PolioPlus Night with the Iowa Wolves highlighted Rotary’s long-standing global effort to eradicate polio, which has reduced cases dramatically since 1985, though challenges remain in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Presenters emphasized the urgency of finishing eradication, supported by personal testimony and recent case data. Over 17 years, the annual fundraiser has sold about 18,000 tickets, raised $170,000, and—through the Gates Foundation’s match—directed more than $510,000 to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children.

New member inductions occurred for Amy Myers and Parady Boatwright, emphasizing Rotary's commitment to "Service Above Self" and the significance of the Four-Way Test.

Amy Myers, a resident of Ankeny for 17 years, has worked in corporate communications and branding at Corteva/Pioneer for 15 years. She has a rich Rotary history, having been involved for about 14-15 years in Ames and participating in a Group Study Exchange to India. Her family includes a retired husband, two stepdaughters, and grandchildren, and she enjoys travel, fitness, and outdoor activities. 

Parady Boatwright, originally from rural France, has lived in Iowa since 1995 and became a U.S. citizen in 2023. She has experience as a job coach for survivors of traumatic brain injury and stroke, and with people with disabilities for an employment company located in both Ankeny and headquartered in Decorah. She is currently workingin this role while also launching a consulting business. Parady is experienced in technical recruiting and looks forward to making new friends and contributing to service

We’d be glad to have you with us at our next Rotary meeting as we discuss upcoming initiatives and enjoy good fellowship.

Ankeny Evening Rotary members recently had the privilege of attending an informative and deeply moving seminar presented by Jackson Harper-Griffith of the Iowa Donor Network. The program provided a comprehensive examination of the medical, legal, and emotional aspects of organ and tissue donation, brought to life through personal stories. Most memorable was Ginger’s powerful journey and gratitude following a lung transplant, which underscored the profound, life-saving impact of donation.

Why Organ Donation Is Rare

Organ donation is possible only under very specific medical conditions. A donor must pass away in a hospital while on a ventilator, as organs quickly deteriorate without oxygen. Because of these limitations, only about 3 in 1,000 deaths are eligible for organ donation. In Iowa, approximately half of those eligible are registered donors, highlighting the importance of continued education and awareness.

A Highly Coordinated Process

Donation involves close collaboration among hospitals, transplant centers, and regulatory partners. Medical teams evaluate donor eligibility and organ function, while confirming legal authorization. Organs and tissues are matched nationwide through UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), and once a match is identified, recipients often have only a short window to accept the organ. Precision, speed, and coordination are critical at every step.

The Critical Role of Tissue Donation

While organ donation is rare, tissue donation is far more common and has an extraordinary reach. Donated tissues—including skin, corneas, heart valves, bones, and tendons—can often be recovered up to 24 hours after death. A single tissue donor can improve or save up to 75 lives, restoring sight, mobility, and quality of life.

Legal, Financial, and Family Considerations

Organ and tissue donation in the United States is federally regulated through CMS, OPTN, and UNOS. Under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, registering as a donor is legally binding and serves as an advance directive.

There is no financial cost to donor families. All expenses related to recovery, transportation, and transplantation are covered through insurance, reimbursements, grants, and charitable funding. Organizations such as the Iowa Donor Network rely on a combination of government support and public donations.

Families play a vital role in the donation process. Even when an individual is registered, open conversations with loved ones help reduce uncertainty and stress during critical moments. Donor families also receive ongoing advocacy, guidance, and emotional support, with opportunities—when desired—for connection with recipients under strict privacy safeguards.

Medical Advances and the Recipient Experience

Organs that may be donated include lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestine. Recipients are matched using strict medical criteria such as blood type, size, and urgency. Advances like organ preservation pumps are extending viability and improving transplant outcomes. Living donation—such as kidney or partial liver donation—adds further complexity and continues to benefit from medical innovation and enhanced donor support.

Community Outreach and Ongoing Service

The Iowa Donor Network actively engages communities across the state through education, outreach, and partnerships. Many staff and volunteers have personal connections to donation or transplantation, strengthening the message through lived experience.

Rotary clubs continue to support complementary missions of service and generosity, including literacy initiatives, Beds for Children, and Meals from the Heartland, while fostering education and awareness around organ and tissue donation.

A Message That Resonates

Throughout the seminar, personal stories reminded attendees that behind every donation is a human life—filled with purpose, generosity, and hope. The program reinforced how informed choices and open conversations can transform tragedy into healing and save lives.

Ankeny Evening Rotary Christmas Party

We are excited to welcome Eleanor Moriarty to our club!

• Eleanor is a retired dentist, originally from Omaha, Nebraska.

• She met her husband—also a dentist—while in dental school, and together they built a life dedicated to dentistry.

• After many years of service and practice, they moved to Ankeny, Iowa, for retirement, her husband’s home state.

• Following dental school, Eleanor proudly served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Southern California and at Camp Pendleton.

• She then established a thriving private practice in Webster City, where she cared for patients for 27 years.

• Later, she continued her career as a federal civilian employee, serving communities in South Dakota (Indian Health Clinic and Mount Rushmore) and Tennessee (Fort Campbell).

• Eleanor met her sponsor, Susan Mitchell, through their HOA, and we’re thrilled she’s now part of our community.

Our Rotary group had the pleasure of hosting Joe Stevens from Joppa!

The organization has been operating for 17 years, focusing on immediate survival needs.

A resource center opened in 2021 and now serves approximately 8,000 visitors annually.

Housing placements have increased from 91 individuals last year to 95 so far this year.

Capital projects

The team is preparing for a capital campaign targeting $1.3 million for infrastructure and land development.

Plans involve building permanent "tiny home" villages to provide stable community living.

Community impact

Successfully helped 95 individuals get off the streets this year, aiming to surpass the goal of 100.

Mobilized over 2,000 volunteers in the previous year.

Resource distribution

Distributed 17,000 meals (donated contextually) and approximately 172,000 pounds of goods globally.

Maintained operations with 99.5% private funding, avoiding reliance on government grants.

Challenges and Adjustments Needed

Housing market shortages

There is a significant lack of affordable housing, with a gap of roughly 38,000 units.

Statistics show only 34 available units for every 100 families in need.

Service gaps

At least 11 other homeless programs have shut down or left the area in the last 12 months, increasing the burden on remaining agencies.

Operational costs

Permanent tiny homes cost approximately $120,000 each to construct.

The organization must rely on private donations to bridge gaps where government funding falls short, specifically regarding long-term support services.on here

Our Social Mixology was an enjoyable evening. Members gathered to learn about how to prepare 3 cocktails. Brandy Alexander, Jamison Orange Sour, and Sugarplum-tini

Saturday, Nov 8th at Hy-Vee North - we either had rain or snow and a big smile for everyone.

The Rotary Club has been honored by the Rotary Foundation for the 2024–2025 year with three prestigious recognitions. The club’s sustained commitment to annual giving, global health initiatives, and foundational support earned it accolades in “Every Rotarian Every Year,” “End Polio Now,” and as a “Foundation Giving Club.” These awards reflect the club’s dedication to both community and worldwide service efforts.

• Every Rotarian Every Year recognition for consistent member contributions
• End Polio Now award for active participation in polio eradication
• Foundation Giving Club status for significant support of Rotary’s charitable programs

This recognition underscores the club’s ongoing commitment to impactful philanthropy and service.