July 2008

Rotary Leaders,

In 2008-2009, the Rotary fleet sails under the command of Rotary International President D. K. Lee. We are 32,000 ships, flying the Rotary flag, manned by eager crews of dedicated Rotarians. Our destination is World Peace through understanding. Our mission; to relieve human suffering with opportunity and hope for those in need. Under the banners of Health, Hunger, Clean Water and Literacy we will endeavor to conquer poverty, ignorance, malnutrition and disease. . . to Make Dreams Real.

We're making progress. Last year, 30,000 children, under the age of 5, died every day, from preventable causes. This year we begin with 26,000 children at risk. That leaves a lot of work yet to be done.

Each year, Rotary clubs begin new projects to meet this challenge. In order to support the growing demand for matching grants, by our clubs, we must raise the bar for the Rotary Foundation Annual Programs Fund. Therefore, I'm asking each Rotarian to contribute $200 to the Rotary Foundation this year. The yet-unnamed club and district leaders of 2012-2013 will thank you.

I look forward to sharing this adventure with you. Our course may be challenging but you need only look back to see how far we've come. Polio is fading in our wake. We are Making Dreams Real!

Ed Fullerton
DG 2008-2009