Over the years, The Rotary Club of Ames has been a strong supporter of international projects from Xicotepec, Mexico to Same District, Tanzania.   These projects have all involved hard work by individuals, along with club money being matched with funds from both District 6000 and The Rotary Foundation.   The various projects have built health centers, a milk processing plant, and provided materials for primary schools in an area that didn’t have any schools prior, as well as building water storage and distribution systems in the Same, Tanzania area.         
 
We are continuing that strong history with a new Water and Sanitation project for the Kigogo Village, Same District, Tanzania.  Members of the Club’s World Service Committee have been working with clubs and districts across the nation, District 6000, Rotary International, as well as local businesses and corporations to assist our partner the Same Rotary Club in Tanzania in building a sustainable water and sanitation system.  World Service Committee members include Glen Ripke, Randy Peters, Donna Newbrough, Mark Westgate, Ted Okiishi, Steve Jones, Dave Fox, Mary Wells, Gerald Klonglan, Liz Beck, and Melisa Mundt.   Hopefully, I didn’t leave anyone off.    Thanks also goes to Harold Jenson of the Morning Club, Dick Ross of South Pasadena club and Justin Rewerts in Nevada.
           
While our international success should be noted, I must also point out local projects that have involved matching grants: specifically for the Sudanese refugee project.  Donna Newbrough was instrumental in securing District 6000 grants in 2007 and 2009.  Not only was Donna able to secure club money that was matched with a district grant, she was also able to secure additionally funding from Iowa State University.  Donna truly exemplifies our Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”
 
In December, the project will be submitted to District and Rotary International for matching funds.   We need to secure our financial pledges for a total of $100,000.00 before December 15th.
 
Unlike past years, our club now has the ability to accept individual donations that would be tax deductible.  Dave Fox recently sent out a pledge form which you have received via email.   For those that wish to help individually, donations would be made to The Rotary Club of Ames Foundation.  Any amount you can contribute would be greatly appreciated.
 
For those club members that put a higher priority on local projects, Jim Lohr has just volunteered to work on our local major grant in order that we can submit for District 6000 funds for a local project.  More information on this will be presented in mid to late October. 
 
In the spirit of Rotary, I thank all those who have given their time, energy and resources toward our club’s projects, both local and abroad.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dan