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Bernie Walshe past District Governor and Hawthorn President was speaker at our last meeting. He talked of Foundation, its history and goals. First, we recalled that twelve years after the first Rotary gathering of Paul Harris and three other business colleagues in Chicago, in 1917 Arch C Klumph at the annual convention of the now 1500+ member strong Rotary team proposed setting up an endowment fund. By 1928 it had $5737. Hence the genesis of Rotary Foundation which as Klumph articulated for which "It seems eminently proper that we should accept endowment for the purpose of doing good in the world, in charitable, educational or other avenues of community progress" and which has grown to be the major plank of Rotary today. Over $3.7 Billion has been gathered and distributed to various world wide projects. The end polio campaign has been the most prominent in recent times and bordering on complete success. There are numerous lesser projects and Hawthorn Rotary has participated in many--most notably that dealing with literacy for the Kurdish Women in Turkey back in about 2000. Bernie noted that it is often the case that Rotary initiatives can be taken on by governments, in the latter example the Turkish Government continued and participated in the initiative in a more extensive way. The concept of matching grants means a club driven project can tap into Foundation funds for support to pursue appropriate modest international projects Key to the Foundation is the endowment. Rotary members have various means by which to give and at different levels. Recognition comes through Rotary awards for "Centurions" ($100 pa), Paul Harris Fellowships ($1000 on behalf), and Paul Harris Society membership($1000pa) and even Arch Klumph Society membership (cum >$250,000!). Major donations and bequests under wills etc are significant sources too. Hawthorn Rotary has a good record with member numbers qualifying under various guises at the top end of Rotary experiences. The simplicity now for regular small monthly contribution to reach even Centurion status should be explored--indeed the amount is very modest in contrast with ones weekly lunch meeting tariff. |
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The Shadow observed that local Poet Laureate David Rosback (see below) basked in the comments of Simon O'Donoghue about how he had induced most special treatment on a recent professional visit to Epworth in Richmond on mention of David's name. As an aside how could a Sergeant fine people for improper dress(no tie or jacket) and yet show such legs in those tartan shorts. It had The Shadow wondering, but well done Simon the clink of brass was more intense than usual and good health to you! 
