Review of May 20, 2015

Rotary and The Power of One -
an idea that can change the world
**Click HERE for the video**

Reporter: Pete DeLaunay

Rotary International Foundation Trustee and fellow Rotarian (LA#5) Paul Netzel delivered an inspiring overview of how a single idea can change the world. “Rotary International is the greatest humanitarian organization in the world made up of 34,000 clubs that blend members and money to achieve great things,” as he launched into a focused overview of Rotary’s 30 year mission to eradicate polio, a new generation of peace makers and the power of one idea.

Rotarians heard a stirring overview of Rotary’s ongoing mission to eradicate polio by contributing $1.3 billion and immunizing 2 billion children living in far flung countries. He encouraged Rotarians to remind their Congressional representative about the need to continue providing grants to eradicate the preventable disease that has claimed the lives of 1.5 million people. Largely through the efforts of Rotary International there are now only 23 cases worldwide. Polio Plus is one of one thousands of projects undertaken by clubs that started with the power of one idea.

Describing the Rotary International Worldwide Youth Exchange Program, he said more than 100,000 students participate very year and learn about other cultures to better their lives by fostering peace and goodwill. “Hope and the road to peace won’t be reached as long as there is widespread poverty, illiteracy and unabated preventable diseases,” he continued. “Since 1948 RI has invested $2.1 billion on the exchange program, and $120 million this year alone.”

In 2002 Rotary International embarked on another bold peace focused mission. “The idea was to train a new generation of peace makers, so each year we select a 50 ‘peace fellows’ and 50 more selected for a certificate program,” he said, “with about 38% of the peace fellows now engaged with non-governmental charitable organizations.” The RI peace makers program now has an endowment of $122 million.

He concluded by showcasing Rotary International’s six areas of focus: fighting disease, saving mothers and children, growing economies, education, clean water and promoting peace. Rotary is an incubator of enterprise developing and testing projects to benefit all of mankind.

President Tom acknowledged more than 50 Seattle #4 members in attendance at the District Conference, with 11 of our members as presenters and Mark Wright as emcee for the entire conference! He offered special thanks to our own Ralph Davis who welcomed over 200 guests to the Seattle #4 suite, provided a selection of very fine wines from his collection and paid for it all in understated but in true Rotarian spirit. Stay tuned for next year’s conference in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

For the day’s short program Rotarians welcomed ACT Theatre executive director Carlo Scandiuzzi who offered an overview of the theatre company’s long history, many performances and opportunities provide to local thespians and artisans. “In 1996 visionaries at the company made the former Eagles building into a 5 theatre performing arts facility that can put on up to 5 shows simultaneously,” he exclaimed. “Since then we have had 42 world premieres among 75 different productions and entertaining 175,000 guests every year.” He read testimonials from patrons that reinforced the theatre’s importance to the Seattle community. On the occasion of the ACT Theatre’s 50th Anniversary, he hopes to continue to expand and provide theatre the community deserves.

President Tom opened the meeting with the opening anthem by Skip Rowland, accompanied by Ken Grant on the piano and followed by Nancy Cahill with the day’s invocation. Rotarian Carla Fowler introduced new member Rosanne Lapan who greeted fellow Rotarians at the door following the meeting.