Changing the World Through Annual Giving
Annual contributions to The Rotary Foundation enable Rotarians to implement life-changing projects that empower youth, enhance health, promote peace and advance communities locally and internationally. In 1996-97, as governor of District 5340, Wayne Cusick recognized the value of promoting annual gifts of $1,000 or more and created a district recognition program he called the Paul Harris Society. The idea took off and soon districts around the world were providing Paul Harris Society recognition and seeing their Annual Fund contributions grow.
Past District Governor Wayne Cusick, with wife LeAnn Cusick, accepts a plaque from Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Wilfred J. Wilkinson that recognized Cusick for founding The Paul Harris Society.
PDG Cusick continues to promote the Paul Harris Society as an important way to sustain the financial strength of The Rotary Foundation. In fact, in 2011-12, Paul Harris Society level gifts to the Annual Fund provided $39.1 of the $110.7 million donated. The Paul Harris Society is so successful that in January 2013 the Foundation’s Trustees adopted it as an official Rotary recognition program.
Rotary depends upon individuals world-wide who donate to the Annual Fund and sustain the Foundation’s valuable programs. Each contribution, no matter the size, helps Rotary make the world a better place.