Salin Low introduced Eileen Rau, Eileen was the first assistant governor of this club and was so for three years.
Eileen started off by acknowledging the current COVID-19 crisis and how the Rotary Foundation is working on ways to respond while continuing to fundraise for the foundation. Eileen said focusing on helping club members and their families remain to be of utmost importance.
Eileen shared that she became passionate about Rotary when she hosted a Rotary exchange student from Germany, named Fiona. Fiona was in high school and was anxious to learn whether she would be accepted into Eileen's home and how other Americans would view her because Eileen is Jewish and Fiona recognized the role her country played in World War II. However, instead of any strain, they formed a beautiful relationship and Eileen grew to consider Fiona as an adopted daughter. Eileen shared that this relationship reflected the foundation's good work. Fiona spoke to over a dozen clubs and promoted peace and unity.
The Rotary Foundation allows clubs like ours to have a large impact on our community and the world. Eileen shared examples of some projects from her club that have had a large impact on communities across the globe, including a project that helped dialysis patients get the treatment needed to survive, and shipping 10,000 meals to developing communities.
These are just a few examples as to why our donations to The Rotary Foundation are so important. The Rotary Foundation is recognized by Charity Navigator as one of the top 100 501c3 (nonprofit) charities in the world. When you donate a certain amount, you can itemize your donation, and when you donate, your dollar is multiplied through different grants. For example if you donate towards eradicating polio, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation triples the amount donated.
Eileen also wanted to virtually present and honor Salin Low with a badge and crystal recognizing Salin as a level 1 major donor. Eileen said Salin is a legacy to Rotary and she is very grateful for Salin's dedication to the foundation.
Congrats Salin! Thank you, Eileen!