The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor is proud to announce that the 
Jerry Wanket graciously passed the trophy to Carol Franciosi, but not before reminding everyone that it was handed to him straight from Buck Crosley’s deathbed the last time he got it. Talk about a legacy! While we'd all love the honor, let’s hope Jerry keeps coming back to claim it in person.- Sheriff-slash-Mayor Bryan Barnett kicked things off by thanking Rachel Aviles for single-handedly boosting our attendance by bringing most of her family. That was a bold strategy, Rachel. We see you.
- The sheriff was downright stunned to see David Archbold arrive early. Then it all made sense—Dave must have misread the topic and thought today’s talk was about Nude Day, not New Day. It was an honest mistake, but also, Dave… maybe double-check next time?
- March Madness was next on the chopping block, with Bryan calling out Tim Crawford, who absolutely should pay up since his Buckeyes are out while MSU and U of M are still in. And in the spirit of fairness (or just good fundraising), anyone who has been to a March Madness game or has simply been mad in March got slapped with a fine.
- Sticking with the sports theme, if you attended a Pistons or Red Wings game, your wallet’s getting a little lighter—both teams are looking playoff-bound. As for the Tigers, we’re still crossing our fingers, so if you dared to attend a preseason game, you’re paying up… just in case.
- Spring break is officially here, which means anyone reminiscing about their current or past spring break antics had to cough up some cash. However, Stu Siegner got a free pass under the Statute of Limitations on Questionable Spring Break Behavior. Lucky you, Stu.
- Then, because no meeting is complete without a little politics, the Mayor turned his attention to tariffs. Anyone who frequents Tim Hortons or Taco Bell or drinks Molson Canadian or Modelo was promptly fined $5. Tim Neveau, our resident big spender, got busted for making a generous contribution. Meanwhile, Carol Franciosi took a $5 tariff hit just for being a former member of the Toronto Rotary Club. Loyalty is expensive, Carol.
- To really pad the scholarship fund, Sheriff Bryan went digging into March 25th history. Turns out, some major moments went down:
- Aretha Franklin was born in 1942, and we owe her some serious R-E-S-P-E-C-T. If you’re not singing along by now, you’re paying up.
- Elton John’s birthday is also today, and if you’ve even thought about humming Tiny Dancer, congratulations—you’ve just been fined.
- And let’s not forget The Bachelor debuted on this day in 2002. For those blissfully unaware, this is the show where one guy cycles through a lineup of hopefuls, eliminating them until he picks his forever person (or at least his next six-month engagement). Fun fact: Phil Lowman was actually considered for the show but turned it down—on the wise advice of his wife, Carol. Smart move, Phil.
- At the end of the day, the fine jar is looking $146 healthier. Well done, Sheriff.
SPEAKER
Michael Spehn is the co-founder of the New Day Foundation for Families, which serves families fighting cancer. He has given a TEDx talk on agape love, been a contributing editor for Home Life Magazine, and appeared on numerous media outlets, including the Today Show, ABC World News, Huckabee, Fox News, Home and Family, Hugh Hewitt Show, and countless radio programs. He has co-authored the book The Color of Rain with his wife Providing Hope and Support for Families Facing Cancer
Founded in 2007, New Day Foundation for Families is dedicated to offering financial and emotional resources to Michigan families navigating the challenges of cancer. With a deep commitment to hope and healing, New Day has served more than 12,260 individuals, raised over $12.7 million, and partnered with over 120 hospitals across Michigan to provide critical support.
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 40.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. In Michigan alone, 66,000 people face a new cancer diagnosis each year. New Day has extended its support to families in 75 of Michigan’s 84 counties, ensuring that no one has to walk this journey alone.
There are three support pillars of cancer care: diagnostics, medical treatment and support services. While advancements in cancer diagnostics and treatment continue to improve survival rates, the third pillar of care—support services—is often overlooked. Yet, research shows that patients experiencing financial toxicity are twice as likely to die from cancer compared to those with financial stability. Cancer care must extend beyond medicine, addressing the everyday financial and emotional burdens families face.
New Day Foundation for Families’ mission is clear: to improve the quality of life for families impacted by cancer by strengthening access to support services. By doing so, they uphold the essential “Support Services” pillar, ensuring every patient has the best chance at remission.
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. While New Day does not cover medical expenses, they step in where it's needed most—providing financial assistance for housing, food, transportation, childcare, and emotional support. Families are typically referred to New Day through hospital social workers, allowing them to reach those in urgent need.
With a dedicated team of 12 employees and a strong volunteer corps, New Day is committed to relieving the financial and emotional stress of a cancer diagnosis, offering families the stability and support they need during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
For more information on New Day Foundation for Families, please visit https://www.foundationforfamilies.org/.