November 28, 2012

Dear Rotarian of District 6540:

Another year has past quickly and we now have the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings we enjoy. Unfortunately, those less fortunate continue to focus on a better way of life, even of survival, and hope appears futile. But our Rotary Foundation does just that - provide hope - plus the solutions to many of their problems - from polio to clean water to a reliable food source - from dental and medical treatment to education - to the ability to read and write - or achieve peace - all of these opportunities exist with an emphasis on sustainability.

The Rotary Foundation is worthy of your respect and your donations. It ranks amongst the highest rated foundations in the world. And they continue to be excellent stewards of our donations. Remember, the earnings from our donations pay for the administration and costs of our Rotary Foundation, so that 100% of our donations fund Foundation programs.

We have had success in this district because Rotarians have come to realize and appreciate all of the good works that our Foundation provides. It may not be the number one charity for each, for some it is church or a specific community project, but it should be elevated to the top two or three of your favorite charities. This is our Foundation and it helps us fulfill our international avenue of service, making us more rounded and vibrant individuals and clubs.

As we come to the end of this year, please give this thoughtful consideration. There is a joy in giving that warms the heart. Picturing a grateful child for your sacrifice should encourage you to do the best you can - as you always have. Please give something - no gift is to small and the benefits are great, even lifesaving.

You can make your donation directly on the Rotary website at www.rotary.org or call the Rotary Contact Center at 1-866-9Rotary (1-866-976-8279) or complete a Contribution Form on the website. You can mail your check payable to The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693.

We ask that you designate your donation to the Annual Fund as we use those funds for all of our District programs, including District Designated Grants, International Matching Grants, Group Study Exchange, Peace Scholar and District Scholars (formerly Ambassadorial Scholars), and yes, polio eradication.

Rotary District 6540

Please make your donation soon. How about today? May you and yours have a blessed holiday season.

Yours in Rotary,

Judy Walker PDG Michael Crabill Dan Ryan

District Governor Annual Fund Chair District 6540 Foundation Chair

8421 Manor Ave. # 406 55717 Whispering Woods Lane c/o DeMotte State Bank

Munster, IN 46321 Osceola, IN 46561 210 S. Halleck St., P.O. Box 400

jwalker.rotary@gmail.com mike.rotary6540@comcast.net dryan@netdsb.com

(219) 513-0549 (H) (574) 674-0969 (H) (219) 987-4141 Ext. 101240 (W)

(219) 680-6557 (M) (574) 232-5977 (W) (219) 987-6060 (F)

(219) 246-2003 (F) (574) 229-0910 (M) (219) 956-2557 (H)

P.S. A Club Recognition Summary is being sent to your Club President and Foundation Chair. Please review it and consider becoming a Paul Harris Fellow, or moving up to the next level, PHF+1, or PHF +2, etc. Please consider becoming a Paul Harris Society Member ($1,000.00 a year for a minimum of two years - contact Dan Ryan for details), or a Major Donor ($10,000.00 cumulatively). Thank you!