I’m not sure we as Rotarians spend enough time looking at those who went before us as shining examples of who we want to be as Rotarians. It’s the legacy of a number of individuals who set the Rotary wheels in motion and gave us a path to follow. One such individual was Paul Harris - pictured here. I truly love photos of people we talk about. It gives us a chance to look in their eyes and as is often stated, the eyes are the windows to the soul. As I look into Paul’s eyes in the photo, I see a man who carries the soft eyes of one who truly cares about what he is doing, but also within them I see the eyes of hawk. They are sharp, clear, and focused on what is ahead of him.

Paul was an attorney and his look certainly conveys that. He passed from us in 1947 and his passing, as it states on the Rotary International website, “ prompted an outpouring of contributions to The Rotary Foundation and his name continues to evoke the passion and support of Rotary members and friends.”

I want to focus on the Paul Harris Society this month. As our founder, it is only fitting he should have a program that bears his name. The Paul Harris Society is a broad-based giving program. What I mean by that is there are a number of ways you can become a Paul Harris Society member in terms of where you place your dollars. Rotarians don’t simply donate to the Paul Harris Society; in fact, there are many programs you may donate to and have them count toward your status as a Paul Harris Society member. The only basic requirement is you must inform The Rotary Foundation of your intention to donate $1,000 or more per year and of course do so each year. Where you place those donations per year is entirely up to you. The following funds qualify for placement:

• Annual Fund – SHARE
• Annual Fund – World Fund
• Annual Fund – Areas of Focus
• PolioPlus Fund
• Disaster Response Fund
• Disasters of Magnitude
• Approved Global Grants

The beauty of giving this way means you can follow your own personal passion in giving. Though I certainly care about every one of them, my personal passion tends to lie with PolioPlus, so much of my funding goes that way, whereas you may be more tied to the General areas of Focus. They all work in any combination you wish to give.

Rotary International encourages all the districts to recognize the society members with a certificate of membership along with the Paul Harris Society chevron label pin.

One of Paul Harris’ famous quotes is very apropos to the Society named in his honor. He said, “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”

At the start of this article, I spoke of the eyes of Paul Harris and what I saw in them. I can only hope that my own eyes carry that same sharp focus of one truly dedicated to the tasks at hand. Those Rotary tasks we all share. As you consider how you wish to share the fruits of your monetary labors, I do hope you will strongly consider sharing some of it in honor of the man in the photo. Paul Harris, a man for the ages and a beacon for each of us as Rotarians.

Our District has a team of people here to answer any questions you may have regarding any type of Foundation funding you might need help with.

So, if I can personally assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via cell or email. Until next time, I’m here to help and together we will Create Lasting Impact!