Well, September has arrived – one of those transition periods during the year, as we move out of summer vacation months and into a new school year and fall sports.
September is also “Salem Rotary Foundation Month,” where we focus on the impact SRF has made in our community in the lives of children and adults. As a matter of fact, at this month’s meetings you’ll hear from amazing local organizations that have received our small grants, groups that benefited from our larger Good Works award, and then one we are presently working on – the Rotary Centennial Amphitheater Stage Project!
These projects only come about because of the generous donations from you and fellow club members to our own Salem Rotary Foundation which does amazing things in our community. As we traditionally do for SRF month, we all will have chance to kick in some extra during our weekly Bellringers – which will be enhanced by matching dollars from some generous Salem Rotarians! So, let’s pitch in a little (or a lot, if your finances permit) and combined, we can continue to make a difference in this community to benefit those that need help.
By the way, this week’s program about our Rotary Centennial Stage would be an ideal meeting to bring potential members you’ve been considering for membership in Rotary!
In re: support for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. If you’re interested in helping support relief efforts, there are many relief organizations out there, such as the American Red Cross, Shelter Box, or the Salvation Army. DG Renee Campbell forwarded info on how we as Salem Rotarians can support the Texas and Louisiana Rotary Districts in the areas hardest hit which have disaster relief funds set up for the longer-term rebuilding process when the waters recede:
“Our Zone newsletter published this article with the information on how you may donate directly to these district funds. To show our collective support in District 5100, we would be happy to collect your gifts at the District Office and send them to the respective funds. District 5100 will also be making a gift from our Rotary Foundation grant funds earmarked for disaster relief. I have personally talked with one of my classmates in Texas, who shared with me that each of these 501(c)3 funds has an application process and review committee for all requested funds for relief, so there is infrastructure in place, and accountability for the money spent.  Each will send the donor a receipt upon request (automatically for gifts of $250 or more).”