CLUB SERVICE ACTIVITIES

Annual Silent Auction Fund Raiser

The largest fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Houghton Lake is the annual Silent Auction held in the spring. The first Silent Auction took place in 2000 and each year it has raised over $20,000 to help support The Rotary Club of Houghton Lake’s various community and world projects. The 2009 Houghton Lake Rotary Silent Auction was held Saturday, April 88, 2009 at the Quality Inn in Houghton Lake. Starting with the third annual auction, Rotarians choose a theme to add even more fun to an already entertaining evening. Rotarians are expected to procure a minimum $ amount of auction items, participate in the theme, and assist in the setup, preparation, and clean up of the auction. This past year’s event had a 70's Disco theme and raised approximately $18,000 for the Rotary Club of Houghton Lake.

2009-10 Goal: 100% member participation. Raise $25,000

Spouse Appreciation Night

Each spring, the Rotary Club of Houghton Lake holds a Spouse Appreciation night to thank the spouses of Rotarians for putting up with the hard work Rotarians commit to projects each year. The evening includes fellowship, food, and entertainment. The 2009 Spouse Appreciation Night was an audience participation Dinner Theatre "The Wedding from Hell" performed by the Kirtland Community College Drama Department.

2009-10 Goal: 100% member participation. Have fun!

Interact Student Guests

Each week, two Interact students join Houghton Lake Rotarians at the regular luncheon meeting at Coyle’s restaurant. This helps to keep the lines of communication open and awareness of the activities and projects of each club.

2009-10 Goal: 100% Interact member participation.

Citizen of the Year Award

Each year, the Rotary Club of Houghton Lake recognizes a person in our community who exemplifies the Rotary motto "Service Above Self". Rotarians submit candidates with a description of why they would make a great Citizen of the Year. The Rotary board approves a list of candidates. The Rotary membership selects the recipient who will receive a plaque to recognize this prestigious award. The 2009 Rotary Club of Houghton Lake Citizen of the Year was Rick MacKenzie.

2009-10 Goal: Award a local Citizen of the Year.

Rotary Park

After Rotary spent 6 years and a lot of money developing a Soccer complex we thought that a nice place to picnic and play would enhance the work that had already been done at the Soccer fields. After obtaining approximately 17 acres from the State of Michigan we embarked on an ambitious project to establish nature trails, playground areas, parking and a 40 X 80 picnic pavilion with picnic tables and grills. We have invested $65,000 to complete phase one of the project. Phase 2 of this project completed electricity, well and restrooms. Phase 3 is currently completed a parking area and installation of playground equipment. Phase 4 hopes to acquire 50 additional acres from the State of Michigan for additional room.

2009-10 Goal: Complete Phases 4 of the project.

Membership

The Rotary Club of Houghton Lake has a current active membership of 33 members. This is a decrease from the 2007-08 club year.