“Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don’t change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same and are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.
John C. Maxwell
We cannot always control everything that happens to us in this life, but we can control how we respond and keep our vision in focus. As Rotarians, we do what only Rotarians do, we walk the talk: Service About Self!
No one will remember how we responded day-to-day, week-to-week, or month-to-month about the decisions during this time. But we do know that what we did what was right, and there are thousands of our fellow Washingtonians and people around the world that have benefited from the work that we do.
As District Governor, it was a privilege to sign approximately 180 global and community grant requests which includes 110 Covid-19 related grants that benefited our local community directly. From food banks, PPE’s, supporting first responders, children in need or Seniors, the list is quite extensive. Club and District funds have donated over $350,000 in the last 3 months alone.
We should all be proud of the work that we do, but it would never have happened without your contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
Good news, as the year ends, the District is #1 in the Zone for Foundation giving and #24 in the world. We are #1 in per capita in the Zone for Foundation giving and #19 in the world. We are #2 in the Zone for giving to Polio Plus (just $1,500 behind). I would like to have us be #1!
To ensure our future efforts in community and global activities, we need to be consistent in our giving to the Foundation. This will allow us to continue to do the work that we do so well. Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY)!
I have so many people to thank but instead of having a long list of names, we are having the Peace and District Awards Ceremony on June 17th at 6:30. It’s another Zoom meeting. Grab your favorite adult beverage and tune in. Look for the link in this newsletter.
It has been an honor and a privilege to be your District Governor this past year and I look forward in seeing everyone in person.
Yours in Rotary,
-Bill
William McElroy