The Rotary Foundation makes a profound difference and Rotarians continue to commit themselves to do more. After 3 years as Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor for Zone 8 my term has come to an end, as it does for all Rotary roles.

Article by PDG Dennis Shore, Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor Zone 2019-22

After 3 years as Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor for Zone 8 my term has come to an end, as it does for all Rotary roles. The majority of those 3 years was served in the strange twilight of COVID-19 restrictions but it was personally rewarding to meet and work with so many Rotarians, even if it was often a virtual connection. At our training program at Rotary Headquarters in 2019 we could not begin to comprehend what lay ahead of us.

The role of Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor (EMGA) provides a rare privilege to engage with some very special people at a very personal level. Many of them make a significant sacrifice to support The Rotary Foundation to do good in the world. For most of these Rotarians it goes far beyond the amount of their donation or bequest; they not only give of their treasure but significantly, also their time and talent. They have seen first-hand how working through The Rotary Foundation makes a profound difference and continue to commit themselves to do more. Thank you one and all.

It is not just about the big donations and the significant bequests, it has also been the opportunity to work with all of those in Zone roles and at district and club level who do so much for Rotary and The Rotary Foundation in particular. The strength of Rotary is that none of us is a one-person band. I want thank the many Rotarians I have worked with but to particularly acknowledge my staff partner Mark Anderson, from the regional Rotary office. For Mark, his role as Senior Coordinator/Fund Development, is much more than a job, it is a true vocation. So many Rotarians know Mark and understand his passion and drive to support the Rotary Foundation. Rotary and The Rotary Foundation are very well served by Mark as an employee and also as a Rotarian of action. Rob Byrne from the Rotary office has also been a wonderful support. Thank you Mark and Rob and the team at RISPPO.

It has also been an enormous privilege to have the support and encouragement of Past Rotary International President and Foundation Trustee Chair Elect, Ian Riseley. More recently I’ve also had the rewarding experience of working with Rotary International Director Jessie Harman who is also a committed supporter of The Rotary Foundation. It has also been a pleasure to work with PDG Maurie Stack as Chair of Rotary Foundation Australia Limited, another Rotarian of action and inspiring leader.

I am delighted with the appointment of PDG Bronwyn Stephens as the new Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor for Zone 8. I had the pleasure of serving as District Foundation Chair for Bronwyn as DG and I know first-hand that she has a huge passion for The Rotary Foundation and will bring energy, enthusiasm and innovation to the role. All the best to you Bronwyn.

From left, PDG Murray Verso, Zone 8 End Polio Now Coordinator 2022-25; PDG Dennis Shore; Jennifer Jones RIP 2022-23; Amanda Wendt, D9800 DG 2022-23; Robert Fisher, 2018-19 President Rotary Melbourne; PDG Bronwyn Stephens.