February, 2020

 

Don Meyer, District 5970 Foundation Chair

 
Foundation First newsletter
February, 2020
 
 
 
 
Dear Rotarians,
 
I hear it often.  Almost every day.  In my daily work as a professional fundraiser, I have the privilege of working side by side with some of the most passionate, generous donors from all across the country, to help them reach their goals.  I am blessed!  They teach me about giving.  They feel the joy that comes from giving.  And I hear from each one of them, “I give because I love your mission.  I can see the difference my gift is making.”  I hear it often.
 
Isn’t that why we are part of this wonderful mission of the Rotary Foundation—to do good in the world?  Thank you for loving that mission.  Your gifts, of any size, truly do make a difference.  A gift of $2.40 provides the polio vaccine that saves the life of a child from that dreaded disease. 
 
This month provides outstanding opportunities for loving the mission of The Rotary Foundation.  (Yes, it is the month of Valentine’s Day).  Need some joy in your life?  Keep on reading.  You’ll find out how to get some!
 
Rotary Rush Is On Again!
 
For the months of February and March 2020, the District is offering a significant incentive to all Rotarians who give to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund
 
A generous Rotarian Donor has offered their points as an incentive to help Rotarians easily reach their first or multiple Paul Harris Fellow level.  The Donor is offering a 1 for 1 points to dollars match if a Rotarian contributes a minimum of $100 cash toward their first or next Paul Harris Fellow level.  For example, you may have accumulated $500 in contributions to The Rotary Foundation.  Then, if you add $250 in cash in February or March, our Donor will match 250 points to your giving account which allows you to receive your first or multiple PHF award.  The match is up to a maximum of 500 points.
 
If you choose to participate in this challenge, you will need to fill out Form 123-EN which is available at the Foundation tab on the District’s website at www.district5970.org , or click the link below.  Please email the completed form to john.wasta@gmail.com or mail the completed form to John Wasta, 221 Kent Ct. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52402.  If you are paying by check, please make it payable to “The Rotary Foundation”, and please include the check with the form. 
 
You may also make your gift online at www.rotary.orgIf you do, please make a note of the amount of your gift on the form and send the form to John to receive your match.  Please do not send credit card information via email. 
 
 
Wondering how close you are to your next PHF level?  Just email John Wasta or Don Meyer, DRFCC Chair, at foundationchair@district5970.org or call him at 641-251-4655. 
 
This match is only available to limited number of Rotarians that submit their requests. 
 
What are you waiting for? Make a difference today! 
 
 
The Race Is On!
 
Our annual District Duck Race will be held on Saturday, April 25 at the District Leadership Summit.  All proceeds from the Duck Race will go The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. 
 
You may purchase ducks at $5 each as an individual or your club may purchase a duck for each member. 
 
Please access the flyer and purchase form here.
 
                        
 
 
 
Flight To End Polio Takes Off From Cedar Rapids!
 
Rotarians Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels are raising awareness for polio eradication by piloting a single engine aircraft all the way around the globe in 51 days!
Peter and John will take off from Cedar Rapids, Iowa on March 24, 2020 in a Piper Lance (single engine) airplane. Along the way, they will encourage support of ending polio forever throughout the world.
 
They will be checking in with us at the Leadership Summit/District Conference on April 24-25 in Cedar Rapids, live from their airplane!  You’ll want to be there to cheer them on!
Please consider a contribution to help end polio forever. Donation levels for their flight are:
  • Wingman Sponsor:
    $5,000 or greater.
  • Commander Sponsor:
    $750 - $4,999
  • Captain Sponsor:
    $300 - $749
  • Co-Pilot Sponsor:
    $25 - $299
All wingmen, commanders, and captains will be listed on their website at www.flighttoendpolio.com .  Check it out!
 
                         
 
Update from Global Scholar Connor Roth
 
Connor continues to be engaged with Rotary during her studies at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. She is now halfway through her year in pursuing her Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution with an emphasis on gender-based violence.  Here is her update:
 
I also went to the Highdown Rotary Club Christmas dinner and it was fantastic! They introduced me to many different English traditions and I gave a short talk and answered some questions about what I am doing and have done previously. It was fantastic to meet other members as well and just chat. I also attached a photo with Chris Moss (Club President) and her husband Alan Moss (District Governor). Jeremy and his wife Carol took me to the dinner and I stayed with them that night. The next day we went to Arundel, a cute little English town with a castle near them. The other two photos are of Jeremy and I with the Rotary Christmas tree in Arundel and Carol and I by the castle entrance. Having experiences like this dinner really remind me of how special this scholarship is because it includes such a wonderful connection with the local community!
 
L to R:  Assistant DG Gerald Isley, Connor, President Chris Moss and DG Alan Moss
 
 
Thanks for your continuing support of The Rotary Foundation!
 
 
Yours in Rotary,
Don Meyer
District Foundation Chair                                                                                                                              
 
 
                                   

Donald Meyer

District 5970 Foundation Chair

donald.meyer@wartburg.edu