Dear Members of Rotary Club of Denver,
As announced during our April 2nd club meeting, we have important news! In response to the current coronavirus pandemic and urgent needs in our broader community, the Denver Rotary Club Foundation (DRCF) and Club 31 have identified funds to be donated to immediate causes.
Utilizing its financial resources, DRCF has responded decisively to past floods, hurricanes and other emergencies, and it is doing it again with COVID-19. The foundation trustees approved a $5,000 disaster response grant, plus $5,000 more from unallocated “new project” funds as part of the 2019 grant cycle. Fifty years ago, Cub 31 Rotarians established our foundation and over the years it has given millions of dollars to fund essential local and international Rotarian-supported projects. When it comes to the impact of DRCF, Club 31 can be very proud! As we finish our 50th anniversary celebration year, what better way than to support our community as we have done in the past and will continue to do in the future.
In addition, the club board of directors approved a $6,000 club contribution to DRCF to be added to the above grants for immediate COVID-19 response. This amount represents a sum equivalent to the meal cost savings over the four week period as in-person meetings were canceled. This morning we learned that District 5450 awarded us $1,500 of additional matching funds.
This totals up to $17,500 so far, and we think club members might want to participate individually and increase our impact. We invite you to make a contribution of which 100% will go towards COVID-19 response. We already have our first contribution of $1,000 to get us started! Here is a DRCF dedicated link to make a donation:
As for specifically how the money will be distributed, Carter Sales, incoming President of DRCF, has assembled a committee of Rotarians who will evaluate the best opportunities for impact and authorize the immediate distributions of funds. If you have suggestions for the committee and want to be of help to Carter, please reach out to him directly. They plan to begin their work next week.
If you did not join us the last two weeks as we held Thursday club meetings online, then please try to next week. Same time, different place. Bring your own lunch! If you have had trouble with the technology, then please reach out to Darlene or Lauren. Yesterday we had 97 participants including Rotarians and guests. It’s surprisingly dynamic and FUN!
In service to you and our communities,
Alison Clark-Hardesty
President, Denver Rotary Club Foundation
Jim Johnston
President, Rotary Club of Denver