Page 8 - 2024年9月號

TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE

A legacy for future

generations

“The great use of a life,” wrote American Soon, other members followed suit, and we had
philosopher William James in 1900, “is to spend it more than $200,000 in gifts and commitments.
for something that outlasts it.” We still had far to go but if there is one thing
Some leave a legacy through family and I know about Rotary, it is this: If you present the
friendships, others through faith or principles, and opportunity to members, they will respond. Topping
still others through their professions. The Rotary off the district’s generosity were two surprises. One
Foundation offers another powerful option. was a bequest commitment of $500,000, and then
As a believer in the power of passing down a another of $560,000.
legacy through The Rotary Foundation Endowment, By the end of the campaign, our committee had
I was humbled that my wife, Gay, and I were able exceeded our greatest expectations: We had raised
recently to help others in Rotary leave their legacy. $2,729,863.14 for the Endowment, nearly triple our
Our district (6860 in northern Alabama) had goal. The impact of those gifts will create a legacy
never organized a fundraising dinner focused on the that will keep on giving forever.
Foundation’s Endowment before, but we knew it No single club or district alone will achieve
was time. We called it a legacy dinner, emphasizing our goal of fortifying The Rotary Foundation
giving’s long-term impact. Endowment to $2.025 billion by 2025. Not all of us
Progress was slow at first, and there were can give $25,000 now or as part of an estate plan.
skeptics who doubted we could raise $1 million, But I also know many of us can.
Please help us reach that Endowment goal
our initial goal. However, we remained optimistic, and in doing so leave behind a legacy and further
setting a date for 23 February 2024, Rotary’s
PHOTOGRAPH: CARY NORTON traveled throughout northern Alabama, meeting by visiting rotary.org/legacy. On behalf of the
anniversary.
the work of future generations of Rotary members
During this campaign, committee members
Foundation Trustees, I am grateful for your Rotary
legacy.
with small groups in fireside chats about
contributing to the Endowment. Then, significant
MARK DANIEL MALONEY
gifts began coming in. One Rotarian made a $25,000

6 commitment, handing over a check for $10,000. Foundation trustee chair
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