East Cobb Foundation

East Cobb Foundation was established from 1988-1990 by a visionary group of East Cobb Rotarians when Connelly Sanders and Randy Thompson served as club Presidents. Designed as a sustaining fund for furthering the purposes of Rotary International ideals in East Cobb, the original goal was to raise $100,000 as principle to be held for future growth, and interest earned would be used for funding appropriate projects. Jim Rhoden initiated matching incentives, and the "East Cobb Fellows" was established for honoring those who made contributions of $1,000 after they met the condition of first becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. Current recognition includes designation as a David Stahl Fellow for a donation of $1,000, a Connelly Sanders Fellow for $2,500, a Randy Thompson Fellow for $5,000, and a James Rhoden Fellow for $10,000.

Each year a committee of the current club President, the immediate three Past Presidents, and a club member designee of the President determine annual disbursement of interest income funds. As of December 31, 2016 the fund balance had reached $223,591.10. President Sam's vision for a signature project this year and into the future moved the club into DARING TO BE BETTER with joint planning and agreement of the next three projected club Presidents, as part of the club's full Strategic Planning Committee, committing to financial support for AVID at Wheeler High School (described in another project report) based on funding from the East Cobb Foundation at a $15,000 to $20,000 level over the next three Rotary years.