The Rotary Foundation Celebration

The Rotary Foundation Gala is just around the corner. Don’t delay and register TODAY! Register for the Gala here.

This year there is a twist on the overall program in that we will not only recognize our generous donors to our Rotary Foundation, but will place a special emphasis on how the Rotary Foundation makes a difference in our own communities and to those recipients and beneficiaries of The Rotary Foundation monies.

In the spirit of annual lists typical during this time of year, here are our “Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend The Rotary Foundation Gala”:

1. You won’t want to miss hearing from Past RI Director Barry Rassin on the TRF Haiti Earthquake Relief, and other Foundation initiatives;

2. 2011-12 TRF donors and clubs will be recognized for their generous support by PDG Wade Nomura and Roxanne Nomura;

3. District TRF matching grants making a difference in our local communities and around the world will be summarized by PDG Anil Garg, District Rotary Foundation Chair;

4. Liz Werhane, Group Study Exchange Team Leader, will introduce the team, just one week before they leave on their exchange to Sri Lanka;

5. Claire Doran, our District-sponsored Rotary Peace Fellow, will share with us her plans for studying conflict resolution and multicultural mediation at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan;

6. Julius Achon, a Ugandan Olympic runner and beneficiary of TRF matching grant, will be introduced;

7. If you’ve already registered (thank you!), encourage others from your club to join you and your table of eight will enjoy two complimentary bottles of wine with dinner!

8. Help raise additional funds for TRF by making a contribution to the silent auction, and bid on terrific items when you arrive! Donations of gift baskets, gift certificates, wine, and more can be made by contacting Amy Clemens (805-364-2267 or amygraceclemens@gmail.com);

9. The food! Enjoy Grilled 12-oz. Ribeye, Scallops and Asparagus Linguini, or something special for vegetarians;

10. And, finally (the best for last), co-emcees PDG Luz Maria Ortiz, and Nick Frankle, will keep things lively and entertaining!

And, if those aren’t enough, here are two more reasons:

· STEPS (Steps To Eliminate Poverty Sustainably) will be held the next day at UCSB. Register for STEPS here.

· Goleta and nearby Santa Barbara and Carpinteria have numerous opportunities for shopping, dining, beaches, wine tasting, and cultural activities, so make it a weekend getaway!

If you have any questions regarding the Gala please contact PDG Brenda Cressey, Gala Chair, at rotarybrenda@gmail.com or (805) 238-4264, or myself at the contacts below.

We look forward to celebrating with you on January 25th!

Karen Y. Kawaguchi

2013 District 5240 The Rotary Foundation Gala Committee

(805) 884-6428

kkawaguchi@sbma.net