CALENDAR:    

NOV. 1- BOARD MEETING 11 a.m. The Exchange; (no general meeting), evening social at The Ordway   

NOV. 12 -  FOUNDATION CELEBRATION – 5:30 social, 6:30 dinner, 7:30 program ; (register online; Club will reimburse member’s meal.)

NOV. 29 – HAPPY HOUR (p.m.; tba)

DEC. 6 – BOARD MEETING 11 a.m., CLUB MEETING NOON

DEC. 20 – NOON MEETING, IRONDALE CHORUS, LOCATION TBD NOTE: this is a variance from normal 3rd Tuesday time

Peggy Strom of the Arden Hills/Shoreview Club and our District Foundation Coach, talked about The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and Positive Peace - not just the absence of war or violence, but the fulfillment of all needs in society. TRF drives Positive Peace through funding Rotarian initiatives in the 7 Areas of Focus: Promoting Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers and Children, Education and Basic Literacy, Economic Development, and Protecting the Environment. TRF is an excellent place to put charitable donations because it is (a) efficient and effective (highest rating from Charity Navigator), (b) you have a say in how the dollars are used, and (c) through TRF, you have a broad and significant impact.

Fun facts:

  • The Rotary Club of Kansas City made the first contribution -$26.50 ($540 in today’s dollars) in 1917. Since then, more than $5 billion has been contributed.

  • The first distribution from TRF was to the Society for Crippled Children (Easter Seals).

  • There are three “legs”: Polio Plus for eradicating Polio, the Annual Fund Share, and the Endowment Fund 

  • Polio Plus contributions in October will be matched by D-5960; 1-1 for $100 or more; Paul Harris Fellowship for $365)

  • Polio Plus - the “Plus” was added to the Polio eradication fund because vaccines for other pandemic diseases such as Ebola and Covid are included.

  • Annual Fund contributions are invested for 3 years with interest used for RI expenses. All donations are then awarded as grants – ½ through Rotary Districts and ½ for Global grants, Peace Centers and major projects.

  • Endowment Fund contributions are held in perpetuity and only interest is used. 

  • We are an EREY Club – Every member [contributes] every year.

  • We have members in 4 recognition levels – Paul Harris Fellowship ($1,000 donated over time), Paul Harris Society ($1,000 each year), Major Donors ($10,000 or more total), and Bequest Society (gift included in Last Will and Testament).

  • Bill Gates just made another donation to the Polio Plus Fund – this time $1.2 billion.