Sergeant for this week, PE Andrew opened the meeting and introduced President Peter who welcomed everyone and especially our guest Christine Jones.
There were no Director reports but Treasurer Neil reminded all present that registration for the Christmas Party at Surfers Paradise Golf Club are open and requested that the cost of $30 per person be paid direct to the Administration Account BSB 034637 Account No 201534 at the time of registration.
Following dinner Andrew conducted only his second ever Sergeant's Session. Andrew as our incoming President in what will be the Club's 50th year has been studying up on club history and asked ten questions based on his research. Everyone was asked to record their answers individually and pay a fine according to the number incorrect. Given only 17 participants and over $40 in fines, member knowledge of our history clearly needed refreshing.
President Peter, fresh from winning both the raffle and heads & tails welcomed Neil Jones to make a presentation on the Rotary Foundation.
Neil began by recounting some of his Rotary experience involving the Foundation including 5 years as District 9640 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair and then outlined some of the History of the Foundation from the first donation in June 1917 of US$26.50 by Arch Klumph to the latest available year (2019/2020) when US$339 million was contributed.
The "Service" links between Rotary and the Rotary Foundation were explained drawing in The Object of Rotary, The Four Way Test, The Avenues of Service, The Rotary Foundation Mission and The Foundation's Seven Areas of Focus
Neil highlighted that of $343m of income in 2019/20 the Foundation administration costs were only $15m. Other outgo was PolioPlus $154m, Grants $153m and other Rotary Programs $21m.
Based on its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency the Foundation received the highest possible rating (four stars) for the thirteenth successive year from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the USA.
Explaining the money flow into and out of the three main funds within the Foundation, PolioPlus, The Annual Fund and the Endowment Fund Neil mentioned that all time giving from Broadbeach Rotary Club now stands at US$153,888 an average of over US$3k per year over the life of our club.
In regard to PolioPlus Neil mentioned that to date this calendar year there has only been two cases of Polio, one each in Afghanistan and Pakistan and with the Taliban Government giving support to immunisation efforts there is hope we can finally reach the goal of a polio free world.
Next he broadly covered both District and Global Grants outlining the criteria for both and relating to specific examples of both in which our club has participated.
Neil then described the negative cycle of fundraising & giving - Rotary raises the funds and donates to another charity which reaps the benefit. On the other hand by donating to our own charity, The Rotary Foundation and utilising project funding we enhance our service, increase member satisfaction, retention and growth. Developing a rolling three year strategy is important and can only enhance club reputation and growth.
Neil closed by outlining the ways in which we can give to the Foundation both as a Club and as individual Rotarians. November is a good time to make a contribution as the exchange rate is AUD $1.33 to USD $1,00 (last month it was $1.39). Currently a contribution of $133 is required to be a Sustaining Member and $1330 to be come a member of the Paul Harris Society
NOVEMBER IS ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH SO MAKE YOUR PERSONAL DONATION NOW - DEPOSIT DIRECT TO ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNT BSB 034637 A/C No 201534
week in Pictures
Sergeant Andrew President Peter
President Peter won the double - the raffle & Heads & Tails
It looked like Noel had been deserted but he was rejoined by others for the AGM
Secretary Tony was taking the AGM minutes while others listened attentively
President Peter thanked Neil for an informative presentation on The Rotary Foundation
