The Rotary Club of Clarence offered a challenge for clubs in District 7090 effective April 20th to June 30th. The challenge was a $1500 match for donations that would be made during this time period for money donated to Gift of Life. This match offer was in addition to the club’s own generous donation. We are happy to announce the wonderful response of clubs and individuals to this challenge with donations exceeding the goal by $400. The presentation of the Clarence club checks is depicted in the attached photo showing Clarence President Peter Courmin handing the checks to Pat Castiglia, Co-President of GOL.On June 19th, a report was made to Clarence club members detailing the donations received in response to the challenge. Five clubs in District 7090 responded to the donor challenge. Those clubs are Lancaster-Depew, East Aurora, Amherst South, Kenmore, and Williamsville. In addition, there were 5 individuals who donated money. The total amount raised by the Clarence challenge is almost $5,000 more than hoped for. This was the first time a challenge had ever been done for GOL.
Another first also occurred. GOL does not usually receive individual gifts, but this year has been exceptional in that regard. It started with a cash donation by a member of the Amherst club who then applied for an employer match. That employer matched on a 2 to 1 basis making that donation significantly higher. That was the first employer match we ever received. If anyone else works where there is an employer match, perhaps you might consider GOL as a recipient. This was followed by a generous gift from a member of the Lancaster-Depew club and then another unexpected gift from a member of the Clarence club. Then, three people affiliated with the Amherst South club made donations. Another first for us was a member who indicated that she had remembered GOL in her will. All of these are being reported as they demonstrate the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” not only by clubs but by individuals and the impact of GOL’s “Have a Heart and Save a Heart” appeal.
These wonderful ways to donate occurred in this inflationary year. It is almost like a miracle that so many Rotarians and their friends and families found these ways to support us. Every day, each of us in our donating clubs, can say “Today I saved a child’s life.” Is there any greater satisfaction than that? The Board of Directors wish to thank all the clubs and individuals who have found it in their hearts to save a little heart.
If you, or your club, did not have an opportunity to have a GOL speaker this Rotary year, how about having one this summer? Summer donations would count for the 2026-27 Rotary year. For clubs in the distant portions of our district, a visit in the summer is easier to manage than in the winter months. If you would like to participate in this coming year’s effort, please contact one of the co-presidents for a presentation date. GOL belongs to all members, and we do not want anyone left out. Contact emails are: chenry1@cogeco.ca for Canadian clubs and ptcas34@hotmail.com for U.S. clubs.