Rotary Foundation

November 21, 2006: Today’s presentation by Richard Dowell, Mike Jones, Lou Mello and Robert Freer focused on the Rotary Foundation. Richard reported that in September the board made in two key decisions. They were to have 1/2 of the contributions to Rotary International return to the District in scholarships and grants and also approved the development of a contingency fund in the budget to cover unique situations that if any fund is not used it is contributed to the Rotary Foundation. Recent contributions included $500 to a Water Mission project and $1250 for a project in Brazil.

Lou Mello presented a Paul Harris Society Award to Kyra Morris and a Paul Harris Fellow Award to Johnny Stuhr. These two club members are excellent examples of those contributing to the Rotary Foundation and all aspects of Rotary.

Mike Jones made a presentation on the Family of Rotary Initiative which is a strong focus this year. It is a way to build relationships, grow the organization and improve overall image. It allows matching funds for gifts to the Foundation and also gives recognition to family members. Those who were not at the meeting or would like more information can learn about the program by going to at www.foundationgiving.org. or contacting Carroll or Richard Dowell .

Robert Freer shared a unique view if value of foundation. He was introduced to Rotary in 1968 when he was asked to be part of a Group Study Exchange before he became a Rotary member. During this program in Germany he built a relationship that his lasted a lifetime. He and the attorney he stayed with have continued to be involved and are godfathers of each others’ children. Without Rotary and this program would never have met.

Richard explained the Polio Plus program and its evolution to the Polio Plus Partners program. Rotary had significant involvement in the largest humanitarian effort of all time to inoculate 2 billion people in the polio. It was thought that polio was no longer a problem yet in 2004 there was another outbreak. With Polio Plus Partners, Rotary members and volunteers go into the areas affected and help inoculate the population.

Submitted by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee