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Our Foundation at Work
Honoring the Start of It All

by PDG Bob Hagan, District Foundation Chair

February came and went this year with, in many ways, very little fanfare. It really shouldn’t have. A date that most likely slipped past most of us, even those of us who consider ourselves very good Rotarians and done so with very good and viable reason, may well have missed February 23rd this year. It marked the 120th anniversary of Chicago attorney Paul Harris forming the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905.

The quote above is one most Rotarians are familiar with, uttered by Paul Harris in 1914. It sums up so well what we as Rotarians strive to achieve…Results! Recently Trustee Chair-Elect Holger Knaack spoke to the International Assembly in Orlando, Florida. The crux of his message aimed at the gathering of District Governor-Elects was to remind them that they are leaders not only as the head of their respective districts, but also as the leader by example. He encouraged them to make their own donation to the Rotary Foundation not because they should do it, but rather because it is the right thing to do and then to be encouraging to all, we of the rank-and-file Rotarians, to follow suit and do the same, for the same reason.

Chairman-Elect Knaak continued by putting forth what he termed, “some simple points” of suggestion. He stated, “Our Foundation is unique because most of the decisions about how money is used are made by you..” referring to the districts, clubs and donors via the district and global grants. As your District Foundation Chair this year, I can certainly attest that fact. I am honored to be a part of the process of both levels of grants. The grants I have personally been able to help move through the system are nothing short of miraculous. Chairman Knaak’s words are certainly exemplified here in District 6900. I have the honor of working with and serving with District Governor Owen moving these grants forward.

Chairman-Elect Knaak also spoke passionately about the role of Rotary Peace Centers and the training of professionals in conflict resolution around the globe, as yet another example of the influence of the Rotary Foundation. He also spoke about the near eradication of polio as you have already seen in my polio article and the worldwide partnerships forged over time because of our success achieving…Results!! Should we be surprised by this? Of course not, because that’s what we as Rotarians do.


Posted by Bob Hagan
March 2, 2025

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