Paul Harris Society Update

Members agree to contribute $1000.00 USD per year to any of the approved categories listed on the contribution sheet.  While that may seem to be a heavy lift, I'd offer this thought for members contemplating that level of commitment.  PDG Art Wing was at our club charter night many years ago and when talking about The Rotary Foundation (we were awarding PH awards among other things that evening), he said something that struck a cord and has stayed with me ever since. Quoting author Albert Pike, Art repeated that man's phrase stating, "What we do for ourselves dies with us...... that which we do for others lives forever."  Very powerful and moving.

 

Skip forward a year.  I'm at The Rotary Foundation Celebration (held every year in November) and Art knows I donate on a regular basis to The Rotary Foundation.  He lays his hand on my shoulder and says to me, "It's time you joined.  You're there.  Make Rotary a Charity of Choice in your life."  He planted a seed at that moment and I needed to nurture it.  I went home and asked my wife if she agreed that we amp up our commitment to The Rotary Foundation.  I explained that through Rotary we could accomplish many great things all over the globe that we'd never be able to accomplish otherwise.  Wonderful woman that she is, the response was "What the heck took you so long!"  So, that November evening The Rotary Foundation became our Charity of Choice allowing us to made the necessary financial commitment to The Paul Harris Society.  I'll be honest, the first check was a bit hard to write.  But after that, no problem.  And here's why.  As I was recently offered the opportunity to speak with clubs and President-elects I needed to do quite a bit of research on The Rotary Foundation.  I thought my knowledge was adequate on this topic-boy, was I mistaken.  The further I dug into  the information available the more in awe I became of just what our organization accomplishes worldwide.

 

So, where does that leave us today?  First, if you happen to see a Rotarian with a purple chevron under their Rotary pin you've seen firsthand a commitment to both TRF and the PHS.  You might want to ask that Rotarian why they choose to be a PHS member   If you think now's the time to consider joining, I'm sure they'll share their story of why they got involved.  Or, contact me.  I've always got time for The Rotary Foundation.

 

Finally, you may be aware that The Rotary Foundation turns 100 years old this year.  Started with $26.50 endowment in 1917 and now worth almost ONE BILLION USD, this just may be the perfect time to join The Paul Harris Society of District 7090. Rotarians all over the world join the PHS every day. In fact, we've had four from 7090 join this Rotary year.  To them, a big heartfelt thank you.  To the sustaining PHS members, again, thanks for your support to RI, The Foundation, and our district.  A gentle reminder to those who have yet to fulfil their current Rotary year contribution commitment that we're counting on you and continue to be most grateful for your support. If you'd like to remain anonymous that can also be arranged.

 

I look forward to seeing district Rotarians and guests at Rotary events, presenting awards at our District Foundation Celebration event, and continuing to assist the hard working district leaders who have allowed a regular guy to accomplish more than he ever expected through Rotary.