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DISTRICT FOUNDATION SEMINAR,
HELD ON SAT, AUGUST 11, 2007
FOUNDATION SEMINAR WAS A SUCCESS!
By District Governor Marty Postic
Aside from a GREAT meal of authentic tamales, salsa and guacamole, provided
by District Rotary Foundation Chair PDG Ronnie Valdez and homemade cookies,
courtesy of DGN Sherry Puffett, we managed to sneak in a little bit of
Rotary Foundation education Saturday, August 11th at Rose State College for
the District 5750 Rotary Foundation Seminar. 24 of our 38 clubs were
represented for this annual event. Attendees heard an upbeat "State of the
Foundation" address from DRFC Ronnie, who explained that, starting next
year, the trend toward 100% sustaining member clubs will start paying off.
Our District Designated Funds ("DDF") will increase from $39,499 that was
available in 2005-2006, to $93,076.50 that will be available in 2009-2010.
Ronnie also pointed out that our per capita giving has increased from $39.22
in 2002-03, to $92.43 last year. He also challenged all of us to get to
that district-wide average of $100 a member. Our annual goal for this
Rotary year is $250,000. Together, we can meet it!
Those in attendance heard a report from outgoing District Simplified Grants
Chair, Lance Phillips who encouraged all clubs to apply for these grants
that can be used locally. With our increased giving, $11,327 will be
available this year for these grants. Next year, that amount will increase
to $15,944, and in 2009-10, it will be $18,615.30. Every club should take
this opportunity to try and get back some of their money contributed to our
international foundation for use in their local club, or for use with a club
international project.
Attendees next got to see what Rotary cooperation and friendship is all
about! District 5730 Past District Governor Don Shinn, from Odessa, Texas
explained how our two districts have partnered together to open maternity
shelters in Chihuahua, Mexico. Through the use of some of our district
designated funds ("DDF") as well as funds from other districts, a Matching
Grant was obtained to fund the creation of these places where women can come
for both pre- and post-natal care, which will extend the life expectancy of
both the women and their children. Finally, perennial guest speaker, PDG
Andy Smallwood of District 5890 in Houston, Texas, gave a lively talk about
how we can give and support the Foundation. His challenge to all clubs was
to take more than you give to the Foundation. Those in attendance were
impressed with the quality of the presentation and the fact that we
adjourned early, so that members could still enjoy their Saturday!
(Click on photos below for enlargements.)
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