By:  Jeffrey Slaton, Annual Giving Chair, District Foundation Committee, RC of Saco Bay
 
Welcome back, friends.  I begin this month’s letter with a simple question:
 
Why give to Rotary?
 
For the eleventh consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. The Foundation earned recognition for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
As the appointed Chair of Annual giving in our District, it is my responsibility to assist and or educate each member about Rotary giving and one area that is vital to the very core of what we do as Rotarians. Without your continued monetary contributions to the Rotary Foundation, the good works of Rotary would cease to exist. The Powers that be in Evanston, IL over the years have implemented a simple plan that works.
 
Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) is a fundraising initiative designed to encourage support for the Foundation's Annual Fund. EREY aims to engage every Rotary Club member by encouraging members to contribute to the Annual Fund every year. EREY aims to engage every Rotary Club by encouraging them to participate in a Foundation grant or program every year. With your support of at least $100.00 each year, these goals can be met. Of course, you are welcome to contribute more if you are able, but this is a great place to start.
 
Because of your support and your dedication to Doing Good in the World, together we funded more than 1,190 global grants, 470 district grants, and 225 disaster response grants to help communities thrive in 2021-22. Your generosity helped us raise more than $434 million!

Gifts from donors like you enable our members to make a big impact by helping those who need us most during a time that is as uncertain as any. We’re grateful that we can keep strengthening communities by improving people’s health, supporting quality education, protecting the environment, and alleviating poverty. Together, we can continue to accomplish great things, like one day ending polio.
 
Click here to contribute.
 
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions and have a great month.  I can be reached at
207.608.3131 or via email