District Governor’s Message – November
Koby Rickertsen
District Governor 2014-2015
At the 1917 convention, outgoing RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed to set up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International. I am so excited that we have an entire month dedicated to building our amazing Rotary International Foundation!!!
Every amazing non-profit in the world is backed by a foundation. So it is fitting that Rotary International has one of the highest rated foundations in the world. 97% of all dollars given to the foundation go to doing good in our communities and in our world! That is second only to the Catholic Charity in dollars spent going to good.
I have challenged every Rotarian in our District to find a fun and unique way to make a $100.00 donation to the Rotary Foundation be for the end of the year. I know that if we take a fun approach we can make this happen. Some examples I like and giving your special holidays such as birthday and Christmas to the Foundation. When someone asks what you want for your Birthday or for Christmas simply tell them a gift to the Rotary Foundation. Instead of sending out Christmas Cards from your business send out cheaper postcards with an explanation that you are donating the money to the Rotary Foundation. I like doing the 10 weeks of what I like to call Foundation Friday where every Friday you ask a random person for $10.00 for the foundation.
I know as Nebraska Rotarians we will all step up to the challenge and make this another record giving year!! I also want you to know that I am leading by example and have committed $1000.00 per year as long as I am able making me a Paul Harris Society Member if you can I would encourage you to do this as well, if not then at least attempt to meet the $100.00 challenge.
All of my official visits are in the rearview mirror for me and I have to say I had a blast with each one. Rotary Clubs are so unique and it is fascinating how many projects and how much awesomeness Rotary is doing in our District. With Thanksgiving fast approaching I know that Carrie and I are extremely thankful for all the new friends that we have meet around our District. Please don’t be afraid to contact any of our District leaders if we can do anything for you. We are all here to help.
Last but not least PLEASE take notice of the change to how Rotary International will be invoicing for your dues. If your club has not made the changes to your membership gains and losses you will no longer be allowed to make these changes to the SARS report. So please make sure that your numbers are correct by December 31, 2015. I would hate to see clubs pay extra for folks that should not be on your books any longer.
Thanks for all the work you do for Rotary my friends and let me know if Carrie and I can be of any help in any upcoming Rotary Club events!! Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.
Yours in Service,
Koby
Koby Rickertsen District Governor