The May, 2025 Foundation First Newsletter is here      
 
 

    Michelle Bell, District Foundation Chair 

Foundation First Newsletter - May, 2025
 
Happy May day fellow Rotarians.
 
I must apologize that I've been delinquent in this newsletter the last few months.  I was laser focused on the Commissioning of the USS Iowa SSN 797, a nuclear submarine.  This has been a very rewarding volunteer position. I mention this for two reasons;
 
1. You're all Iowans
2. We all have seasons. Seasons of busy lives and competing priorities. 
 
This is perfectly normal. But I am thrilled to be back to focus on doing good in the world Rotary.
 
District Conference
 
This weekend is the District Conference in Decorah.  I hope to see many of you there.  If you're not attending, you can still support the foundation through the District Duck Drop. (Those little guys get around!) They were spinning in my hot tub in 2020 and now dropping from a fire truck ladder in 2025! Please consider buying a duck or a dozen in support.
 
                
Buy a duck here!
 
Donor Spotlight
 
I'd like to feature a PHF Plus 9. Michael Harleman from Spencer has been giving his points to Luke Moffitt over the years.
 
Luke Moffitt is in his 18th season as head coach of the Iowa Central wrestling program, where he is 172-57 overall.

Under Moffitt's guidance, the Tritons have become a national power, placing in the Top-8 at the NJCAA National Championships 17 consecutive seasons including 12 Top-3 finishes and seven national championships.

During that time, Iowa Central has also claimed six national dual championships, 31 individual national champions, 49 national finalists and 102 All-American wrestlers. Moffitt has been named National Coach of the Year five times.

The Tritons have ruled Region XI, considered by many to be the top league in junior college wrestling, with 13 regional team titles and 76 individual champions. Moffitt has been named coach of the year in the region 12 times.

National Wrestling coach of the year at the junior college level.
 

A product of Estherville, Iowa, Moffitt attended Iowa Central out of high school, winning a national title at 141 pounds before signing to compete at the University of Iowa under Jim Zalesky and Tom Brands. A two-year starter for the Hawkeyes, Moffitt was the 2002 Big Ten Conference champion and named the most outstanding wrestler of the Big Ten Tournament. 

Moffitt graduated from Iowa with his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education before returning to Iowa Central as the head coach. 

Moffitt and his wife, Amy, live in Fort Dodge with their children Layla and Lainey. 

Luke gives of his talents to mentor and coach young people and exhibits the Rotary idea of Service Above Self.
 
Yours in Service,
Yours in Service,
 
Michelle Bell
240 West 33rd Avenue, Marion, IA 52302 | Phone 319-431-2755
District Rotary Foundation Chair 2024-2025
Assistant Rotary Governor District 5970 2023-2024
District 5970 Global Grants Chairperson 2019-2024
Past District 5970 Governor 2019-2020
Past-President and Founder Linn County Rotary Club 2021-2022
Finance Director USS Iowa SSN 797 Commissioning Committee
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary International is launching a campaign called, “Countdown to History.”  Goals were set and pledges were made, the and we can’t do it without you, as Rotarians. We are asking for Rotarians across District 5970 to give a minimum of $40 to End Polio Now. This will get our District to the goal set by Rotary International.
 
A New Polio Banner is available for Club Events! See it here.  Contact foundationchair@district5970.com to borrow it