Rotarians Jon and Bonnie Kruse discussed the impact of Rotary Foundation, seen in Seward Rotary's local and global grant projects, as part of Rotary Foundation Month
Longtime supporters of the Rotary Foundation, Seward Rotarians Jon and Bonnie Kruse presented an informative program on the Foundation and the many aspects and benefits of the longtime, established program in Rotary International on November 24, 2021. The Kruses noted that November is Rotary International Foundation Month and the theme of this year’s administration is “Serve to Change Lives!”
They first presented a short video presentation prepared by Rotary International from Australia as an introduction to the Rotary Foundation. Jon and Bonnie first addressed the efforts and impact of area Rotary Clubs working with the Rotary Foundation for a host of projects-internationally. For example, in the Bahamas, The Grand Bahama Rotary Club and other area Rotary Clubs did an extensive projects to repair fishing boats in the Bahama’s after the Hurricane Dorian and then they also assisted with local fish sales. The project even extended into home/house repair and home loan projects.
The local Bahama Rotary Clubs, with the Rotary Foundation grants, donated over 1,400 food buckets during the period of the Covid Pandemic and they referred to the Rotary International Global Grant by the Rotary Foundation of the Seward Rotary Club and area Rotary Clubs to outfit hospital beds for the Grand Bahamas.
Bonnie Kruse spoke on the History of Rotary International and Paul Harris. “Rotary started with the vision of one man-Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on February 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange the ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. “Overtime, Rotary’s reach and vison gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing the challenges in their communities and around the world.” She spoke on the history of the Rotary Foundation, and the impact of the Rotary International Foundation.
Jon Kruse shared information on the “Paul Harris” award, where $1000 is donated in the name of an individual to the Rotary Foundation and the recipient is presented with a “Paul Harris” award. The Rotary Foundation began in 1947 and the Paul Harris program began/ first started in 1957. Today the Rotary Foundation has over $395 million and has a host of grants, projects and activities.
The Kruses have attended many national Rotary International Conventions and this year’s convention is to be held in Houston, Texas with a focus project to “eliminate poverty” and will be held June 4-8, 2022. The theme of the 2022 Rotary Convention is “Discover New Horizons.”
They also spoke on the wonderful Nebraska/Iowa Rotary District Conference to be held July 8-9th and encouraged others to plan now to attend the Conference.
Jon Kruse spoke on Seward Rotary's Foundation Committee and its campaign to raise funds for the Rotary International Foundation with an “Every Rotarian Every Year” among Seward Rotarians. He announced a matching program with Rotary Foundation Recognition points to match individual gifts by Seward Rotarians to the Rotary Foundation through December 31, 2021.