District Foundation Dinner

Rotary Foundation Dinner Final Report

Elkhart Rotary, along with Elkhart Morning, Demotte-Kankakee, and South Bend Rotary Clubs hosted the district Foundation Dinner at The Crystal Ballroom at The Lerner on September 28.  Our elegant venue attracted a full house, Kurt and his crew hosted us with a superb dinner and wine, and many Elkhart Rotarians assisted with volunteering at the dinner, assisting with the auction, contributing items for the auction, and buying several significant auction items.  PDG Floyd Lancia provided a compelling speaker, inspiring us to work together to provide education to girls in India who would otherwise be denied that basic right.

The inspiration from speaker Deepa Willingham prompted our club to adopt the PACE Universal program at the Piyali Learning Center in India as our international project.  Ann McCuistion and Piyas Bandyopadhyay are directing our club’s international service project committee.  The PACE program can provide schooling, housing, and food for one girl for one year for $350, less than $1 per day.  When girls in India were asked “What do you want more than anything else?” the answer was “To go to School!”

Elkhart Rotary earned the attendance award for the highest percentage attendance among large clubs, earning us a grant of $2000 which we will use toward our international project.

The dinner committee set a goal of $50,000.  The final tally came to $70,845!  Thanks to all who contributed their money, time, and talents to support the work of Rotary International and our slogan of Service Above Self.  It is through such support that Rotary International works toward our 2012-13 theme of Peace Through Service.