Our contact at the Rotary Foundation rewarded us with a poem for Halloween. Although the author failed to give proper credit to a certain Edgar Allan, the poem is indeed suitable for the season. I am sure you will survive the faux-frights of Halloween. Then wake up in the morning ready for the first day of Foundation Month, a good time to exchange "frights" for "fights" - the real fights that Rotarians, aided by the Foundation, carry out against the real monsters - poverty, starvation, drought, disease, ignorance, violence and so much more. The Foundation won't engage in any "tricks" against you, but at least it will provide "treats" by recognizing you for your generosity.
Once upon a Rotary year-y, while I pondered, growing a bit leery,
Over whether every Rotarian, would give $100 or more.
My mind raced, now more wary, suddenly what I saw was terribly scary.
More so than ghosts or monsters or something rapping at my chamber door.
It was the image of a child, paralyzed, crawling on a dirt floor.
Only this and nothing more.
Ah, but this child I did not know, as she pained and suffered so.
Would not someone else see she was not left upon that dirty floor?
Rapidly my fear turned to sorrow for this child may have no tomorrow.
She was just another crawler, helpless and always to be poor.
Leaving it to someone else, leaves her on that dirty floor.
Nameless and alone for ever more
.
More images now, my fear grew stronger; hesitating then no longer.
Poverty, illness, hunger and so many victims of conflict and war.
So many living a nightmare, with whom our good fortune we can share.
No water or food or one to care; no education, for millions no open door.
No opportunity; no bright future, neither nor.
Darkness there and nothing more.
Who will help those in need; this desperate call who will heed?
“Sir," said I, "or Madam”, truly your support I implore;
Every Rotarian, everywhere, helped end this chilling tale if you dare,
help those in great despair, in our backyard and on another shore.
‘O the ways you can help are so many, please do explore.
And change the life of a child forevermore!
And every Rotarian, with no hesitation, responded without consternation,
Giving every year $100 and even more.
And the children’s eyes have all the seeming, filled of hope; and dreaming;
Their smiles now beaming, as Rotarians’ generosity there was an outpour;
And the lives of millions with so little to live for,
shall be lifted -- forever and ever more
Need Costume Ideas for Halloween?? 🎃
Why not show off your Rotary Spirit and dress up like a Rotarian this Thursday?? Don't worry if you don't have this many Rotary pins!! Just wear a few and your Rotary t-shirt or polo!
We're thrilled to announce our 1st Annual Field of Honor during Veterans Week 2024, from November 10-16! 
This fundraiser aims to **SERVE** our community through grants to local non-profits, while we **HONOR** our Veterans, Active Military Members, First Responders, and Healthcare Heroes for their selfless service. 
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