From Your District Governor – November Is Foundation Month
By DG Emma Bodwell, Bridgton-Lake Region RC
November always gets me thinking about gratitude. And in Rotary, there’s a lot to be thankful for — especially when it comes to The Rotary Foundation.
If you’ve ever seen a local project happen in your town — something that made a difference in real people’s lives — there’s a good chance the Foundation helped make it possible. That’s why we celebrate November as Foundation Month.
Let me give you a few examples. And I also want to acknowledge you for being part of the Highest Overall Rotary Foundation Contributions District. More on that as well.
Right here in District 7780, our District Designated Funds (DDF) have supported incredible local projects — from building a communication board for nonverbal children at a park in Rochester, to supplying books and resources for literacy programs in elementary schools, to helping renovate a community kitchen that now serves meals to those in need.
And the reach doesn’t stop there. Our DDF has also supported global projects in Uganda, Colombia, and Cambodia — helping improve access to clean water, sustainable agriculture, maternal health, and more. When we donate to the Annual Fund, our dollars go to work *both* at home and around the world.
At the recent Zone Conference in Winnipeg, our district — District 7780 — was awarded Highest Overall Rotary Foundation Contributions for 2024–25! That’s a huge honor, and a testament to your generosity and belief in Rotary’s mission.
Special kudos to our Top 3 clubs in total giving:
- Yarmouth
- Oxford Hills
- Exeter
- Yarmouth
- Oxford Hills
- Exeter
Four clubs achieved 100% TRF Giving:
- Bath
- Bath Sunrise
- Fryeburg
- York
- Bath
- Bath Sunrise
- Fryeburg
- York
And a major shout-out to Bath and Bath Sunrise, who also earned 100% EREY — meaning every single member gave at least $100 to the Foundation.
So here’s my challenge to you this month:
1. Learn – Ask someone in your club to share a project story
2. Give – Whatever you can. Every gift makes a difference
3. Celebrate – Recognize the generosity in your club and community
And don’t forget — we’ve got a District Holiday Social & Hands-On Project coming up on December 7. More details soon, but I hope to see you there!
Thanks for being part of this incredible Rotary family. I’m proud to serve as your District Governor and grateful for the good we create together — locally, globally, and everywhere in between.
🌍 Rotary Vision Statement:
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
In gratitude,
Emma
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 7780