*       Bayou Battle happening tonight! So far a total of $2,575 has been donated in advance at the Spring Lake and the Fruitport Orchard Markets. Spring Lake won this leg of the battle with bringing in $1,378.47!
*       Shannon reported that this year’s Ottawa County United Way Stuff A Bus event was a huge success! Over $25k worth of school supplies was gathered! <https://www.ottawaunitedway.org/more-25k-worth-school-supplies-donated-local-kids-through-united-ways-stuff-bus-drive>  Rotary should get involved with this next year!
*       The Waterfront Walk for Hospice of North Ottawa County is Saturday, September 21st – more info! <https://nochgetbetter.com/events/waterfront-walk-for-hospice-of-north-ottawa-community/>
*       Muskegon Rotary Club’s Grape Escape is Wednesday, October 2nd in downtown Muskegon – more info! <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muskegon-rotary-16th-annual-grape-escape-tickets-67038492937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch>
*       In honor of Shannon’s service to our Rotary Club and in celebration of her recent marriage, the club has named her a Paul Harris Fellow! Thank you and congrats Shannon!
*       The Habitat For Humanity House in Ferrysburg will be dedicated September 11th at 5pm. Our club donated $15k towards the construction of this new home!

Muskegon Rescue Mission

*       We were joined by MRM’s Executive Director, Dan Skoglund; Director of Development, Melissa Boughner; and Volunteer & Event Coordinator, Emily Umstead.
*       Muskegon Rescue Mission (MRM) is one of the oldest ministries in West Michigan serving individuals and families since 1907. The men’s shelter is located at 400 W. Laketon Ave. The women’s and family shelter is located at 1691 Peck St.
*       From the time the Mission was established, their mission has been to demonstrate and proclaim God’s love to the less fortunate and homeless people of West Michigan. They have provided food, shelter, clothing and spiritual direction to those in need. By relieving the immediate needs of our hurting neighbors, Muskegon Rescue Mission is able to address the root cause of their distress and offer the spiritual nourishment necessary to effect true and lasting change.
*       MRM serves men, women and children from all walks of life. Individuals and families go to them seeking help. They also receive referrals from the Department of Human Services, churches, community agencies, police, area businesses, and individuals. Guests primarily come from Muskegon County, however, there are no geographic restrictions.
*       They operate 3 thrift stores in Muskegon – on Holton Rd, on Apple Ave., and on Henry St.
*       In 2018, they serve over 160,000 meals and provided over 32,000 nights of shelter for those in need.
*       They are a low barrier shelter and provide assistance to those with alcohol or drug addictions.
*       The biggest cause of homelessness is mental illness. The second cause is due to self-inflicted problems such as alcohol and drugs.
*       The fastest growing homeless demographic is mothers or grandmothers with kids
*       MRM is privately funded and over 40% of their funds come from individual donors
*       They host 4 major fundraising events each year including Soup for Suits, Foreshore Adventure Run, their Annual Dinner, and new this year – Over the Edge Building Repel event
*       Current they are running their 100 Days of Hope campaign though October 31st.
*       You can donate to the Muskegon Rescue Mission here! <https://artvancharitychallenge.mightycause.com/donate/Muskegon-Rescue-Mission>
*       They have many volunteer opportunities – learn more here! <https://muskegonmission.org/volunteer/>


This Week’s 50/50 Winner – Bernie Wade

Jen Lynn, Dave Stocking, and Ron Letenyei (We had 10 Jen Lynn's last week and it was awesome - everyone felt welcomed)