Aug. 23 President's Message

Posted by Ron Searfoss 
on Aug 23, 2015
 
This Message is coming to you from bay side in Ocean City, Maryland. (I will stifle the grin.) Last Thursday, August 20 we had the good fortune to hear from Bernie Story, CEO of Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. 
 
         
New to many but an old friend to even more MSR Rotarians, Bernie made a return visit after four years in his new role at LVCF.  He brought us up to speed on the Lehigh Valley Philanthropic Outlook. The landscape has changed dramatically.  LVCF has a new, professional staff of 6 dedicated colleagues focused on applying grant funds in a “hit it where they ain’t” philosophy designed to achieve the most bang for the buck!
There are a large number of Non-Profits (NP) in the LV struggling for funding.  As a result there is also a growing frustration and concern of donors regarding the volume and level of requests for funding.
 
Historically Funders have been: Corporate and Institutional, Private Foundations – Laros, Ryder-Pool, Trexler, Century, Payne Hurd, Fowler, Baker and Rotary. Another area has been individuals and public charities. We are now in a new era and new generation of philanthropists.  They are much more involved in having a say in how and where the funds are to be applied.
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has a strategy of being permanent and cause neutral.  They extend their influence throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond. The main value proposition is personalized service, community knowledge and community leadership.
Bernie briefly highlighted key emerging issues and needs:
  • Early Learning – quality early learning critical to achieving a quality workforce in the future
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) coalition with over 30 members focused on matching underrepresented students with mentors in these key areas to provide high-quality educational experiences and career opportunities. Begun in 2014, with a grant from LVCF the effort has now been expanded across the Lehigh Valley.
  • Environment
  • Equity Community Development – provide fair opportunities to all students
  • Next Generation of Leaders – from where? Motivations?
  • Arts – requires growth of patrons to continue this quality endeavor
  • “The M Word” - with so many Non-Profits, the increasing need for merging and effective collaboration is essential.
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation strategy is to connect people who care with causes that matter. Sounds a lot like Rotary!
Special thanks to Erika Petrozelli, Director of Donor Services & Communications for LVCF who supported Bernie in the program and also became a “Rotary Birthday Celebrant!”
 
Our 25th Anniversary 5K/10K race is quickly approaching!!!
The Race Committee is asking for everyone's help in soliciting sponsors for the race. Marketing efforts are exploding with hundreds of rack cards announcing the race events completed and being distributed throughout the area. Sponsorship form and information in the Downloads section. Please reach out to businesses, organizations, friends, family and colleagues. Communication from Essroc indicates they will strive to meet their goal of 250 participants this year!
 
Please join Past President Tom Kolepp and Janet Kolepp, AG who will share insights into how Rotary connects the world – with stories from their visit to South Africa and all the wonderful Rotarians who hosted Carl as an Exchange Student.
 
“Be a Gift to the World” – gotta go Surf’s UP!!!
 
President Ron