November is Foundation month and we did some incredible work in District 6900 in 2025-26, so it’s truly time to celebrate all our achievements! Last month we looked at the total Foundation numbers, but this month we have numbers for 6900 specifically for the year ending June 2026. Our Annual Fund goal for the District was $325,353. Not only did we achieve those numbers, we blew them out. We more than doubled them with $681,823 for a 209.56% performance. In addition, 55 of 65 clubs participated in Annual Fund giving. Polio Plus numbers for the year were $270,861.10. The Endowment Fund ended the year with contributions of $233,212.30. We weren’t done yet as the “Other Funds” Category received $29,273.27 in contributions.

The numbers were spread quite nicely across the clubs, but there were a couple of notables worth shouting out about. Two clubs ended in an almost dead heat for the top spot of giving. Peachtree City had a total of $181,509.84 for all funds contributed and they took that by a nose over Marietta-Metro who ended at $181,003.15. My home club of Roswell wasn’t far behind with total giving of $107,588.50 and Alpharetta was next at $91,644.95. There were a number of clubs that contributed between $30,000 and $75,000.

The Polio Plus numbers themselves were quite impressive as well. Peachtree City provided $39,045.07, however, Vinings Cumberland led the charge with $51,119.25 for Polio.

What this all says is, District 6900 will always be there to provide what is needed to uphold our standard of, “Service Above Self”! So as you can see there is a lot to celebrate as we are now in the new Rotary year and I am quite certain with the concerted effort of all our clubs, our District will be at the top of the charts next year too!

As mentioned, we are now in the 2026-2027 year for Foundation giving and possibly for many of you reading now, this may be your first Rotary year, so a little history of the Foundation for you as it is Foundation month!

The history of the Foundation is, if I may borrow a phrase from the 60’s and 70’s, is pretty "Cool." Arch Klumph, the outgoing Rotary President at the 1917 convention, proposed establishing an endowment, “for the purpose of doing good in the world." His initial contribution of $26.50, today would have a purchasing power of just under $700 according to the AI convertor. Since that time Rotary via the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion to life-changing projects, both here at home, and around the world. Those dollars come to all in the form of grants, of which there are three types. They are District Grants that bring the dollars right home to our communities, Global Grants that take the dollars overseas and Disaster Recovery Grants that go wherever required.

I am most likely dating myself here as I often do, but I just can’t help but include the reference in part of the title of this month’s article, “We Are Family!" Those of you who were Pop music fans in the 1970’s, 1979 to be exact, you will remember the song. It was recorded by “Sister Sledge”, an R&B group of four actual sisters and it was FUN to dance to, or at the very least, sing to in those days!

In the end, aren’t we just that? We Are Family! The Family of Rotary! We work together, we play together and we succeed together. It’s not who we are, it’s What we are! A family that embraces all families of all places and cultures and we strive together to make the world a better place. The world IS a better place because of Rotary. Don’t you agree?

I am personally so proud of the work of our clubs and District 6900. Together we will continue to do good work in the world!

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!