The Rotary Foundation and Polio Eradication

The Rotary Foundation and Polio Eradication

Many thanks to our own Sue Burnett and to Past District Governor Mike McCarthy! Their presentations the past two weeks on “The Rotary Foundation (TRF) 101” and “Rotary and Polio Eradication” were educational for newer members and an excellent reminder to “veterans”. Paul Harris Fellow status may recognize an individual’s contributions to TRF of $1,000 and multiples, but the true value of our donations is found in the people helped through clean water, medical services, education, peace initiatives and more.

Morning Star Rotary has a goal to become an “Every Rotarian Every Year” (EREY) club for 2014-15. EREY clubs average donations to TRF’s Annual fund of at least $100 per member, with every active member giving some amount. Remember, this year’s Annual Fund donations will become District and Global Grants in 2017-18. In recent years, our projects for the Hogar Crea Garden and the MOM-n-PA Dental Initiative received District Grants, and a Global grant greatly increased the impact of the Peru Water Filter Project in which we were a partner.

The number of new polio cases worldwide has decreased by over 99% since Rotary initiated “Polio Plus” in the late 1980’s! A final push is needed to achieve full eradication, or these precious gains may be reversed.

How to donate? It’s easy …

• Give a check to Tom Hartzell (our club Foundation chair), payable to The Rotary Foundation. (It will go to the Annual Fund unless you note that it is for Polio.) For a 2014 tax deduction, please get your check to Tom by December 11 for processing.
• “$2 a Week” (more or less) – At club meetings, you can put in money at your convenience - $2 a week, $10 a month, or whatever works for you. The club accumulates the money, then submits it all to The Rotary Foundation in December and June. (You can start anytime.) Again, it will go to the Annual Fund unless you note otherwise.
• Online/Direct contributions can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually at https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/give - sign in for individual and club credit. (Contact me for help signing in.) If you prefer, you may return the completed Rotary Direct enrollment form available at https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/give/ways-give or enroll by phone at 866-976-8279.

We hope you will consider helping The Rotary Foundation in 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.”

Please contact Tom Hartzell or any member of the club’s Foundation Committee if you have any questions. Thanks!

Jean

jsearfoss@cementemployers.com  Cell 610-504-1455