I would like to thank all of the members that attended the Foundation Gala on Friday night.  It was a wonderful evening celebrating the philanthropy of Rotary.

The speaker was excellent and very informative.  Before last Friday, my husband didn’t know that much about Polio.  On Friday night we viewed the iron lung on display and the plaque next to the iron lung stating that most people only spent a week or so in the devise.  However, after listening to Craig Needham and the story of his mother who spent years in an iron lung, my husband and I were both left in shock.  It wasn’t a few weeks for Mrs. Needham, it was years, it was the rest of her life. 

I feel so blessed that my own children never have to think of a fate such as this, but at the same time without the constant reminder of how it used to be, many Americans believe that there is no reason to continue the war against Polio.  Rotarians need to make sure that no one ever forgets the horrors of Polio and how it still afflicts the children of our world.

In addition to the speaker a majority of the evening was dedicated to those Rotarians that have made large donations to the Foundation.  I think it’s wonderful that the Rotary Foundation holds this Gala to showcase those members or Rotary who have given so much money over the years.  However, I was more proud of the members at our table (just about every single one) that although not singled out for their monetary giving, were pretty much the only ones (ok there were maybe two other members from other Clubs) that were recognized for helping the Gala come off without a hitch. It’s easy to write a check when you have the money, but it’s difficult for any busy person to give of their time.

I am so proud of our Club and I feel honored to be one of the members of a Club such as ours.  We may not have members receiving a crystal paperweight, or pin, or plaque, but that’s ok with me.  The ladies at our table worked their bottoms off both before and during the event, and through their hard work, they made it a wonderful evening for everyone there.