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WI Rocks the World Rally On April 2, 2014, the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario presented the WI Rocks the World Rally. There were 474 Members and guests from all over the province registered to attend a day of celebration, inspiration, friendship, education and fun. The day was kicked off with a procession of District banners and flags. FWIO President, Evelyn Peck brought greetings and made a formal announcement of the plans to move the FWIO Provincial Office from Guelph to the Erland Lee (Museum) Home at Stoney Creek â€" the birthplace of Women’s Institutes! A floor plan ofthe proposed changes to the Museum was revealed. Evelyn presented the Rally Chair, Margaret Byl with a bouquet of beautiful flowers for her work on the Committee. Brenda Johnson, Councillor for Ward 11, City of Hamilton and Chair of the Erland Lee Community Committee (ELCC) brought greetings from the City and applauded the announcement of the impending move, welcoming the FWIO Provincial Office home to Stoney Creek. The Honourable Kathleen Wynne sent her regrets with Ivan Luksic, Liberal Candidate for Hamilton East & Stoney Creek who also presented a Certificate of greetings from the Premier. Southwestern/London Area Board Director, Eleanor Williams readaletterfromthe Restructuring Chair,Margaret Christenson, explaining the purpose and expectations of the Restructuring Committee. A survey/questionnaire was available to the membership. The day proceeded with Laughter Yoga, presented by Carolyn Shannon, followed by a fabulous buffet lunch. Following lunch, Trent Valley/ Kingston Area Board Director, Mary Shortt welcomed our UKvisitors, Tessa Langmead and Sue Sergeant with a Skype Chat. President, Evelyn Peck and Presidentâ€"Elect, Margaret Byl posed questions, submitted from the membership, to Tessa and Sue. It was a very informative and enjoyable conversation shared with all present. Guelph/Central Area Board Director, Barbara Weese introduced our Key Note Speaker, Janet M. Horner, who presented a workshop, Into the Future â€" Both Feet First "Reâ€"inventing yourself â€" Why it’s Important”. Janet got us to think "outside the box". Handouts were collected and Janet summarized the results which were handed over to the Restructuring Committee. "Share the Wealth” winners were Alice Grom (Ist prize), Diane Russell (2nd prize) and Linda Crawford (3rd prize). Door prizes were drawn for Members wearing their badges/name tags, and for nonâ€" members who had attended. @11073%““’ Pictured from top {LR}: Guests listen intently; President Evelyn Peck addresses the audience, Bottom (LR): UK Wl Members chat via Skype; the District Banner procession. Funding forthe rally was done through the Bequests Fund, nonâ€"member luncheon fees, and the "Share the Wealth” raffle. Membership fees were not used for this event. The Bequests Fund is a designated fund set up in 2005 when a large undesignated bequest was received. Undesignated contributions are spent at the discretion and by motion of the Board. Designated contributions are spent in the manner requested by the donor. Board wanted to mitigate any feelings of uncertainty and change that WI as well as many other organizations are facing today. The purpose of the WI Rocks the World Rally was to celebrate, inspire, excite and educate our Members about Women’s Institutes. It was also an opportunity to promote FWIO and what we’ve done for the community through media exposure. WI Rocks the World was a ROSE Session and a chance to meet old friends and to make new ones. We are so pleased at the positive comments and renewed feelings of “Pride” for WI. Special thanks go out tothe WI Rocksthe World Committee â€" Board Directors Kim Sauder, Mary Shortt, Barbara Weese and Hamilton Area AVD, Marian Austin. Thanks to all Members and guests who attended the rally and made it such a success! Respectfully submitted by, Margaret Byl FWIO Presidentâ€"Elect & Rally Committee Chair Note: Financials are outlined in the Home & Country ROSE Garden insert sent to Branch Secretaries. ' “3421 fig”