Posted by Steve Lettau on Jan 28, 2021

After reaching a $1,000,000 fundraising goal early, Rotary International Districts 6220 & 6270 extend the goal deadline and dollar amount to support the Rotary Foundation during trying times

A joint effort between the Wisconsin & Michigan Rotarians of districts 6220 and 6270 to raise $1,000,000 for the Rotary Foundation by October, 2020 reached its goal four months early. With that success, and with even greater need, the districts will continue the journey by raising more funds, and a new conclusion in April, 2021.

A bit over one year ago, on the recommendation of Rotary International District Governors Steve Handrick and Steen Sanderhoff, their respective districts embarked on a path to collectively raise one million dollars of new gifts to the Rotary Foundation; a Million Dollar Journey. With many generous gifts – each in excess of $10,000 – from both districts, the goal was reached early, in July of 2020.

When the Journey launched, the districts planned a celebratory dinner for all of the contributors along the fundraising pathway, to have taken place in November 2020. The presence of the COVID-19 pandemic will make that celebration impossible at that time, and the districts agreed that it should be postponed until April 29, 2021.

Seeing the postponement as an opportunity, now past-governors Handrick & Sanderhoff and current district governors Scott Knaffla and Craig Burnett agreed that the districts should continue the Journey’s effort, and have set a new goal of $2,000,000 to be reached by April 1, 2021.

As with the first part of the Journey, the minimum amount of gifts within the journey is $10,000 to qualify for attendance at the celebratory dinner. Gifts may be made in a number of ways:

  • Outright gifts of cash or appreciated securities
  • A three-year pledge of cash or appreciated securities
  • A Life income agreement funded with cash, appreciated securities or real estate, including charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, or pooled income funds.
  • A bequest commitment via a will, life insurance policy, revocable trust, or a retirement plan

Each district has a team of Rotarians who stand ready to discuss the continuing campaign, give a presentation about the journey, or to interact directly with a potential donor. Donors or clubs are encouraged to contact PDG and Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor Nancy Rhodes to discuss the opportunity to add needed funds to the Rotary International Foundation during this time of pandemic and worldwide economic challenge.

Rotarians and others are encouraged to join in this important Journey at a time when it is truly needed.