Guatemala Medical Relief Project 2009

The Guatemala Medical Relief Project (GMRP) completed a very successful mission to the remote southern Guatemala village of Oliveros this year. While the final figures have yet to be tallied, it’s certain that this year’s team set at least two records for patients seen and for MT Sunrise participation.

Bob Blazich reports, "The official number of patients registered by GMRP this year was 1089. 1089!! To put that into perspective, we have seen 800-850 patients each of the previous three years after registering 675 in 2005, our first year. As our mission’s reputation has grown, so has our reach. We had patients coming from as far as 30 miles away, as the crow flies, which means many of our patients traveled for hours to reach us."

The second record this year was the participation of Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise members and spouses in the GMRP. Of the 37 volunteers who traveled to Oliveros this year, eight of the members were part of the MT Sunrise family:

• Bob Blazich, Team Leader "El Jefe"
• Barb Johnson, Interpreter
• Mike Kim, Dentist
• Brian Monroe, Dental Assistant
• Andy Moss, Vision Head
• Nancy Neumann, Dental Assistant
• Alicia Nickols, Vision
• Julia Penn, Psychiatrist/Pharmacist
• Vickie Delgadillo, Nurse
• Joe Delgadillo, Interpreter

One of the keys to GMRP’s success this year was the availability of adequate electrical power. Again, MT Sunrise can take credit. With funding from our club and a Lobsterfest patron, Gordon Hetzel and two MT Sunrise members, Wally Sommer and Bob Blazich, traveled to Oliveros in November, 2008, and completely rewired the school building which houses the GMRP clinic.

Bottom line? MT Sunrise Rotary makes a difference. The good people of Oliveros, Guatemala, may have never heard of us, but they know us well. And their remote village is a better place because of MT Sunrise Rotary. Click here to browse the bookmarked GMRP 2009 presentation with details and pictures from the 2009 visit.

Lobster Fest Plus

Mark your calendar for August 29th for Lobster Fest Plus and get your tickets in July! Lots of changes this year, as we're upgrading, moving, and welcoming new partners to help out and share in the evening! Don't worry -- we'll still have the Silent Auction and other activites that help make the event so much fun!

Partners: For the first time we are partnering with 4 charities for the event. Our partners this year are Cope Services, Ozaukee Family Services, the Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee County.

New Location: Join us at Shully's Cuisine in Thiensville at one of the two seatings planned. Shuttles will be provided to transport guests from Thiensville Park and the Walgreen's parking lot to Shully's park-like entrance off Elm Street.

Revised Menu: Not too crazy about lobster? No problem, when you buy your ticket select Maine Lobster, Steak, or a Vegetarian entree for your meal.

Advance ticket sales are required and close August 15. Tickets will be available in July for purchase online; in person at Harris Bank in Mequon and Thiensville, at Sommer's Automotive, and at other local businesses; from our Rotary members; and from the 4 Partner Charities. Tickets will be $50 each. Purchases of tables of 8 for $400 will include 2 bottles of wine. Availability is limited, so plan to pick your up as soon as sales begin!

Auction donations are welcome! If you have an item or a service to donate, call one of our Rotary members or contact Gordon Hetzel directly at 262-238-8837 or email him at gordon@mtsunriserotary.org.

Check back for updates on the Silent Auction and on ticket sales. We'll see you soon!