I think every month is Rotary Foundation Month, because so many of our good works are driven by the money we invest in the Foundation.   I’ve shared my view that Rotary is a peace organization, driven by our local and global attention to the six areas of focus that are the framework for Foundation Grants.
 
Look again at the many ways District 7780 Rotarians sprang into action to help victims of the hurricanes.  Most of these efforts included the Donor-Advised-Funds of the Rotary Foundation, where stewardship and minimal overhead costs ensure that the dollars get to those who need them. 
 
Last week we celebrated World Polio Day, and the progress Rotary has made with partner organizations like the CDC, World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Again, this vital, life-saving work runs on the engine of our Rotary Foundation.
 
During the past months our team has distributed district grant checks to our clubs for worthwhile projects that are now well underway.  This week, we are announcing that our district-grant-funded cultural exchange program will serve the Kakamega Orphanage Care Centre of Kenya, following a recommendation of our district’s international committee.  These funds come from your contributions to the Foundation’s SHARE fund, 50% of which returns to our district in the form of both district and global grant money.
 
Next week we welcome Rotary International Past Vice President Jennifer Jones to Northern New England, to meet with key donors and celebrate the final push of our 100-for-100 Foundation Centennial campaign.   On an ongoing basis, our District Foundation team led by Marty Helman works on the annual fund, the Paul Harris society, the EREY campaigns, and also on bequest gifts.  In all these ways during November, we will celebrate the annual giving and endowment gifts to our foundation.
 
The most powerful five words in fundraising are these: “Will you please join me?”
 
We lead by example.  Put these five words in front of a sentence that combines your personal support of Rotary with the strength of our Foundation.
 
Will you please join me in one (or more) of these ways?
 
Dave Underhill, District 7780 Governor
 
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