In recognition of Rotary Foundation Month, our own Mike Olsaver, past president and veteran committee chair of the club’s RI Foundation, spoke to us about the monies raised and its goals. This foundation, of course, is separate from the Adrian Foundation which is chaired by Mark Murray, Mike pointed out.
The RI Foundation is a 4-Star Charity (THE highest rating!) according to Charity Navigator, Mike said. The Foundation gives 91% of the money that it spends directly to important programs worldwide. The other 9% covers administrative fees. Mike then showed a video produced by Rotary International. Here is some of what it spoke about: The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
It went on to say: At the 1917 convention, outgoing Rotary president Arch Klumph proposed setting up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That one idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50, set in motion a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe. There are 6 areas of focus that are causes the RI Foundation supports around the world. Through our service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Further it said: Rotary also expands access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented.
Each year, Mike said, the RI Foundations takes in about $100M and in return distributes $105M for humanitarian and educational programs (6 areas of focus – Promote Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers & Children, Education and Growing Local Economies) around the world. The additional $5M is interest generated from investments on the monies raised.
Rotary has Peace Institutes around the world, Mike said, where scholars learn about such things as conflict resolution so that we as a world can resolve our issues peacefully rather than through conflict. The second video clip Mike showed dealt with clean water. Here is some of what it addressed: Rotary doesn’t just build wells and walk away. Rotary members also integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families, expanding our impact.
Mike said that our club’s goal each year through the “Every Rotarian Every Year” program is $6,000. We have actually raised more than that over the past several years thanks to the generosity of our members. Mike said that if we want to participate in the District’s Matching Grant Program, we have to meet that goal. Among some of the programs our club has participated in through RI with grant money include: Donation to Ghana, the 3rd Day Farm Project, renovations of the Pathways & Interconnections facility. Mike concluded by telling members that they can go online to set up automatic deductions to RI directly. Should you want to know how to do this you can contact Mike or Yours Truly for written instructions. Thanks, Mike for all you do for the RI Foundation and our club.
Annual Walk for Warmth – Patty provided an update which was very gratifying to hear that the event raised over $30,000 in spite of a major sponsor in the past not participating this year. Congrats, Patty!
Chamber Awards Nominations – John B. announced that nominations are being accepted for the Addison J. Comstock and Commitment to Excellence awards. Please visit the Chamber’s website at: https://www.adrianareachamber.com/ and click on “Award Nominations” at the left of the page. The official awards presentation will take place on May 15th at the Adrian Armory.
AC Hockey – Kathy Williams reminded members that the hockey game will be broadcast live on WLEN.com. Be sure and tune in. They have a 15 game winning streak going thus far!
District Conference 2018 – President Nate again reminded members that all first time attendees will get a stipend of $150 toward their expenses to this important event and matched 2 to 1 by the District. If you are thinking about attending, please contact President Nate.
Meals on Wheels – Additional help is still needed. If you can spare 2 hours each month, please contact Rhonda. A very rewarding program for people who are in need.
The Art of Mingling – Thanks to all who participated: Lorie Easton, Kathy Williams, Catherine Sala, Mike Olsaver, Patty Clark, John B., Mary Murray, Barry Reinink and Rod Hokenson.
DATES TO REMEMBER
May 5 - E-Purity’s Graduation – Patty shared with the group that Purity will graduate from Siena Heights University and that should anyone wish to attend Purity could secure the necessary tickets. Just let Patty know if you can attend.
May 6 – Great Lakes Woodworking Festival - Luke announced this event and will be looking for the club to assist again this year from 12 noon – 6pm. The GLWF is bringing together the best woodworkers from the Great Lakes region, ranging from several different woodworking disciplines and will showcase over 35 woodworking artists who will be selling their homemade goods. The event will also feature free classes, demonstrations, and prizes. It is 100% free to the public. Luke distributed full-color posters and asked members to post them at their businesses.
May 20 - E-RaceStigma5k Run– The event that will take place again this year. Our club will help with the Kid’s Fun Run event first thing the morning (8:30am-9:30am) of the race. We’ll need 10 volunteers and a sign-up sheet will be passed around at future meetings. More info coming.
Upcoming Club Program Presentations
March 1 - Cathy Chesser from Adrian District Library. March 8 - is a nun from Siena but they have not given me her name. March 15 - Pat Deere on Relationship Marketing March 22 - Bill Kenyon March 29 - TBA
GUESTS: Junior Rotarians Abbey and Simon; former AC Rotaract President, Amanda; current AC Rotaract President, Elizabeth Graves.
2018-19 RI President Barry Rassin wants Rotary members to Be the Inspiration
Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, unveiled the 2018-19 presidential theme, Be the Inspiration, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA. “I want you to inspire in your clubs, your Rotarians, that desire for something greater. The drive to do more, to be more, to create something that will live beyond each of us.”