The need to help

Chuck Arnason, our District 7600 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair (DRFC), sent an email to club presidents and club Rotary Foundation chairs on Monday, August 28, 2017, to advise as to providing assistance to the residents of the coastal Texas area hit by the winds and rains of Harvey.

We hope that publishing the email will be of benefit to all of the 7600 Rotarians, many of whom hail from or have family and friends in the storm pummeled area.

“Dear Club Presidents & Foundation Chairs,

Many of us have experienced increasing concern over the images streaming out of the Texas Gulf coast which depict perhaps the most damaging flooding in this area in modern times. If you’re like me, you may feel compelled to do something, and do it NOW.

We have been in touch with many of our Rotarian friends who live in the area. They have cautioned us not to act in haste, as most of us are not first responders. Our role will be to help rebuild after the storm, which may take months or even years. We are currently assessing how, as D7600 Rotarians, we might be most effective in our response.

For those of us who want to help provide immediate assistance, the most effective thing we can do is to provide financial support. To facilitate that, Rotary District 5930 (South Texas) has set up a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund:

McAllen North Rotary FUND – 501(c)(3)
Fed Tax ID #27-3855943
c/o Rotary District 5930
501 W. Nolana
McAllen, TX 78504

Of course, there are other organizations such as Shelter Box and the American Red Cross who are already responding, and I am sure they would welcome your financial support as well.

District Governor Betty Ramirez-Lara, from South Texas, has also asked for prayers for the safety and well being of all those affected – many of which are in her District.

Your Foundation team will coordinate the D7600 relief effort for District Governor John and will keep you posted. We are and will be, Rotary Making a Difference as we deal with the aftermath of this devastating event.

Yours in Rotary Service,

CHUCK
DRFC”