“Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
In November, we turn our focus to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and its mission: “to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.” The Rotary Foundation was created by RI President Arch C. Klumph in 1917 as an endowment fund for Rotary “to do good in the world.” From the initial donation of $26.50, The Rotary Foundation has grown to more than one billion dollars US. The Foundation is how we fund PolioPlus, all our service projects around the world, our fellowships, our Ambassadorial Scholarships, and everything else that we do through Rotary International.
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali
When you first joined the club, we asked that you support the Service Fund (unique to our club) and The Rotary Foundation (to which all Rotary clubs contribute) with your annual charitable giving. Of the 125 members of the club, 115 have given to The Rotary Foundation, and 88 of those are Paul Harris Fellows. Our club is responsible for $866,224 in all-time giving to TRF. Through the SHARE system and giving to the Annual Fund, much of that money has come back over the years to our District to fund local service projects and global initiatives important to Southern Colorado’s Rotarians. (For example, the $18,327 our club members gave to The Rotary Foundation in 2016-2017 has now come back to District 5470, 3 years later, as World Fund and District Designated Funds available for our use.)
“Everyone has a purpose in life and a unique talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of own spirit which is the ultimate goal of all goals.” – Kallam Anji Reddy
But we focus on The Rotary Foundation not because we are concerned with fundraising, but because we are concerned with service to others. This month, this club has already continued its partnership with the Interact Club at Palmer High School; We have geared up for Dental Day at Queen Palmer Elementary; We have signed up to distribute poppies and honor Veterans this weekend; We have met with members of other local Rotary Clubs to discuss a group project; We have supported and will continue to support Cougars Cares at Coronado High School, culminating in the distribution of Thanksgiving boxes to needy families in our community. We are indeed People of Action.
And although our mission is international, I leave you with this one last quote, appropriate for our meeting before Veterans’ Day: “He loves his country best who strives to make it best.” – Robert G. Ingersoll
Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in the lives of others. Oftentimes, they perform with the core intention of helping others. But did you know that volunteering can benefit your own health as well?
Researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers receive including positive feeling referred to as helper’s high, increased trust in others and increased social interaction.
From lowering stress to boosting self-confidence, research has shown that volunteering offers many health benefits, especially for older adults, such as:
Volunteering decreases the risk of depression.
Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.
Volunteering helps people stay physically and mentally active.
Volunteering may reduce stress levels.
Volunteering may help you live longer.
Volunteering helps you meet others and develop new relationships.
VFW 4051 Poppy Drive will be held on Saturday Nov 9th and Sunday Nov 10th at the North Circle Safeway or North Powers Safeway. Sign-up to hand out buddy poppies and raise funds for the VFW Veteran Relief Fund for either day from 9-12pm or 12-3pm.
Please email Samantha Chapman with questions or sign up! samanthac@sentinelsoffreedom.org
A social to collect non-perishable and canned food as well as monetary donations will be held in the upstairs room of Red Leg Brewing on Wednesday, November 20th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Stop by with your donations or just to socialize with fellow Rotarians. Friends, family, and community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about Cougars Care and Rotary! Volunteers are needed for Cougars Care for two days! Friday Nov 22nd from 3-5 PM to assist in sorting the Thanksgiving boxes of food. Saturday Nov 23rd from 9-11:30 AM to assist families in picking up their boxes.
Please email Samantha Chapman with questions or sign up! samanthac@sentinelsoffreedom.org
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