Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski
2018-19 District Governor
FOR THE PURPOSE OF
FOR THE PURPOSE OF
“DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD”
“The Rotary Foundation is not to build monuments of brick and stone. If we work on marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with the full meaning of the spirit of Rotary…we are engraving on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity.”
— Arch C. Klumph, Father of The Rotary Foundation
— Arch C. Klumph, Father of The Rotary Foundation
November is the month when Rotarians world-wide have historically focused on The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and when we as Americans pay tribute to those men and women who have served with honor and distinction in the US Armed forces in war and in peacetime, and particularly those who have given their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, so that we as a nation remain free.
Veteran’s Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I which occurred 100 years ago “on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.” In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veteran’s Day. I have been so impressed with the number of programs that so many of our Rotary Clubs have designed to honor “and thank” our Veteran’s not just during November, but throughout the Rotary year.
Thank you to our Veteran’s and those who are in active duty today, and your families, for your “Service Above Self.”
It was during World War I at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, GA in 1917, that 1916-1917 RI President, our own Arch C. Klumph (Past President of the Rotary Club of Cleveland) called for the formation of an endowment for the purpose of “doing good in the world.” Shortly thereafter, Past President Arch’s dream was realized when the first donation of $26.50 was received from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri. In the last 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has spent over $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects locally and around the world. The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
You may have seen Rotary’s recent announcement that “for the 11th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. The Foundation earned the recognition for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. ‘We are extremely honored to be recognized,’ says Foundation Trustee Chair Ron Burton. It represents the hard work and dedication of countless Rotarians throughout the world. They know their gifts will be used for the purpose for which they were given and that they will, indeed, make a real difference.’ The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness.”
Rotary’s 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies. It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.
- The Rotary Foundation
Your gifts to the Annual Fund and/or Polio Plus, will be included in our District’s giving totals for the Rotary year. And one-half of those funds given will come back to us in three years for use in funding District and Global Grants. In addition to EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) one of the easiest ways to contribute to The Rotary Foundation is through a bequest – by naming The Rotary Foundation as a beneficiary in your will or your retirement plans.
Here is a link to our “53,000 Points of Light” District 6630 Polio Eradication effort. With 27 new cases of polio as of January 1 (Afghanistan/19; Pakistan/8), we have now surpassed 2017 where we saw a total of 22 new cases of WPV1. Thursday, December 6th is also when we as a district come together to honor The Rotary Foundation and pay tribute to those clubs and individuals who have made significant contributions in 2017-2018. It is a party of the “first order” to celebrate “Doing Good in the World” with a Live and Silent Auction, Decadent Dessert Dash and a contest for most creative costume! See all of the details below! Registration is open - CLICK HERE or go to www.RotaryDistrict6630.org.
David and I wish each of you a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!
Warmest regards,
Bev