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.