John Wasta is the past Foundation Chair for Rotary District 5970. He will be visiting our club to discuss everything you've ever wanted to know about the Rotary Foundation and Foundation giving.
Mr. Wasta is a third generation Rotarian. He has been a member of the Cedar Rapids Rotary Club for 42 years and served that club as its 100th president, presiding over their 100th Anniversary Gala in 2014. His grandfather was a fifty-year Rotarian (perhaps the first 50-year member of the Cedar Rapids club). His father has been a member of the Cedar Rapids Rotary club for 65 years (so far).
Mr. Wasta worked in the office furniture and office supply industry for 42 years. He was a third-generation owner in this industry until he and his brother sold their business in 2011. He then started working as Director of Finance and HR at Matthew 25, a local non-profit in Cedar Rapids. He retired in March 2024. He has been active in the Cedar Rapids community, since his return in 1979, when he was first recruited to volunteer for the United Way by a family friend. He has worked with the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce (now the Economic Alliance), Junior Achievement, Leadership for Five Seasons, the Workplace Learning Connection, and the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, along with other community organizations.