"If you were on trial for loving your fellow man, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"  This provocative question caught my attention many years ago and continues to motivate me today.  November as Rotary Foundation Month offers us special opportunities to do more for others in more places and in more ways through The Rotary Foundation (TRF) than we ever thought possible. Let's make the most of it!

One response is to have a strong turnout from our clubs at the upcoming District Foundation Seminar.  It promises to be an outstanding occasion to learn more about all that is being done worldwide through TRF and how we can be a part of it.  Heather Leet, TRF's Annual Giving Officer, and Noel Bajat, our Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, will each be on hand to share their insights with us.  And what an appropriate setting in which to hold it -- the world-class Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, where cutting-edge nutritional studies may someday benefit all of humanity.

Another response is to sign up with our District Foundation Chair, PDG Lance Linscombe, for a TRF Matching Grant.  He can steer your club to water projects, hunger relief efforts or any other cause that is important to your members.  Read in the Feature Presentation section about the District Simplified Grants that were recently awarded from funds we received back from TRF. Next month will we feature the Group Study Exchange Team of primary school educators who were just selected to visit Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2008 as part of this highly-popular program of The Rotary Foundation. 

A highlight of the year quickly approaching is the upcoming visit of TRF Chairman Bob Scott and his wife of Ontario, Canada, who will serve as King and Queen of the District 6200 Krewe of Rotary at our Foundation Gala on Friday, February 1.  We'll get to hear from him as our keynote speaker about all of the good that's being done in the world by Rotarians through The Rotary Foundation.  The setting will also be excellent atop the 5-star Hilton Capitol House Hotel in Baton Rouge, and a great band has been secured for fun on the dance floor.  Tickets are available, so get yours now from Karin Viator at the Rotary District Office!

Diverging a moment from Foundation matters, Nikki and I thank you deeply for the wonderful hospitality that we have received from each of you during our official club visits.  The last 4 months have been packed with fun and have given us a welcomed opportunity to spend important time with you, enjoy meeting your members and get to see your interesting communities.  We hope that you will invite us back on occasion during the remainder of the year for more fun! 

The Rotary Foundation is full of opportunities that allow us to improve the lives of others -- both here and around the world, as evident in this Newsletter.  Read on!