Program host, Mark Ferguson said he is grateful he can stay away from everyone while he recovers from COVID 19. He will certainly be happy if he spreads the virus to NO ONE.  We wish Mark a speedy recovery.

 

Mark introduced Jim Lechko, the Rotary District 6630 Foundation chair.  Jim, a member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood/Rocky River, has worked 45 years in the financial services industry.  Wow!  

 

In his opening comments about The Rotary Foundation, Jim explained that The Foundation has been honored by Charity Nator as #1 on their list of the 10 best charities.  92% of the Foundation's income is spent on awards/grants and operations.  The Foundation has six areas of focus:  Clean Water and Sanitation, Education, Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Peace, and Community Economic Development.  A seventh area, The Environment is about to be added.  

 

About half of contributions from our District are returned to our district in the form of district grants.  The other half is used to match funds for global grants.  Our District receives about $200,000 for local projects.  In the 2018-19 year, 20 district clubs participated in matching grant programs. In that same year $126,000,000 was donated to the Annual Fund and benefited 1,403 global grants.  A simple goal for every Rotarian, worldwide:  contribute at least $25 annually.  

 

One of the most significant global projects has been the eradication of polio.  2.5 billion children have been immunized against the disease.  Nigeria is now polio-free which means that the only two countries that have any cases are Afghanistan and Pakistan.

 

Donations to The Rotary Foundation allow donors to be eligible to become Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.  A donor receives a certificate and a special Paul Harris Fellow pin if $1,000 is donated to the Rotary Foundation, either all at once, or over time.  A donor receives a new special pin with a gem stone for each additional $1,000 donation.  

 

Rotary Direct allows a donor to help year-round by automatically giving each month, quarter, or year.  Visit Rotary.org for additional information.

 

This year's Club campaign began with letters sent from Dick Hall to all members.  The letter describes the Foundation and notifies each member of their Paul Harris Fellow standing.  Last year we donated $10,226!  Let's hope we can donate as much (or more!) this year.

 

Dick requests that you notify him of your Rotary Direct giving.  He does NOT have access to reports about donations withdrawn through Rotary Direct.  We wants to be sure that all donations are counted for our Club!  His cell number is 330-686-9855.