MOOKIE
Make-A-Wish Maine
and
Planning for the Future
York Rotary Club – Meeting Recap | July 18, 2025
We had a full and heartfelt meeting this week, filled with inspiring stories, meaningful updates, and exciting plans for the Rotary year ahead.
Kindness & Happy Dollars
This week’s Happy Dollars were dedicated to supporting victims of the recent flooding in Texas—a small gesture of compassion to help those facing devastating losses.
Farewell to Longtime Members
We bid a fond farewell to two of our devoted members: Robin Cogger and Doug Gray, who have officially retired from York Rotary. We’re grateful for their years of service and wish them the very best in their next chapters.
A Remarkable Reunion
Chuck and Kathy Andrews shared an incredible story about their beloved cat, Mookie, who went missing two years ago while they were traveling home to York, Maine. Thanks to Mookie’s microchip, they recently received an unexpected call—and after two long years, Mookie is finally back home! A beautiful reminder of hope and the power of technology.
Guest Speaker: Nicole Rutherford, Make-A-Wish Maine
Our guest speaker was Nicole Rutherford from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine—a nonprofit that grants wishes to children ages 2½ to 18. Contrary to common belief, children do not have to be terminally ill to receive a wish; in fact, about 70% go on to live long and meaningful lives.
Nicole shared several heartwarming stories, including one about a 5-year-old boy who, after finishing chemo, fulfilled his wish to become a penguin handler for a day. He rang a bell, climbed into a limo, and spent the day at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut—a joyful celebration of resilience and healing.
Make-A-Wish Maine has been operating for 33 years, originally founded in Camden, and today they grant about 90 wishes each year, with an average cost of $8,500 per wish. The very first wish? A 15-year-old who asked for a four-wheeler.
We also took a moment to remember our own Jim Bartlett, who was deeply involved with Make-A-Wish Maine and helped support the organization through an annual golf tournament in York.
To learn more or get involved, visit: https://wish.org/maine
Club Updates
- A big thank-you to Claire, who has graciously agreed to help lead Youth Services this year.
- President Darcy Bastarache gave an overview of her vision for the Rotary year ahead, centered around a new Action Plan focused on:
Impact • Reach • Engage • Adapt
Darcy encouraged all members to think about their “Why”—why they joined Rotary and what motivates them to stay involved. Be on the lookout for a survey where you can share your thoughts.
She also shared plans for greater collaboration with neighboring clubs through joint activities, shared resources, regional speakers, and more opportunities for fellowship and outreach—including some exciting field trips!
We’ve got so much GOOD happening at York Maine Rotary Club! Why don’t YOU join us for a meeting THIS coming Friday Morning? Consider this your open invitation…..