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Following Table Talk about positive experiences with philanthropy, President Jan opened the meeting announcing the kickoff of the Seattle Rotary Service Foundation’s “season of giving”. She introduced Don Murphy for the day’s song, ‘Lean on Me’ accompanied by Freeman Fong on the piano, and followed by Tom Mesaros with a Biblical message, “We all can give something and celebrate what we bring to the table with what others can bring”. “Every gift to SRSF is an investment in our local and international community, “President Jan said. “When all of us chip in the impact multiplies”, as she introduced Rotarians Lillian Sherman, SRSF President, and David Bobanick, SRSF 2025-26 campaign chair, who offered insights about Seattle Rotary’s season of giving. Lillian encouraged Rotarians to view the recent SRSF Community Impact Report that shares stories of how our generosity is transformative. “Last year SRSF grants totaled nearly $300,000 in grants for local organizations and Seattle Rotary International’s important work,” she said. “We are encouraging all Rotarians to give above and, if they can afford it, beyond if you can,” David said. “We have some exciting gift news for early contributors from sailing on Lake Union to wine tasting, to a stay on Whidbey Island and more ways to contribute from monthly to the annual donation.” Rotarians Charmaine Vazquez and Ani Black to join David on the podium to share why they participate in SRSF. “It is fresh in mind how Rotary supports local and international basic needs,” said Charmaine. She also encouraged members to give monthly, stating that the process to set up the monthy gift is quick and easy. Ani noted that “Rotarians want to walk the talk by giving to SRSF and RI.. SRSF does the due diligence to select organizations that have the greatest need and impact.” Long-time member Carl Behnke produced a check for $25,000 to support to encourage members to consider giving for the first time or increasing their gifts to higher levels, including the Pinkham and Skeel donation. President Jan introduced the day’s program speaker, Gordon McHenry, President & CEO of United Way of King County, as a contemporary community leader in Seattle’s non-profit social services institutions, who provided an overview of basic needs in King County. |
