PROGRAM: Vicki Arndt started by apologizing for saying last week the program today was about Polio, but she got the dates wrong, because the Polio program will be on April 2nd. Today she was going to talk about International Service.
She then said Rotarians are committed to Service Above Self, and that is what International Service is all about. Rotarians come together as business professionals and work together around the world to make it a better place.
Rotary International is the only non-profit organization to be a member of the United Nations.
Rotary International's mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Vicki then talked about the power of leveraging your donations through the Rotary Foundation. $1 given to a Global Grant is matched by the club and becomes $2. That $2 becomes $7 with TRF and District match.
She said, participating in the Polio immunization day in India, and giving the lifesaving drops to children was her "Rotary Moment". It touched her life forever in a meaningful and moving way.
Past President Pat Mc Coy said he was never very much involved in international projects until he got involved with the need in Malawi to help the Blessings Hospital. Through the power of the Rotary Foundation, and the ability to leverage funds, our club was able to provide a very need x-Ray machine and ultrasound machine for that hospital. This project is saving lives every day.
Rich Folsom and his wife participated in the trip to Tijuana this year to experience, first-hand, the projects our club has provided in Tijuana. They visited the Castro Limon pediatric cancer hospital. The next day they attended the 3-Kings event and witnessed hearing aids being provided to children. These are things our club has provided. He said this is the first time he has witnessed one of our international projects and he and his wife said it was the most amazing experience they have ever had.
Jody Wintermute also came forward to recount the experience she had visiting the Tijuana projects this year. She wasn't even a Rotarian yet, but joined her husband, Keith. She didn't know what to expect but said it was the most heartfelt experience she has ever experienced.
The time at the hospital was inspiring and the 3 Kings event and giving the hearing aids to children were so moving.
Vicki ended the program saying T.O. Rotarians can get involved by donating to our international projects, they can travel to witness our projects around the globe. Our grants build relationships with other nations' Rotary Clubs and provide lasting Fellowship- with Rotarians coming together to make the world a better place.
President Darin thanked everyone for attending and hopes everyone has had their Rotary Moment or will have one soon.
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