Posted by Sarah Ruef-Lindquist on Feb 19, 2018
Chris Finn, John Nappa, Storm Warriors
Buckets on the table are for the Interact Club's trip to Safe Passage in Guatemala this spring.
 
Chris Finn at Storm Warriors International He is the Director of Global International. He lives on Cobb Road, 
 
A Storm Warrior is someone who commits a selfless act of rescue. It's a 501(c)3 in Camden . Chris was the skipper of a medical ship in Micronesia. He worked in medical imaging and worked for Harvey Picker's father's company in medical imaging, then working at Fuji. He was involved in Rotary providing a x-ray machine for the ship.
The organization is a media organization that provides media services to humanitarian organizations and projects. He used the example of The Center for Grieving Children and Just Love, addressing human trafficking in Maine.  He shared an introductory video. He drew the parallel between "service above self" and selfless acts of rescue. They do not charge the organizations for the product. Chris is in charge of the development efforts to raise funds through donors to do this work and give the media products to the organizations. They do fundraising, training and recruitment to involve volunteers in this work. Their goal is to raise awareness of the humanitarian work being done around the world. 
In 2018 and 2019 they are focusing on Maine. Their work abroad in places like India has been fruitful, but expensive. He introduced John Nappa, the Founder and Executive Director and author if the book Storm Warriors and What Longfellow Heard, by video and then in person.  He has a background in TV and film making and he uses his story telling skills now for social impact. He talked about the history of the invention of the lifeboat in England and stories he read about them and the area where the lifeboat began. Building a list of organizations doing humanitarian work was the beginning of Storm Warriors. 
They identify organizations that are deserving and worthy,to provide media services to them. Their donors see their contributions as a way to amplify the needs of these organizations.
They welcome recommendations for organizations, volunteers and financial support. Their website provides a nomination form for those wishing to suggest organizations to receive their services.
Joan Lemole was inspired by the Ellsworth Rotary wheelchair project and wants West Bay to get involved. She spoke about a wheelchair project. In 2019 500 wheelchairs will go to Bolivia and Ecuador for people with Cerebral Palsy and other mobility challenges, and she's suggesting our club get involved. She's planning a dinner at the Penobscot Language School and other ways the club can get involved in the next year. 
Trina has completed her Red Badge program and received her blue badge.
Mik had a presentation to Jane Lafleur of an additional Paul Harris Fellow pin.
Ray Fink spoke about the booth at the Business Expo April 11 for WBR, to include membership and sponsorship benefits and will be looking for volunteers.
Steve Dailey thanked everyone for help with the Toboggan Nationals, resulting in about $4600 to give to the community. Etienne reported that the Chili Challenge raised about $2200 including sponsorships. 1st place Chili was Quarry Hill, and Etienne has 16 quarts of leftover chili in his freezer. The club agreed it should go to the Hospitality House.
April 21 is the Ewaste date, and Tom Albertson will be looking for volunteers.
There is a Bon Voyage Party for the Masterson's from 5-7 on February 20th at the Waterfront, where there will be appetizers and a cash bar.
Shawn Doll from Big Brothers Big Sisters will be next week's speaker.