Frank Mabley provided a lively "Member Minute", recounting the time he and a childhood friend broke into Arthur Godfrey's hunting cabin in Virginia. When asked to speak to his best and worst jobs, Frank noted his worst job was time he spent as an apprentice crane operator. The pay was great but there was nothing for him to do, as his apprentice status did not permit him to actually operate a crane. His best job was the period of time he worked as an attorney in small claims court in Ramsey County. In this situation the work was rewarding but the pay was lousy!
Todays speakers were Jason Martin and Kaycee Stanley from The Reel Hope Project. This organization, which started in 2016, has a unique mission -- to create a video for every child in foster care in MN who is waiting to be adopted. They work with each youth to create a compelling video that celebrates that child's personality and unique qualities. They take the reels to faith communities and events every week, introducing as many people as possible to these kids. Their mission is urgent, given that 80% of kids who age out of foster care at 18 end up becoming incarcerated or becoming sex workers. Currently there are 1,000 kids in foster care waiting for adoption. The Reel Hope Project has made reels for 316 kids and 147 kids have been matched with a forever home.