Byesville Rotarians updated on their Foundation

Pictured: Jan Wilson, Byesville Rotary Foundation Chair; Tracy Mann, Outreach and Donor Service Assistant, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio; and Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President.

In 2005, the Byesville Rotary established a Foundation with a gift of $6800. Today, the Foundation balance is almost $20,000. Byesville Rotary intends their Foundation to be an investment in the future of students enrolled at Meadowbrook High School. To insure that future, the Byesville Rotary Foundation was established as an endowed designated fund which means that the principal is never spent. Only interest and earnings are used for providing scholarships.

Byesville Rotary uses Foundation funds to provide a minimum of $2000 a year in scholarships to Meadowbrook students who plan to continue their education after high school graduation. The fund is supported in part by an annual golf tournament sponsored by the Byesville Rotary. Funds raised by the golf tournament are contributed to the Foundation. In this way, Byesville Rotary hopes to insure a better future for the students in their service area.

Tracy Mann, Outreach and Donor Services Assistant from The Foundation of Appalachian Ohio (FAO), explained to club members how partnering with the FAO benefits small organizations such as the Byesville Rotary. The FAO provides expertise and administrative support that many organizations do not have easily available

Ms. Mann pointed out that some of the benefits of partnering with FAO include investment oversight and expertise as well as administrative support for accounting, deposits, check writing and technical assistance with planned giving or other special gifts. These services allow the Byesville Club to focus on its service projects rather than on the administration of the fund.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio was created in 1998 with a $1 million state challenge grant. Its mission was “to enrich the current and future quality of life in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.” To date the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in grants to community initiatives. In addition, FAO partners with local communities and organizations, like the Byesville Rotary, to support philanthropic efforts. More information about FAO activities can be found at www.appalachianohio.org.

Madison Butcher and Andrea Broom represented the Meadowbrook Interact Club at the meeting. Bob Long reminded club members to show up for their red bucket and bell ringing shifts which begin next week. He still has open slots and is looking for additional volunteers.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294

Past district governor advises Rotarians to invest in the future

Pictured: Tom Kokensparger,Past District Governor, and Marty Patchen, Membership Co-Chair, greet newest Byesville member, Rich Goodwin.

“Rotarians can invest in the future,” Tom Kokensparger said, “by contributing to the Rotary International (RI) Foundation.” He explained that Rotary encourages giving in three areas. Donations can be made 1) to the annual fund, 2) to special efforts such as the Polio Plus program, and 3) finally to the permanent fund which functions like an endowment.

The RI Foundation, established in 1982, provides long-term stability for Rotary service projects and can be used to supplement Rotary programs through lean fund raising years. Donations can be made in a wide variety of ways. Cash from the RI Foundation is used to support local and international humanitarian projects.

Projects supported include the establishment of a heart clinic in Lima, Peru. The clinic is now self-supporting and providing training to doctors. Locally, funds are used to support Rotary Simplified Grants such as the $2000 grant used by the West Laffette Rotary to provide a catalyst to raise funds used to construct 3 ball diamonds for local kids.

Kokensparger pointed out that donating to the RI Foundation meets his “4 wins” test: Rotarians can win by making a major gift to Rotary service projects, by receiving an immediate tax benefit for their gifts, by reducing their capital gains through the donation of appreciated property, and by receiving a lifetime income via a Life Income Agreement based on the size of their gift.

Meadowbrook Interact members Rachel Jirles and Andrew Nameth attended the Rotary meeting and reported that the Interact Club is working on a canned food drive. Food collected through their drive will be used to support the Byesville Christmas Food Basket Program.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294.

Byesville Rotary welcomes new member

Pictured: Rich Goodwin, new Byesville Rotary member, and Shana Fair, sponsor.

Club members were updated about the progress of current club projects at the monthly business meeting. During the meeting, Rich Goodwin was inducted as the club’s newest member. Goodwin is the Director of the Guernsey County Public Library.

Bob Long, chair of the Christmas Food Basket Program, asked club members to volunteer for bell ringing in Byesville. Bell ringing begins the third week in November. He thanked Meadowbrook Interact Club members and their advisor, Sharon Miller, for their support of the bell ringing effort.

Long pointed out that over 200 families have already registered for the food basket program. He will not know the final total until after the last two registrations sessions are held. Fund raising is crucial for the club to provide for all who have registered for food baskets. Anyone wishing to donate can call Bob Long at 685-3620.

Two more registration sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, November 3 and 4, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Main Avenue Methodist Church Activity Center located behind the church in Byesville. Call 685-3620 or 638-2290 for more information about the food basket registration.

Jim Vaughan, co-chair of the Breakfast with Santa committee, asked club members to reserve Saturday, December 10, for the club’s annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser. Breakfast will be served 8:30-11:00am at the Stop Nine Senior Center. Santa will be attending the breakfast. Pictures with Santa are free with purchase of breakfast. Tickets will be $5.00. Menu will be pancakes, eggs, bacon, juice, and coffee.

Joe Waske reported that plans to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary are being finalized. He asked club members to help him identify past presidents and charter members. The anniversary celebration will be held in conjunction with the club’s changing of the Guard dinner in June.

Club members will celebrate Christmas at their December 6th meeting. Members are asked to bring toys to be donated to the Secret Santa program. Breakfast will be provided during the regular meeting time.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294.