The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South's first event of the Leaders For Global Impact Speaker Series on June 18th, 2024, was a tremendous success, raising awareness and funds for international projects. Utilizing a pay-what-you-can model to ensure inclusivity, the event featured keynote speaker Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad of Norgen Biotek, who announced a $50,000 donation. The event, attended by over 50 people and emceed by Najeeb Syed and Saban Basic, highlighted various projects supported by the club, such as Gift of Life International and Shelter Box. Additional contributions totaled over $4,900, with significant support from sponsors and the donation of the event space by Najeeb Syed. This innovative approach encourages us to explore diverse fundraising strategies to enhance our fundraising efforts.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South's first event of the Leaders For Global Impact Speaker Series, held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, was a tremendous success. Organized by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South International Service Committee, this event aimed to raise awareness and funds for various international projects supported by the club.
When brainstorming different fundraising ideas, we realized that we knew many fascinating individuals within our community and beyond who embody Rotary’s motto, “Service above Self.” We decided to create a special event to showcase these leaders and their accomplishments rather than just inviting them to our regular club meetings.
When planning the event, we carefully considered the ticket pricing. We wanted to provide food for attendees but were mindful that the cost should not deter participation. Therefore, we adopted a pay-what-you-can pricing model. Our focus was to bring attention to our causes and encourage broad community involvement.
The event saw an impressive turnout with over 85 attendees from diverse backgrounds. The evening was emceed by Rotary Club of St. Catharines South International Service Committee Chair Najeeb Syed and committee member Saban Basic. It began with Julio Batres-Gavidia, Club and District Public Image Chair and International Service Committee member, outlining some of the international projects supported by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South, including:
- Gift of Life International
- Hippo Rollers
- Canadian Wheelchair Foundation
- Shelter Box
- Smile Train
- Trust For Malnutrition and Stunted Growth
- Trees that Feed
- AMD for Hope - Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid
- Quebec Ice Storm Relief Fund
- Pakistan Relief Fund
- Wells of Hope
- Bosnia Hospital Garden and Benches
Julio highlighted that over the last few years, the club has raised more than $1.5 million for these vital causes.
M. Firaaz Azeez, Executive Director of Humaniti International, provided an update on their projects and announced their desire to increase their commitment of $500,000 over five years to the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth. This generous contribution underscores the collaborative spirit in tackling global challenges.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote speaker, Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad, founder of Norgen Biotek, who shared the history of his company and its achievements as a world leader in biotechnology. Did you know that one of their main customers is Harvard Medical School and that Norgen has over 600 products and 33 patents? At the conclusion of his inspiring presentation, Dr. Haj-Ahmad announced a donation of $50,000 to the club.
In addition to this significant donation, the event raised over $4,900 from various contributions. The event space was graciously donated by Najeeb Syed, Chair of the International Service Committee, Founder and Director for the Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth, and many sponsors contributed to lowering the event's overall cost.
This event exemplifies innovative fundraising approaches and community engagement, encouraging other Rotary clubs to explore diverse strategies to support their international service projects.
Key Takeaways:
- Consider flexible pricing strategies to maximize attendance and awareness.
- Leverage community partnerships and sponsorships to minimize event costs.
- Highlight past achievements to inspire greater contributions and engagement.
- Showcase the impact of collaborative efforts and large-scale commitments.
Together, we can continue to make a significant impact globally through dedicated service and innovative fundraising efforts.