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President Rudy got off on an early start today because PP Kenneth Chow had a lot to cover in his speech on "Rotary Foundation".

PP John then introduced Visiting Rotarians. They were AG Ada Cheng of Wanchai, ADS Anthony Tam of Shatin and of course, our Speaker.

PP John then announced that the redbox collection was HK$800.

The writer, PP Desmond, then introduced our Speaker. PP Kenneth Chow was the Club President for 1996/1997, District Rotary Foundation Seminar Chairman: 1997-1998, District Secretary: twice, Assistant Governor: twice, District Conference Chairman: twice, District Annual Giving Sub-Committee Chairman: twice. He also attended the following Rotary meetings: Rotary Foundation - 7 times, Rotary Institute - 6 times.

On top of all these, he was also a first level Major Donor. Someone remarked that he was an "overcommitted" Rotarian. But there is so such thing, he is just a Fully Committed Rotarian, and a good example to us all.

Now, how is Rotary Foundation funded? or put it in another way, how is you contribution spent? Rather than repeating what PP Kenneth actually said, the writer now tries to explain this in diagram form as follows:

Annual Program Funds are the main source of funding for Rotary Foundation Program (i.e. paying for immediate need). Permanent Fund, as the name suggests, is an endowed fund where the principal is never spent, and the earnings are used to support Foundation Programs (i.e. saving for long term stability). The actual allocation of funding for APF works like this: Contribution for 2004-2005, say, shall be invested for 3 years. In 2007-2008, that sum shall be split (shared) between DDF and WF equally.

The Rotary Foundation currently supports the following Programs namely (I) For educational purposes (a) Ambassadorial Scholar, (b) Group Study Exchange, (c) Grants for University Teachers and (d) Rotary Centre; and (II) for humanitarian purpose (a) Matching Grants(b) District Simplified Grants; (c) Individual grants and (d) Polioplus.

Last but not least, you can contribute US$100 or more PER YEAR to the APF and become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member.

As you can see, your contributions are carefully managed and these uses are well brought out.

President Rudy then thanked our speaker for a very informative speech.

Rotary International President Glenn E. Estess Sr. in the December issue of the Rotarian magazine said:

"During this centennial year, I would like to continue the family of Rotary initiative introduced by 2003-04 RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe. The RI Board has designated December as Family Month, an ideal time to reach out to family members and involve them in Rotary. The Family of Rotary Task Force is providing information and support to Rotary clubs and districts in an effort to emphasize the first part of the Object of Rotary: 'to encourage and foster the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.'"

"It's important to integrate our own families into the family of Rotary. Rotary should be something that brings family together - not a force that pulls them apart. Rotary clubs and district can offer diverse service and social activities that appeal to all members. This is critical if we want to attract younger members who may have children as well as other demands on their time."

During this centennial year, celebrate your membership in the largest family in the world.

Subject: FW: Old and Bold

Tall tale ... An 80 year old man went to the doctor for a checkup and the doctor was amazed at what good shape the guy was in. The doctor asked, "To what do you attribute your good health?"

The old timer said, "I'm a pilot and that's why I'm in such good shape. I'm up well before daylight and out flying up and down the countryside."

The doctor said, "Well, I'm sure that helps, but there's got to be more to it. How old was your dad when he died?"

The old timer said, "Who said my dad's dead?"

The doctor said, "You mean you're 80 years old and your dad's still alive? How old is he?"

The old timer said, "He's 100 yrs old and, in fact, he flew next to me this morning in his own airplane. That's why he's still alive... he's a pilot!"

The doctor said, "Well, that's great, but I'm sure there's more to it. How about your dad's dad? How old was he when he died?"

The old timer said, "Who said my grandpa's dead?"

The doctor said, "You mean you're 80 years old and your grandfather's still living! How old is he?"

The old timer said, "He's 118 yrs old."

The doctor was getting frustrated at this point and said, "I guess he went flying with you this morning too?"

The old timer said, "No...Grandpa couldn't go this morning because he got married."

The Doctor said in amazement, "Got married!! Why would a 118-year-old guy want to get married?"

The old timer said, "Who said he wanted to?"


(L to R) PDG Uncle Peter, PP Kenneth Chow (Tsuen Wan) & Pres Rudy.	( L to R) Hon Sec John, AG Ada Cheng (Wanchai) & PP Desmond.