Our new District Rotary Foundation Chair, Stephen Beer writes to D7600 Rotarians

In case you missed it in the July Spirit of 7600, Past District Governor Stephen Beer’s first monthly Spirit message as the District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC), encourages us all to remember the good our donations to The Rotary Foundation can do.

July is a Hot Time to Start a New Rotary Year

“This month each year Rotary changes its leadership.  It’s a wonderful thing, even with its challenges.  Most Rotary leaders serve one-year terms in their specific office.  The district’s Rotary Foundation Committee Chair (DRFC) is one exception, serving a term of three years.  This month I officially commence my three year commitment as your Foundation Chair.  Thanks to the immediate past DRFC Chuck Arnason for helping me to prepare for my new role.  I am humbled by all of the outstanding leadership from my predecessors, who served before me, particularly Past RI Director Joe Mulkerrin, Past District Governors Bob Preston, Bill Pollard, Jim Probsdorfer, and Chuck Arnason.  I have big boots to fill (outgoing chair Chuck wears boots most of the time, being a rancher).  They have shared their wisdom and are providing much support.  THANK YOU to all the past chairs!

The Rotary International Convention in Hamburg was a fantastic experience.  If you have never attended a convention, consider going to next year’s in Honolulu. Two quotes at the opening ceremony inspired me and provide great meaning to being a Rotarian and wanting to support Rotary through The Rotary Foundation:

“Rotary International’s international reach (across over 200 countries) achieves more for humanity than any single government around the world.” (I do not remember the speaker who said this, but he was not a Rotarian.)

“Freedom is dependent on service and charity.” (spoken by the Mayor of Hamburg, Germany.)

Each year in Rotary we try to do a little more than we achieved the previous year.  The bar keeps moving higher and higher!  Here are my goals for the new Rotary year:

1. Every Rotarian cheerfully contributes to The Rotary Foundation.  I recognize this may be a challenge for some people.
2. Continue to grow our Foundation giving, whether to the Annual Fund, Polio Plus, or the Endowment Fund. But remember … you can give to all three funds. The Foundation helps Rotary clubs make a greater impact serving their communities;
3. Continue to grow participation by clubs in the District and Global Grant programs of The Foundation;
4. Create greater awareness of The Rotary Foundation within and outside the Rotary world.

This year District 7600 will do something new and different for World Polio Day on Thursday, October 24.  We will hold a World Polio Day event at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond.  Plan to have your Rotary club, Rotaract Club and Interact Clubs involved in this exciting event.  More to follow…

Enjoy your summer!”

Stephen Beer