Rotary’s monthly theme for November is the Rotary Foundation. I will share some outstanding facts about our Foundation. It is now over 100 years old and since it’s formation, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing sustainable projects. It is one of a select group of charities that merits Charity Navigator’s Four-Star rating. Arch Klump, in 1917, proposed setting up an endowment for the purpose of doing good in the world. His idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50 set in motion a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe. You see, when we give to the Foundation, we give hope to our world – not only abroad but at home as well. We give hope to children that they won’t have to suffer the ravages of polio, we give hope to generations that they won’t get sick using unsanitary bathroom facilities and from drinking unpure water, we provide our future leaders training to meet their hope that they can settle differences in boardrooms, rather than on battlefields, with RYLA training, we give high school students hope they will live independently and successfully, and when we provide necessary winter clothing to schoolchildren, we satisfy their hope that they won’t go to school cold and become sick. These are just a few of the reasons we must continue to support our Foundation. Each of us should each give according to our ability each year. Just think that for as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio. Please join our District Polio Posse – you can do so for as little as 25 dollars and when you do so, imagine the children you are saving from this dreadful, disfiguring disease. Each of us, collectively, are improving and have improved the lives of so many – please continue this giving to change lives and thank you for doing so much good.
Congratulations to Gladewater Rotary Club for being our first EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) club this year.
