WE ARE THIS MUCH CLOSER!
Rotary International announced this past Friday the 13th , that Rotary had met the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Polio Challenge Match, by raising $200 million dollars (actually $202 million dollars). And for meeting the challenge early, (the deadline was June 2012) Bill and Melinda threw in an additional $50 million!
The match is done, but the fight is not.
There remains less than 1% to completely eradicate this devastating disease from the planet. There has not been one new case of polio in a year in India. Only 620 cases existed worldwide in 2011 (and declining) however every new child born (millions a year) must receive the precious drops and once “eradicated” there is a 3- 5 year confirmation period which must pass to assure complete eradication. So, don’t let up, continue to contribute to our world signature project, we ARE this much closer!
And speaking of contributing, have you become a Rotary Benefactor with the new year? What is that you ask. Quite simply… it is a “promise to pay in the future”. You gotta like that. Nothing to pony up now and yet you still get all the recognition. For a promise to pay $1,000 or more from your estate, when you pass, you become TODAY a Rotary Benefactor with the satisfaction, for the rest of your life, that you have left a part of your legacy to Rotary.
Do I have to have a will in place now to do this? NO, just complete and sign the postcard at the office.
Do I have to write a check now? NO
Will I get asked again next year? NO.
What’s the catch? Well…you are on the honor system. It quite simply is a promise to pay and statistically 99% of all Rotarians who promised…paid.
Your Mystery Trip this past Sunday the 22nd ,and graciously hosted by Bob Biko, Horace Wulff and David Eastis was thoroughly enjoyed by 40, including yours truly. This terrific trio choreographed an educational and entertaining tour excursion through the new $35 million dollar world class UC Davis wine, beer and olive oil research and development facilities on the campus, only to be topped off with a delicious lunch by Ettore with complimenting wine, beer and olive oil tasting…and we even made it back in time for most of the 49er game to boot. Ask me later where Stella beer stacks up in the ranks. The world renowned Charlie the beer guy didn’t mince any words when asked.
Welcome BACK to the Club Scott “Lip” Lippi. We are delighted with your return amongst the ranks and so too is our softball team!
Dave Bender the Channel 13 weather guy humored our Club as speaker this week. Read all about it below in this The Pulse.
We are sorry to see Alexander Gonzales Jr. leave our Rotary family. Our past ED Chris Winger has officially resigned from the Club, now living in Arizona. We wish you all the best and welcome you back should your tides turn our direction in the future.
Theater night (Forbidden Broadway) is SOLD OUT! Great job Tom Chase. Enjoy the show everyone.
Don’t let up donating your blood as FREQUENTLY as you can. The magic lies in “frequency” and Point West does that part very well.
New Members (and all members), SAVE THE DATE, (April 28th) for Rotarians at Work Day. Let’s make a grand showing as the big fish in our District. Details to follow, but get it on your calendar now.
Group Study Exchange (GSE) applications close this weekend. If you‘d like to experience South Africa for a month on Rotary’s dime, this can be another experience of a lifetime.
Many thanks to Chris Ann Bachtel and First Northern Bank for sponsoring the meeting, to Lev Kaganovich becoming a mountaineer for his multiple contributions and in memory of our Club Rotarian George Wong, to Amin Elmallah for becoming an Explorer in appreciation of being back in this great country after visiting his daughter in Egypt, to Rita Gibson becoming a Hiker in recognition of a wonderful Mystery Trip and to Jeff Stone and the Rotary Rooters for yet another contribution to your RCS Foundation from the fruits of their tremendous holiday season performances within the community. A generous week indeed!
Enjoy a terrific week, strive for your summits!
Ken Noack, Jr.