Program Summary: Club Meeting–Our Foundation

By Lee Raaen

The club’s program on January 14 was one close to our hearts, or wherever you carry your pocketbook. Ryan Hamilton, president of the University Sunrise Rotary Club Service Foundation brought us up to date on the organization.

Lee Raaen

In addition to our Rotary club, we have a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The foundation is separate from the club and qualifies for tax-exempt status. Every member of the Rotary club is a member of the foundation, but the two organizations are separate and have different officers and directors. It’s important to keep in mind that there are two Rotary foundations that deserve our support. Our club’s foundation and the worldwide Rotary International Foundation. We support both wholeheartedly and both have played central roles in funding our charitable and international service projects over the years.

The RI foundation has the advantage of having worldwide impact and extensive assets. The advantage of our club foundation is that we have total control, can act quickly, and can support projects with a LOT less paperwork.

The club foundation has adopted criteria to be used in evaluating projects. They are:

a) Is the proposal genuinely beneficial to someone in need or to an important cause?

b) Does it appear that the requestor will administer the funds responsibly and effectively?

c) Do we have sufficient funds for this request and for our own priorities for Foundation funds?

d) Does the proposal support our mission of helping children live, learn and laugh?

e) Is the proposal sponsored or recommended by a USRC member?

f) Is the request from a Rotary club we have partnered with in the past?

g) Is the request from a Rotary club that will be a good future partner?

Club foundation officers Hal Beals, Mike Madden and Nancy Bittner rounded out the program by giving members information on both organizations, the projects (both local and international) funded by our foundation, how to bring projects before the foundation’s board for support, and importantly, how to donate to them.

Our club’s foundation has assets of about $50,000. Much of this came from a bequest from Rev. Storm. Over the years major sources of funds is also been club auctions at the president’s dinner, proceeds from the Big Taste (a.k.a. Debuts and Discoveries) and individual contributions.

Past projects include the total range of charitable of our club. Currently the foundation has supported dictionary projects, projects at Mercy Housing, Outdoors For All, TINFA, the annual block party, etc. In addition, the foundation has supported other clubs’ service projects so those projects can qualify for higher district and international grants. Other clubs have done the same for us.

After this detailed report, President Hamilton called a foundation membership meeting to elect a new director. The foundation has three directors on staggered terms. Having selflessly served the foundation for his three-year term, Jim Horrigan is being put out to pasture. Past Pres. Steve Barton was nominated and unanimously elected by the membership to a three-year term on the foundation board. The meeting was adjourned.

District 5030 Symposium: Jeffrey Robinson, “Race Matters to Rotary”

The next “Race Matters to Rotary” event will be on Saturday, January 23rd at 9:00 a.m. when Jeffrey Robinson will be the guest presenter. Jeff’s topic is “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America.” Jeff is ACLU Deputy Legal Director.

Register now for the next District 5030 “Race Matters to Rotary” forum.

For over three decades, attorney and ACLU Deputy Legal Director Jeffery Robinson has devoted his career to racial justice. In recent years, he has travelled the country speaking hard truths about race in America. “Our history,” he tells audiences, “has been stolen from us.” Weaving heartbreak, humor, and passion, Robinson will take us through this history, describing how the legacy of slavery impacts every aspect of our society. Robinson’s words and his upcoming documentary “Who We Are” empowers audiences to change the future, leaving them with a sense of optimism about what America could look like if we have the courage to change. After Robinson’s formal remarks, there will be Q&A followed by small group discussions for
Rotarians to consider next steps.

Grant for Seattle Central College Food Pantry Approved

December 23, 2020

The University Sunrise Rotary Club has applied for a $750 urgent needs grant to help fund the Seattle Central College Food Pantry. This is a program that the College uses to help students in need deal with food needs. There is an uptick in need at the Food Pantry due to both the increased needs of students and the increased difficulty of supplying food during the pandemic.

The grant was part of Rotary District 5030 Urgent Needs program and it has been approved. The funds should be received by our Club’s Foundation shortly and allocated to the Food Pantry thereafter.

Dr. Hal’s Corner: Gotta Love These Little Marital Disputes…

Dr. Hal

Apology Letter To Spouse – PRICELESS!

Hi Sweetheart,

I am sorry about getting into an argument about putting up the Christmas lights.  I guess that sometimes I feel like you are pushing me too hard when you want something.  I realize that I was wrong and I am apologizing for being such a hard-headed guy.  All I want is for you to be happy and be able to enjoy the holiday season.  Nothing brightens the Christmas spirit like Christmas lights!  I took the time to hang the lights for you today; and now I will be off to the hockey rink.

Again, I am very sorry for the way I acted yesterday.  I’ll be home later.

Love you……

_____________________________________________

Her response –    

Hi Honey,
 
Thank you for that heart-felt apology.  I don’t often get an apology from you, and I truly appreciate it.  I, too, felt bad about the argument and wanted to apologize.  I realize that I can sometimes be a little pushy.  I will try to respect your feelings from now on.  Thank you for taking the time to hang the Christmas lights for me.  It really means a lot.  In the spirit of giving, I washed your truck for you; and now I am off to the mall.

I love you too! 

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