Rotary is a low cost and “value driven” way to give to our local and worldwide communities. We pay $112.00 per year for R.I. and District Dues. We encouraged to contribute another $100 to our Rotary Foundation or Every Rotarian Every year. This works out to less than $18 per month. That is low for a charity high on our list. Think of this in relationship to what you give to other priorities in your life or in the lives of others.

So why should we pay dues and contribute to a fund that we never see where the money goes? I’m guessing “faith”. Faith in our fellow Rotarians to do the right things that contribute to a world peace effort. A hundred bucks doesn’t buy much in America anymore. A pair of designer jeans, a dress, a round of golf or an evening out with our loved one.

I decided to take my wife, Sandy, out for a very special $100 dinner, or $115 with the tip. I brought along a small shopping bag with a plastic table cloth, two cloth napkins and clear plastic cups. We went to our favorite fast food burger bin, “the In n Out Burger” at the PV Mall. We ordered the number 3 with a chocolate shake. I wore my Rotary pin and brought my Polio poster to place behind me. I explained to the others around me that I am a Rotarian who is contributing $100 dollars to our TRF, The Rotary Foundation. $100 doesn’t do much in America but it will feed a family in India or Africa for 6 months, or bring clean water to over 600 school kids, or immunize 166 kids from Polio, or put 50 dictionaries in the hands of our local Paradise Valley 3rd grade class.

Dinner was less than $15 and we had made a commitment to help other. It was a special moment for both of us. I know you can think of a special way to share the Rotary experience with your loved one. Do something that say’s “this is my way to share Rotary, to reach within and embrace the world around me”.

TWO MORE THINGS

FIRST. Thank you all the Rotary clubs in District 5510 for sharing your wealth. . Together each club has contributed to two water projects; one in India and one in Kenya. We have put $50,000 of purified water in two school districts that serve 300,000 school children. We will keep them in school because they will not be susceptible to water bourn disease. They can even take this water home for their families.

SECOND. Thank you in advance for attending the Foundation Dinner November 19th. This is for all of you to celebrate the most fundamental form of giving to Rotary International and sharing the experience with others like yourselves. This will be a fun night as well as informative, enlightening and uplifting? Bet on itt. So come and experience what makes all Rotarians special and connected. Rub shoulders with people like you who care about the world around them. See what we can do together and form a new bond with a new friend. If you don’t come you will be missed. Be present.

Alan Havir
District Governor 2011-12