District 7780 Foundation Celebration Salutes Veterans with a Five Dog Day! 

The District 7780 Foundation Celebration on October 17 really took off, aptly put for an event held inside an aircraft hangar at Port City Air, Portsmouth, NH! The planes were points of interest, but the focus was on veterans, Paul Harris Fellows, and speakers who brought out emotions in all of us.

Interest soared and we Sold Out! The Fire Marshal set capacity at 150, but demand reached 165, creating a waiting list!

Our first-ever District-wide Foundation Grant turned a $4,000 seed into more than $32,500, thanks to clubs and individuals throughout the District! The result? Five specially trained companion dogs from Hero Pups of Stratham, NH, will go to five veterans dealing with service-related psychological issues. This all-volunteer organization trains each dog for over a year to recognize and respond to its owner's behavior. It is a life-changing strategy, these dogs are proven to make a wellness difference. 17.5 veterans take their life each day in the U.S. Hero Pups has a waiting list of 80 veterans. 

After Elias Thomas gave a beautiful acapella version of the National Antthem, we heard terrific speakers! DG Michele Bois-Gilbody started us off, leading to Hero Pups' Laura Barker, who founded the organization after her son was wounded in Afghanistan. Bill Merchant, founder of Revolution Fitness, shared his years of recovery and his mission to help veterans through mind, body, and spirit.

Rotary International Zone Director Marty Helman (Boothbay Harbor) spoke passionately about The Rotary Foundation and the impact of this event, a perfect example of her national “Impact Tour”, showcasing Rotary's life-changing work. Mike McGovern, RI Polio Initiative Oversight Board Chair (South Portland-Cape Elizabeth), followed with a timely pep talk leading up to World Polio Day, October 24.

Another highlight was recognizing 10 Paul Harris Fellows and hearing their remarkable stories. Many were veterans; others were honored for their longtime support of veterans. To finish, Rotarians collectively held high 250 American flags in tribute to our nation's 250th anniversary, our veterans, and all who serve.

Our PHF Honorees and sponsoring club included:  John Evans (Bath), Joe Hahn (Bath Sunrise), Jon Hentz (Bath Sunrise), Jim Rolston (Exeter), Dave McClelland (Freeport), Guy Gosselin (Kennebunkport), Mark Camp (Westbrook-Gorham), Wally Camp Jr.(Portland), and Leonard Seagren (Portsmouth). Number 10 was presented by Aileen Dugan (Foundation Chair/Portsmouth) who surprised Laura Barker with the award.  Thanks to our DGE Michele Cole and incoming Foundation Chair Roland Gagne for introducing all our PHF recipients. Bravo! 

A big thank-you to our host club, Portsmouth, especially members Jamie McCarthy (Port City Air), Midge Nelson (Volunteers/Food), and Don Chick Photography, along with Reg Groff, Groff Video (Portland) Thanks also to Saco Sunset for the giant inflatable Rotary Wheel!  Thank you to DGE Michele Cole (Bethel)  and incoming Foundation Chair Roland Gagne (Biddeford-Saco) for introducing our 10 PHF's. Co-chairs Aileen Dugan (Portsmouth) and Tom Talbott (Portland) are honored to have led this event and grateful to everyone who attended, contributed, volunteered, and made it happen.

Great fellowship, great stories, a great cause, and a whole lot of Rotary Foundation spirit!  Many more photos on the District Facebook!