The River Bend Rotary Club of Shreveport welcomed Dorian Ford of Giving Education Your All (GIA) as its guest speaker during Tuesday night’s meeting.

Ford shared how her organization works to bridge the gap between home and school through tutoring, family support and accountability.

Ford also discussed the Shreveport Family Christmas Festival & Parade, which has grown from serving 25 families to a major community celebration featuring a Christmas parade, gingerbread house competition, gumbo cook-off, family talent show, giveaways and more.

This year’s celebration will be held Dec. 19. Ford invited River Bend members and other community organizations to get involved and help make its ninth year the biggest yet.

The meeting also included Rotary International visitors from India, who presented their club flags.

River Bend Rotary has several upcoming opportunities to serve and get involved over the next few months.