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In Memory of James Helbling

Memories of Jim Helbling Offered by Camille Ronzio: 
Jim Helbling joined Southtowne Rotary in 1982. He was one of the pillars of some of the projects we do today. Together with many Rotarians of the time, he joined Barney McCabe in parking cars for football games. We charged the $25 per car and these funds provided the nucleus of the endowment we now use each year for local projects. Barney’s goal was to raise $100,000 so when we discovered a local project we did not have to fundraise first! It still provides some of our needed funds each year. Jim parked those cars rain or shine.

Because of his volunteer efforts at the hospital (then Sacred Heart) he and Lauren Alexander got permission for donations of medical supplies which has grown to our medical supply project today. He did retire to the Springs and remained in Rotary but it’s his early efforts at Southtowne that helped shape what we are today. A quiet volunteer, he shoveled dirt, sorted supplies and parked those cars! We miss you Jim!