RERC eBulletin 5/9/2023
Stories
Remembering Ann Eisemann
 
 
Richardson lost a pillar of light and kindness with the death of Ann Eisemann last week. Her legacy of leadership is reflected throughout our City, and within our Club through the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground. Our Club has grown since the playground first opened in 2019, so this week we take moment to highlight the history of the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground. As Richardson East Rotarians, our stewardship of this project takes on added significance as we honor her legacy.
 
 
History of the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground (from the City of Richardson website)
 

The idea for an inclusive playground in Richardson was generated in 2015 when Richardson East Rotary Club (RERC) approached the City of Richardson regarding their interest in doing a “Signature Project”. The criteria for the project was that it needed to be unique, create a long-lasting community impact and be something that the club could be involved with long term. From that was born the idea of an inclusive playground and a sensory garden, with Cottonwood Park selected for the location. In addition, the club planned to host an annual “Picnic for the Playground” to bring awareness to the project.

An agreement to work in partnership on the playground was finalized in June 2016. Richardson East Rotary Club took on the responsibility for raising $250,000 to add to the city’s playground replacement bond funds which were approved by voters in 2015. A playground steering committee was formed in September 2016 including RERC members, city staff, those with specialties in pediatric physical therapy and therapeutic recreation, a parent and others who had special interest in the project. “Make it Happen” became the theme of the campaign with RERC and the playground committee working tirelessly to bring the playground to life. GameTime was selected as the equipment provider which led to the generation of concepts. The Richardson City Council provided its support of the project in February 2017 and announcement of the project was made days later.

Following successful community-wide and grassroots level fund raising efforts to reach the initial goal, RERC challenged itself to do more to enhance the playground and make it even more special. A new goal was set for $500,000 and the momentum continued. Adding to the campaign’s success was the generosity of Ann and Charles Eisemann , contributing to the project as the naming rights donor with an additional incentive to include a new fully accessible restroom near the playground. By December 2018, RERC had successfully met its fundraising goal. The funds raised, paired with the city’s contributions, made the expanded vision of the inclusive playground possible. The ground breaking for the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground was held on January 13, 2019 and the ribbon cutting was held on 
April 23, 2019.

Richardson East Rotary Club will maintain the sensory garden and will continue to produce its annual “Picnic at the Playground” each June. 

Photo credit: City of Richardson

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2023 Games and Gala
 
 
THANK YOU to ALL of you for such a great day on Saturday.   From sunup to sun down, everything ran smoother than I have ever seen before!!   
 
Stephanie, Bruce, IL Texas and all the captains - you were a well oiled machine!!   The silent auction was beautifully displayed, full of great deals, experiences and unique items; Lisa, Tina, Leona and Laurie were amazing. And without Ross, we would never have had the auction online for everyone to see and bid on the baskets.  We broke the record for Sponsors by an amazing amount, thanks to Ron and his team, and the ticket sales went swimmingly!  The decor was better than ever and both the dinner and dessert (Bryan) were delicious! 
 
If I haven't called you out by name it's not because you didn't help, it's because I could be here all day bragging!!!  
 
We will definitely beat so many of our records from the past. Stay tuned for a few days and we will get those out to you! 
 
 
If you have any expenses for which you need to be reimbursed, please let Tom Hummell know sooner rather than later!!!  
 
Forever grateful!!
 
Monica
 
   
 
   
 
 
Speakers
May 10, 2023
Dr. D.
May 17, 2023
Providing Hope and Health in Uganda
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Upcoming Events
RERC Installation Banquet
Richardson Woman's Club
Jun 28, 2023
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 
View entire list
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Duties on 4/26/2023
Greeter: Lin Adi
Prayer & Pledge: Stacey Hubbard
 
Duties on 5/10/2023
Greeter: Gavin Nichols
Prayer & Pledge: Tom Hummel
 
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