Over 1,200 Rotarians and their families raised over $183, 980 for The Rotary Foundation at the 2021 Virtual Rotary Foundation Gala hosted by Rotary Zones 28 and 32 on May 12, 2021. It was a fast-paced 60-minute variety style show featuring Rotary dignitaries, celebrities, musicians, entertainers and more.
Thank you to everyone who attended the online Gala event, "Celebrate our Foundation!" Please Read more....
Rotary Foundation Trustee noted that our support of The Rotary Foundation has increased by 6%, but the demand has doubled. In 2020, we did not have enough funds for all the projects that Rotarians asked us to support. In 2021 we will likely run out of funds by the end of May. Those requests for funds come from our clubs, and our members.
The event was an opportunity to inspire our members - to share stories of how our Foundation has enabled us to change the lives of children, families and communities - both locally and around the world. This was an opportunity to help Rotarians, clubs and Districts reach, and even exceed, their goals.
Rotarians paid $110 USD per ticket, of which only $10 goes to the event itself. Rotarians will get a charitable tax receipt for the $100, along with 100 Paul Harris Recognition points and will get credit towards their District’s Foundation goals. During the evening, many Rotarians chose to donate more, either at registration, during the event, and through the online auction.
Many clubs form all of the Districts in Zone 28 and 32 held pre and post celebrations, as they celebrated their District’s successes, and recognized their Rotarians, shared stories, and encouraged their members to do more.
This was a call to action and Rotarians responded.
Here is a Video link for the Gala: https://vimeo.com/551510015
Here is a Link for individual act videos for the Gala: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8116843
Here are just some highlights of the event:
Rotary International President-Nominee (2022-23) Jennifer Jones hosts the "Red Carpet" opening.
Rotary International Director Valarie Wafer & Rotary Foundation Trustee Dean Rohrs are our Hosts.
Past Rotary International Director Jeffry Cadorette was our M.C. for the Gala.
Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin & Chair of the PolioPlus Program Mike McGovern are our special guests.
Also Featured...
Canadian Rock Legend Alex Lifeson...
Aleksandar Živojinović (born August 27, 1953) better known by his stage name Alex Lifeson, is a Canadian musician, best known as the guitarist of the Canadian rock band Rush.
The bulk of Lifeson’s work in music has been with Rush, although he has contributed to a body of work outside of the band as a guitarist and producer. He is also known for his comedic virtues, which have been highlighted in various cameo film roles over the years including one in the Canadian-cult mockumentary series The Trailer Park Boys. Along with his bandmates Geddy Lee and Neil Peart, Lifeson was made an Officer of the Order of Canada on May 9, 1996 and the highest artistic honour by receiving the Governor General's Award in 2012. Lifeson ranks third in the Guitar World Readers poll of 100 greatest guitarists and is also included in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
In addition to charities supported by the band, Lifeson continues to give back to charities and causes close to his heart which have included his contributions for us in Rotary International, Casey House, The Kidney Foundation as well as the Domenic Troiano foundation that funds guitar scholarships. Lifeson has been married to his highschool sweetheart Charlene for 40 years and has 2 sons and 2 grandsons.
Website: Rush.com
Sample video see: "Best Intro Ever!!"
Internationally acclaimed actor, director, producer & writer Sam Neill...
Born in Northern Ireland, Neill moved to Christchurch New Zealand with his family as a young boy. He has starred in dozens of feature films and television series since the mid 1970's most famously in Jurassic Park, The Hunt for Red October, My Brilliant Career and many others. He has received 3 Golden Globe and 2 Emmy Award Nominations. He currently lives in Alexandra New Zealand where he owns the Two Paddocks winery. He was appointed an Officer of the order of the British Empire in 1991, and a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007. Last year he was appointed an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Cromwell, D9310 in New Zealand.
Website: About Sam Neill
Sample video see: Sam Neill Interview
From London UK, World Champion "Flair" Bartender Tom Dyer...
Tom Dyer is well known in the world of bartending, as one of the most, if not the most decorated flair bartender of all time. Tom, like many other bartenders, has worked in the bar and hospitality industry for over 18 years ranging from bar back to bar owner, bartender, supervisor, manager, and now school owner. When it comes to listing his awards there would not be room on this page, but a few highlights include: 12 x UK Flair Bartender Champion, 2 x Roadhouse World Flair Bartender Champion, 2 x WFA Grand Slam World Flair Bartender Champion, and 1st place in over 85 other flair bartending competitions worldwide, including the Paris Flair Open, the International Flair League, the Gold Shake Cup in Korea, and the Ultimate Flair Championship in Japan.
Although Tom’s competition days are over, his Judging days are in full swing – an avid golfer, skier, and swimmer outside of flair, Tom has always believed that active and extreme sports along with healthy living, and a wealth of experience of different cultures can be the key to a long and successful bartending career.
Website: TomDyerBartender.com
Sample video see: Flair Bartending Competition
From Colombia South America, Camilo the Magician...
Camilo has been a full-time professional for the last fifteen years. He has showcased his magic all across South America and North America. His world-class magic, unique personality, charming style, and amazing illusions have made him one of the most in-demand magicians in Canada. Camilo is based in Vancouver, he entertains at private functions, corporate events, trade shows, and tv appearances.
Camilo The Magician is extremely proud of his shows and looks forward to the many more to come. He doesn’t really know why he started doing magic at the age of four, but he definitely believes that he has a unique style and is determined to “make you believe the impossible”.
Website: CamiloTheMagician.com
Sample video see: Camilo-Promo
The gala featured videos from clubs and how they used Foundation grants to help them with their financial input on their projects.
Rotaractor Yvonne Jubert interviewed Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson who donated a guitar as a fundraiser.
District 7070's own Ian Lancaster successfully bid for the assistance of RI President Nominee Jennifer Jones, RI Director Valarie Wafer and PRI Director Dean Rohrs to help out on one of his club’s/district’s service projects.
Here are some photos:
