The Rotary Foundation is alive and well. Julia Phelps reports that last year was a record breaker. $404 million was raised last year.  (the goal for 2017-18) was 300 million) The money raised by the foundation goes to fund local programs (through district grants), international programs (through Global Grants) and the Endowment fund (which ensures that money will be available for programs even if there is an economic downturn).  How does the Foundation compare with other charitable organizations?  Charity Navigator is the organization that rates Charities in N. America.  Rotary has received a 4-star highest rating for the last 10 years.  Only 1% of charities have received this rating for this long.
Congratulations to Amesbury Rotary for achieving their 100% pledge last year – 100% of our club members donated to the Foundation.  Let’s do it again. Be the inspiration!
 
Announcements:
Next Wednesday (Oct 24th) is World Polio Day – live video-stream of the ceremonies at 6 PM on Rotary.org website
We still need a few more readers for the Readers are Leaders program- let Tom know if you can read to a youngster at AES or Cashman for 15 min once a week.  This is a great service and loads of fun!
 
We provided dictionaries to 3rd grade students at AES and CES. Thank you to Paula for ordering all the dictionaries and thank you to Lee, Cathy and Mark for helping with this special day for these 3rd graders. You wouldn’t believe how excited they get (even in this world of electronics they are very excited to have their paperback style dictionary. Here is a photo of our President, Tom Farrell, speaking to the students!
Pennies for Polio drive is underway at Amesbury Middle and High Schools – bring your spare change to deposit in the bucket at next week’s Rotary meeting and End Polio Now!  (only 19 cases so far this year worldwide)
 
We now have our first new member on our “New Members” Board – Mary Beth Exner – Welcome to the Club!
 
Our next evening meeting is Thursday Nov 1st and will be a Former Members Reunion - don’t miss this one! Check our calendar for details.