Our presenter on November 13 was Akron Rotarian Nick Browning, Akron Region President of Huntington Bank.  Nick spoke about the Huntington Bank Foundation.  The foundation is seeking organizations with sustainable, transitional works. Their initiatives are focused on housing and community revitalization, community and social services, financial education, as well as economic and community development.  For more information and grant requests, visit https://www.huntington.com/Community/corporate-giving.

 

Welcome and congratulations to our newest member who was inducted this week, Russ Kirby. Sponsored by Rotarian David Miller. (L-R: Club President John Margida, Russ Kirby, David Miller)

Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution. 

The collective leadership and expertise of our 1.2 million members helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. We are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

For more than 100 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation upon which our values and tradition stand. The Four-Way Test, Object of Rotary, and the Avenues of Service express our commitment to service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

AREAS OF FOCUS

We direct our efforts in six areas to enhance our local and global impact. Our most successful and sustainable projects and activities tend to fall within the following areas:

• Promoting peace
• Fighting disease
• Providing clean water
• Saving mothers and children
• Supporting education
• Growing local economies

HISTORY OF THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

Outgoing RI President Arch C. Klumph (Arch C. Klumph joined the Rotary Club of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, in 1911. He was the 1916-17 Rotary president, the organization's sixth.)  addressed the 1917 convention in Atlanta, Georgia, where he eloquently promoted the idea of “endowments 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.

In addition,  The Arch Klumph Society recognizes The Rotary Foundation's highest tier of donors — those who have contributed $250,000 or more during their lifetime.  Our Akron Club is honored to have two such members in this elite Society: Jack & Vivian Harig, and John Daily.  Thank you for your generosity to Rotary and to making the world a better place!

GROWTH OF THE FOUNDATION

In 1929, the Foundation made its first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, later grew into Easter Seals.

When Rotary founder Paul Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring in to Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.

EVOLUTION OF FOUNDATION PROGRAMS

1947: The Foundation established its first program, Fellowships for Advance Study, later known as Ambassadorial Scholarships.

1965-66: Three programs were launched: Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants.

1978: Rotary introduced the Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants. The first 3-H Grant funded a project to immunize 6 million Philippine children against polio.

1985: The PolioPlus program was launched to eradicate polio worldwide.

1987-88: The first peace forums were held, leading to Rotary Peace Fellowships.

2013: New district, global, and packaged grants enable Rotarians around the world to respond to the world’s greatest needs.

Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion.

See you Tuesday —