© 2003, Rotary Club of Charleston

P.O. Box 21029
Charleston, SC 29413-1029

Club secretary:
Carroll Schweers
chasrot@comcast.net

District governor addresses club
Discusses support of Rotary Foundation programs

NOV. 18, 2003 - Kay Oldhouser, District Governor for Rotary District 7770, spoke to Rotarians and highlighted what she sees as the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the "last year of the first century of Rotary."

Oldhouser noted that the current Rotary International President has listed three "disasters" to focus on in the coming year: (1) alleviation of poverty; (2) reduction of health concerns; and (3) promotion of literacy and education. Oldhouser noted that our Rotary Club is helping to address these three target areas on a local basis by, for example, giving gifts to the needy through our holiday giving tree, making CART donations toward Alzheimer's research, and partnering with Frazier Elementary to increase literacy and education.

Oldhouser suggested that we all have the opportunity to do even more through support of Rotary Foundation programs. Said Oldhouser, "As Rotarians, we have to pay attention to the world as it truly exist. . . and we have to do something about it."

Oldhouser said that it is expected that all Rotarians will become sustaining members of the Rotary Foundation, however, we currently have 35 members in our club who have never given anything to the Foundation. Further, our giving levels were a little low, and she suggested we need to increase our level of giving a bit more this year. Oldhouser did commend the many in our Club who are sustaining members, who are Paul Harris fellows (some multiple times over), who are benefactors, or who are Major Donors. She encouraged everyone to continue to "lend a hand."

Oldhouser first joined Rotary in 1992. Since then, she has not only worked her way up to District Governor, but she has maintained perfect attendance and has received numerous Rotary awards, titles and distinctions.

In other business…

Howard Chapman led members in a thoughtful prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lenny Greene welcomed our many guests and visiting Rotarians. Tom Waring offered Health and Happiness. Johnny Jordan reminded Rotarians about the College of Knowledge. Bill Eaton spoke about the Giving Tree. Anita Zucker gave us a Rotary moment and introduced the guest speaker, District Governor Kay Oldhouser.