“Paul and Eddie’s Impact” by Christie Holderegger
It was the club’s annual Foundation Day, and president Bobby Reed welcomed club members and guests to this special Rotary meeting held at CLARA Studios – and he set a tone of gratitude as we kickoff the holiday season of giving.
In his Thought of the Day, PP Jon Snyder reminded us of the power of service. Service Above Self was reflected in the quotes from Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill and Albert Schweitzer. Volunteerism and generosity are not just good for our community but create happiness in our lives.
Meeting sponsor PP Diane Woodruff donated her time to Anne Geraghty to talk about Co-Housing. This unique nonprofit mutual benefit 35-unit housing community in West Sacramento attracts residents of all ages. These neighbors desire to be in a tightknit community that supports each other. There are still three 2 BR units for sale. For more information call Shelly at 425-308-0639.
Our meeting host/location sponsor Megan Wygant provided some background on CLARA, the organization she runs. This unique performing arts campus, formerly an elementary school, was donated by the City of Sacramento. Today over 65,000 elementary school students engage in arts education through CLARA’S work every year. By investing in the arts industry we positively impact the overall economy and the future of our children.
Club Updates
Community Grants – Applications are open now through December 31st and can be submitted on the club’s website here. We encourage you to help spread the word to organizations that could benefit from this opportunity.
Daughters Day – Megan Laurie announced that Daughters Day will be on December 17th. Please let Megan know if your daughter will be joining us that would like to be a part of the program.
RI Trip – PE Kerry Wood extended an invitation to all Rotarians to join her for a post-trip adventure adjacent to the annual Rotary International conference in Calgary next June. Reach out to PE Kerry for more information.
Club foundation leaders Larry Gilzean, Matt Page, Harold Bellamy and Shirlee Tully updated the club on Rotary International Foundation and the Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation. Donations to your Paul Harris and Eddie Mulligan are funding projects internationally and locally.
Among 2,500 Rotary club foundations worldwide, ours is the 20th largest. As of June 30, 2024, the balance was $3.5 million. With a strong investment strategy, we earned 10.5% for FY24. The earnings supported many local projects that enhance the quality of life in our region while also supporting international efforts. Something we should all be proud of.
Between the two foundations, our club has supported $605,345 in local and international projects including clean water in Honduras, the Crisis Nursery at Sacramento Children’s Home, our Golf 4 Kids recipients and a myriad of community projects.
Several inspired Rotarians stood to finish off their next Paul Harris or Eddie Mulligan.
Shirley Tully wrapped up the Foundation report by celebrating the generosity of past Rotarians who left our club in their estate plans. She invited all of our generous Rotarians to join “the Immortals” by making a bequest of $10k or more to Rotary to continue our legacy of giving. If anyone has questions about the foundation, please reach out to any of the Foundation board members.
President Bobby thanked greeters Ann Ryan Solomon, David Brandenburger and Bill Wygant; wine sponsor Harold Bellamy; and club photographer of the day Virginia Wade. Christie Holderegger handled Pulse duties.
Our next lunch meeting is December 3 at the Greek Annunciation Church, and it will feature wine expert Mike Dunne. It’s the annual meeting as well, so our next president-elect nominee will be announced! Click here to RSVP if you plan to attend.
Photos courtesy of Virginia Wade
