Rotary International District 5170

Every year, Rotarians in all Rotary countries of the world donate funds to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation. They understand our goal of world peace is furthered by our commitment to providing the dollars necessary to truly serve the people of all nations. Our continuing annual financial support is essential.

Thus the Paul Harris Society was created. 2005-06 is the fifth year for the Society in our District. Some 80 Rotarians met the challenge last year and have promised to contribute $1000 or more every year and are members of the Paul Harris Society. You will recognize them by their blue and gold lapel banner worn with their Rotary pins or by the new PHS pin .

We need to increase the number of members. Our Foundation’s humanitarian, educational and cultural programs are increasing and we recognize that the positive outcomes for the Foundation are not sustainable unless we annually contribute the income needed. Please join our Paul Harris Society today. Your club’s Foundation Chair can give you the details and provide the form necessary to complete your very generous contribution.

Please join us today. The children of the world need our support. Thank you.

Gary Reece, PHS Chair
(831) 425-7800
gary@reece.net

The Paul Harris Society

Raising funds is difficult work in the best of times. We are all aware of the need for aid in South Asia, in Pakistan and in our own Gulf States; our clubs now have a way to assist our friends all around the world. Hopefully, our own fund raising for the Rotary Foundation will not be forgotten during this time of great need in many parts of the world.. Our Foundation is very large and serves millions of people; it deserves our attention.

One area of recognition in our District is membership in the Paul Harris Society for those Rotarians who commit to a $1000 contribution every year. I have also included a short summary of the PHS and history of our involvement over the past few years. I sent it out a while back to all of the District Foundation Representatives and hoped to reach all of you. That request was only partially successful. So, I now appeal directly to you.

There will be a reception for all Paul Harris Society members during the District Conference next April. We would like to have 100% participation of the members but at this time we don’t know who they are.

Please look at your club records for the current year, July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006 and give us a list of the Rotarians who have given $1000 to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation during this period. Cash donations of $1000 are required, without regard for club matching funds. We can arrange presentation of a new Paul Harris Society pin and a certificate for all members and we look forward to seeing you at the Santa Clara Marriott in April, 2006.

Thank you in advance. Hope to hear from you soon.

Luise Roke, Rotary Club of Oakland, luiseroke@aol.com or luiseroke@sbcglobal.net
Joan Perry, Rotary Club of Los Gatos morning, joanp@takechargefinancial.com

You are welcome to call if you have questions but the most efficient method of communication is email.