District Governor Jack's February Message

 
In February, we celebrate World Awareness in Rotary.  Fittingly, the District Foundation Dinner, delayed by the Snowvember storm last November 21st, was postponed to Friday, February 13th (a lucky day for the Foundation).  We actually had more Rotarians attend this dinner than were scheduled for the first attempt.
 
Your support of the Foundation provides the charge to the “sparkplug that runs the engine” of Rotary – especially our international projects.  This year we had some special celebrations: Several Clubs received recognition for their members’ contributions to the Foundation and for their exceptional donations.  Some clubs received recognition for their contributions to the Eradication of Polio.  Of special note, the vibrant Lockport Rotary Club made a special presentation to District Polio Plus Committee Chair Thié Convery.  Our Lockport Rotarians delivered a check for $10,000 which, as Thié noted, will pay for 16,667 doses of polio vaccine.  AND we recognized new Major Donors in attendance as well. 
 
Since The Rotary Foundation is the best way for District 7090 Rotarians to act on their World Awareness, I’d also like to give you an update on a special event.  This May 9th, at Transit Valley Country Club in East Amherst, NY, we will hold District 7090’s first Million Dollar Dinner.  Under the leadership of PDG and District Foundation Director Karen Oakes, and Carolyn Ferguson, RI Major Gifts Officer (and member extraordinaire of the Ancaster AM Rotary Club) we will hold a special meeting of current and new Major Donors, Paul Harris Society members, Rotary Foundation Benefactors, all working toward providing a $1 million donation to the Foundation. 
 
While the Major Donor category is not necessarily for everyone, it is something in which all Rotarians can participate.  Donations can be made through a commitment to the Paul Harris Society, through a bequest or codicil to one’s will, or through corporate donations in some cases. If you haven’t had one of the Million Dollar Team members speak to your club yet and you want more information about the dinner, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with the team captain responsible for supporting the dinner for your club. 
 
Rotary is NOT just a club for fat, rich old men.  There are ways that even the youngest Rotarian can participate in supporting the Foundation.  The important idea is that the individual Rotarian consider that the Foundation is his or her “Charity of Choice”.
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
DG Jack