sponsorships through the events provided, 10% from private grants. NO governmental funding.
While HK is not a direct distributee of United Way, a donor can directly designate HopeKids for contribution. As to the Application Process: A family applies online (self-referral). HK faxes the doctor to approve or deny. If approved, the family gains access to a calendar of free events months.
In the questions time, we learned that while the initial HK entry is for children ages zero to 18 years; members don’t age out. They remain a part of the HK community. This includes the Grief Group. HK have a close relationship with Ronald McDonald House. HK works with Variety KC as well.
UPCOMING EVENTS: BRING A GUEST !
Nov 20th Mark Hulet, YMCA of Greater KC
Nov 22nd Sat Salvation Army Belling Ringing
Nov 27th No Meeting – Happy Thanksgiving
Dec 4th. Sarah Hoffman, Green Dirt Farm
Dec 6th Sat Salvation Army Belling Ringing
Dec 11th Rotary Holiday party
Dec 13th Sat Salvation Army Belling Ringing
Jared Campbell wrapped up the meeting with an Act of Kindness suggestion and the Four Way Test.
[as an ongoing scrivener’s note: our local Club 13 Rotary organization is comprised of at least three interrelated groups (like a three-legged stool), each with its own separate board, officers & primary focus. KCRClub 13 comprised of various committees and weekly luncheon meetings with speakers; KCRCFoundation primarily focused on financially supporting the Club 13’s Rotary Youth Camp; and the Rotary Youth Camp*, near Lake Jocomo, at 22310 NE Colbern Road, in Lee’s Summit, MO 64086] (* Rotary’s oldest continuous ongoing project in the world!)
As a separate note - a CALL FOR HELP: the Scribe Committee lost its longstanding Committee Chair and resultingly is down to three scribing members. We could use at least one (or more) additional scribe(s) to spread the dates and provide some depth if a particular scribe has a scheduling conflict with work, illness or travel. Please consider joining up or talking to any of three current scribes, Pat Donnelly, Lee Brumitt or John Gillis for more information.
Jan Armstrong has previously served on the club board as well as the Youth Camp board. She has also served on the Program, Membership, International and Ecology committees, and chaired International and Ecology twice. She is a KCRCF Fellow, Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Foundation Benefactor and Major Donor, level 4.
Sarah Beyer joined Rotary in 2024 when the Rotary Auxiliary group closed. Although new to the club, she has been in involved in Rotary since her husband Rick joined in 1989. First, with the Wives of Rotarians group, then as an Auxiliary member. She was the Auxiliary president for two terms, as well as Treasurer for many years. She is a Paul Harris Fellow and has participated in many club events and projects with Rick. Her favorite part of the Club is the Camp and says that Service Above Self is in her DNA.
Eric Burger has been a member since 2019. He serves on the Committee Service Committee and has served on the Youth Camp Board. 
John Gillis has served on the KCRCF board as Secretary. He has also served on the Scribe committee, writing meeting notes for the Buzz Saw, for over a decade. He is a KCRCF fellow. He is married to his wife Marsha for 42 years and has two children and two grandchildren. 
Scott McRuer transferred to Club 13 in August of 2024, however he has been in Rotary since 1988, as a member of the Platte County and Parkville clubs. He was the Club President of the Parkville club in 1994-95. He is a Paul Harris Fellow.
Peter Sotta joined Rotary in 2000m inspired by his father-in-law Bill Andrews. Since then, Rotary has been a constant part of his life, even as he moved to Naples, Florida. He serves on the Rotary Youth Camp board and chairs the Community Service Committee. He has also co-chaired the Business Executive of the Year, the Business Development Committee, & co-chaired the Salvation Army Bell Ringing initiative in Naples. He is proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow.
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