GOL Announces New Board Members
At the District 7090 Gift of Life Board meeting on 12/14/24, two new members were approved.They are Scott Marcin and Shelly DeSantis. Scott is a U.S. member, and Shelly is a Canadian member.
Scott Marcin is the district’s immediate PDG and a member of the Amherst South Club.
Currently he is also the D7090 Governance Chair.
He states that he wants to help GOL continue its important work of bringing medical care to those children affected by congenital heart disease.
He views this as an effort to help create hope in the world.
Shelly De Santis is our first non-Rotarian Board member. She brings both a community perspective and experience to the position.
She is a retired teacher who worked closely with Former GOL President Val Phillips.
She was the school’s social justice lead teacher at St. Patrick’s School and ran the Early Act Club.
For that effort she received a Paul Harris Award in 2024. She is enthusiastic about educating others about GOL.
We are happy to report that the sale of hearts in Canada is going very well. Club appointments for visits are now being made for all clubs. Please contact President Cathy Henry, dhenry1@cogeco.ca or Co-President Pat Castiglia, ptcas34@hotmail.com, if you want to request someone to make a presentation to your club. We shall also be making calls to clubs for appointments. Remember that there is nothing greater than saving a child’s life.Two new Board members were approved in the fall of 2024– Carol Lipsett, Canada, and Wendy Hvisdak, USA.
Carol Lipsett is a member of the NOTL Club and served as past president and treasurer. She has seen the benefits of heart surgery herself and is eager to participate in the international effort to provide cardiac surgery to children born with congenital heart defects.
Wendy Hvisdak is a member of the Hamburg club where she serves on the international service committee. She is an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics. Her current position is Chair of the OT/PT/ Vision Therapy Department for the West Seneca Schools District. Wendy states that she is looking forward to participating in this crucial work.
These members will be joining other Board members in making club visits so please welcome them. Scott and Wendy will be presenters, asking American clubs to make an annual donation. Shelly and Carol will be assisting with the sale of chocolate hearts in Canada.