Rotary Foundation Month
 
November marks Foundation Month in the Rotary world.
 
One of the highlights from the past in our District was in November 2014, when Past District Governor Janice Kurth put on incredible gala at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  The evening was called “Millions For Hope.”  Rotary International President K.R. Ravi Ravindran was there to share his thoughts about where we were in our eradication of polio mission.  The climax of the meeting was the announcement of $30 million raised to eradicate polio.
 
We aren’t going to have such a gala this year.  But the Foundation and its great accomplishments must be acknowledged and told over.
 
The Rotary Foundation is the engine that drives our District Designated Fund (DDF) projects and Global Grants.
 
For more than 110 years, Rotarians have been addressing challenges within the communities we care about.  The Foundation gets its power to effect positive change from the energy and commitment of our clubs and  members with the other 35,000 clubs worldwide, who come together to work on local and international projects.
 
Rotary works because it’s a force for good that combines energy, passion, and expertise to take on sustainable projects in six areas of focus.  Our financial support through the Foundation benefits communities throughout the world.
 
The areas of focus are: 
  • Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene;
  • Supporting education;
  • Fighting disease;
  • Saving mothers and children;
  • Growing local economies; and
  • Promoting peace.
The mission of the Rotary Foundation 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.
 
Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world.  It’s in this context that The Rotary Foundation’s focus on basic education and literacy is seen.
 
The Foundation strongly believes that providing opportunities to underserved people -particularly women - through financial assistance, education and skills training is the key to improving the overall quality of life in any community.  
 
With problems around the world to be solved, there’s no limit to the roles our District and clubs can play. 
 
The long-term, fundamental service activities our projects and Global Grants provide all contribute and lead to peace.
 
And the Foundation does not act alone.  There are many partners that collaborate to bring about lasting, meaningful change.  To achieve these sustainable solutions, the Foundation partners with organizations, companies and government agencies, including UNICEF, USAID, CDC, World Vision, Save the Children, and CARE.
 
The common thread of those giving to the Foundation is they are compelled by a desire to share their good fortune with others.  Why?  Because they can make a positive impact for someone whose life has not been easy.
 
On Saturday, November 7th, we will be presenting our Foundation Seminar.  It will be by Zoom for 90-minutes.  The link to register is here and on the District web site.
 
Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 869 2883 5026
Passcode: 777991
 
Among other things, there will be  presentations by clubs showing their District Designated Funds (DDF) projects.  We hope they will inspire and encourage other clubs to undertake similar projects.  Here are the clubs and their projects that will be presented:
 
  • Borrego Springs Rotary Club: “Job Skills for High Schoolers”
  • Poway-Scripps Rotary Club: “The Navajo Water Project”
  • Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club: “The Kids Kingdom Orphanage”
  • El Cajon Rotary Club: “St Madeleine Sophie’s Center Safety Equipment” 
There will also be presentations by clubs submitting their Global Grants that have made a difference in people’s lives.  Clubs watching can do these kinds of Grants as well. 
 
Here are the clubs and their projects show casing Global Grants:
 
  • E-Club of San Diego Rotary Club: “Indigenous Covid-19 Emergency”
  • Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club: “Lifting El Salvador Families”
  • Rancho Bernardo Sunrise: “Oasis Haven School Tuition”
  • Coronado: “Rain Water Harvesting - South Africa”
In addition, we will be honoring three great Rotarians who have who have achieved the Major Donor level.  They are:
 
  • Past District Governor Jim O’Meara of the Carlsbad club, and his wife, Joey O'Meara of the  El Camino Real club, reaching the Major Donor Level 3; and 
  • Lynn Hamilton, past president of the Downtown Breakfast club, achieving Major Donor Level 1.
Hot news right off the press! I have just learned that Rancho Santa Fe Rotary club members Sabi Singh and Indira Singh have become the newest Arch Klumph Society members.  Named after the sixth Rotary President, the Arch Klumph Society recognizes the Rotary Foundation's highest tier of donors - those who have contributed $250,000 or more during their lifetime.  This is a significant achievement.  We will be honoring them at the District's Foundation seminar.  You won't want to miss it.
 
I hope everyone joins us to learn, share and be inspired by what the Foundation can do with your club, you and for those served.  See you on Zoom!