As I write this article I have visited fourteen District Rotary clubs, and met with most of their boards. Some larger clubs, some newer clubs. Some are in our major metropolitan areas, others are far flung into the smaller communities. But one commonality exists throughout all: all are excited to be Rotarians, and are eager to seize the opportunities they have to make a difference in 2017-18 in their communities and in the world. I applaud their rabid enthusiasm, and their acceptance of my District Governor challenge goals for the new year. 
 

Last week, however, I was broadsided twice by two young Rotarians, with a question that I deem a very optimistic indicator of the future of Rotary in our area: "I am already active in my own club... how can I also become more active on the district level?" I loved their question!

This year – 2017 – marks the 100th Anniversary of our Foundation, and we need your help to celebrate this anniversary in a big way.

We are asking every Rotarian in the district to help us achieve 100% participation in the 100th year – meaning, we are asking every Rotarian in District 5870 to contribute something (preferably $25 but anything will be appreciated) to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund between now and June 30th.  We’ve never done that before, reach 100% giving.  The best we’ve ever done is 87.5%.  This is definitely the year to make that magic happen!
 

UPDATE:  As of May 30, we are only at 71.9%.  If you haven’t contributed to the Annual Fund yet this year, we urgently need your help to reach this goal. 

I am seeking supporters for our bicycle team in Race Across America, better known as RAAM.  We are entering a four person team for Rotary’s Polio Plus program to eradicate Polio from the world. The Race starts June 16^th, 2018 in Oceanside, CA and we should finish by June 24^th in Annapolis, MD.  3,000 miles and it is one of the toughest events in the world.