It’s hard to believe my three-year term as District Foundation Chair is quickly coming to an end.  On July 1, I will move into the District Governor-Elect position in preparation for my year as District Governor in 2022-23. 

 

Consequently, this is my last Foundation First newsletter!  Next month, John Wasta of the Cedar Rapids Club will begin his term as District Foundation Chair.  I’m confident John will lead our District’s support of The Rotary Foundation to new heights and many successes.  I know you will extend the same support for John as you have given me these last three years. 

 

THANK YOU for:

Thank you also for welcoming me into your clubs to promote the Foundation.  I’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you who share the passion for “doing good in the world” as I do. 

 

Please remember that your gifts do make a difference!  Together we can accomplish great things! 

 

 

Last month we announced a very special opportunity in our District to increase the impact of our giving to the End Polio Now campaign. 

 

As you recall, Jon Luckstead, longtime member of the Dubuque Rotary Club, and a polio survivor, is challenging our clubs to reach their PolioPlus goals for this year with a matching gift challenge.  Jon has agreed to match all gifts to the PolioPlus fund between now and June 30, 2021, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.   When we meet Jon’s challenge and match his $25,000 gift, we will have exceeded this year’s District goal. 

 

We are making progress toward the goal but are not there yet.  Please make sure your club is meeting your PolioPlus goal for this year.  We have one month left!

 

Remember that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is also matching gifts to PolioPlus 2 to 1.  Thanks to Jon, your gift to PolioPlus will now be matched 3 to 1!  The real winners are the tens of thousands of children that will be vaccinated because of your gifts, and whose lives will be saved from the deadly polio virus. 

 

All gifts from clubs and from individuals will count toward meeting this challenge. 

 

Thanks to all who attended the online Grant Management Seminars held in March and April.  Attendance by someone in your club is a requirement for qualifying a club for applying for a district grant. We’re thankful for the interest in this grant program that returns to your club a portion of your giving to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation.  This is why it’s so important to continue supporting the great work of the Foundation.  This year we will have around $56,000 to award for district grants. Please send your applications to Jim Coloff, District Grants Chair to jim.coloff@coloffmedia.com.  You may call him with questions at 319-231-5003.