 | Our next Tuesday lunch meeting is October 27th via zoom. Contact President Mike if you'd like more information, or would like to attend as a visitor. Information below includes:
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1. Message from President Mike
Interact/Rotaract: I am happy to let you know that we have been able to expand our card writing program to an additional convalescent center. In addition to the Lynden facility we are now writing cards to the residents of the Alderwood Park Convalescent Center here in Bellingham. This is being accomplished by the members of both Squalicum High School Interact Club as well as the WWU Rotaract members. With their help we are able to reach an additional 40 people who are very grateful to receive some correspondence. Thank you Interact and thank you Rotaract.
Additionally, we are in the inception stages of establishing a mentorship program with WWU Rotaract students. In the current environment there will be opportunities to meet the students via zoom. I want to thank Steve White for taking the lead on this program. I’m sure we will all hear from him shortly about how we can plug into this important outreach.
New Committee Chairs: Thank you Mark Turner and John Bosch for agreeing to chair the following committees:
Charitable Giving Committee: Mark Turner chair
The International Committee: John Bosch chair
I will be interested to see what new perspective they bring.
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2. Jerry Simons- Past President of BBRC passes
For those of you in the club who had the pleasure of knowing Jerry, here’s a link to his full obituary. Jerry passed away on September 12th in Anchorage Alaska. The club has sent a card to his family expressing our condolences.
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3. Thanksgiving Turkeys for Food Bank- Donate now!
As promised here's information about how you can make a contribution to this year's BBRC Food Bank Turkey Drive.
Electronic payments can be made by using the following link: https://www.classy.org/campaign/Rotary-Turkeys-2020/c305180
If you prefer to mail a check, here's the information
- Make check payable to Bellingham Food Bank
- In check memo line put: Bellingham Bay Rotary (or BBR)
- Mail check to: Mike Hammes, 4290 Pacific Highway, Bellingham WA 98226.
If you have any questions, reach out to Tony.
Also…. Did you know that based on the CARES act, you are able to take a $300 charitable giving deduction whether you itemize or take the standard deduction? Make sure to keep your receipt from your donation to the turkey drive! Of course, you should always consult your own tax accountant to verify specifics for your individual situation, but here’s a longer explanation:
The CARES Act, among other coronavirus relief efforts, has instituted a provision allowing people to deduct $300 for charitable contributions. If you are married and filing jointly, your deduction is still limited to $300. Taxpayers can take this universal deduction no matter whether they itemize or take the standard deduction on their taxes.
Deductions under the CARES Act must be in cash (including checks and credit card payments) and given to a 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions to non-operating private foundations, support organizations and donor-advised funds don’t fall under this new deduction. Because the CARES Act deduction is a universal above-the-line deduction, you can list your contribution as an adjustment to income on your taxes.
In short, with the CARES Act, if you donate up to $300 in cash to a qualified organization, your adjusted gross income will be reduced up to $300.
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4. Charitable Giving Committee-Call for members
Message on behalf of Mark Turner, Chair
The Charitable Giving Committee is responsible for soliciting applications and then awarding modest grants (up to $2500 but usually in the $1000 range) to worthy non-profit groups in Whatcom County. The committee does its work from now through February, with most of the work in January as we review applications and decide where to invest our money. This is one of our most important committees and your work on it has direct impact on our community. Mark Turner took over as chair of the committee this year and is seeking at least two new members to replace those who have stepped down or left the club. Let Mark know you're interested by email to mark@turnerphotographics.com.
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5. District 5050 Blood Drive Campaign
A message on behalf of District Governor Carol Tichelman
We have decided to start a friendly and voluntary blood donation campaign in district 5050. We want to encourage our members, their friends and families who are able, to participate in this life-saving humanitarian act. One blood donation can potentially save up to three lives. If your members are unable to donate blood, they might be able to donate much needed plasma.
There will be District recognition given at the end of the Rotary year by Area, as that is the only way our friends in Washington can enroll. Bloodworks Northwest does not offer individual person or Club tracking for groups – but they have set up a tracking system for us by Area.
Here's how the donation process will work for U.S. Rotarians in District 5050:
1. Your members (and their family and friends!) will click on the blood drop link on the right side of the attached eFlyer when scheduling an appointment.
2. When they show up for the appointment, they will be asked if they are from a specific group and will reply Rotary.
3. Donation totals will be available each quarter. Your members can also encourage their friends and family to use the attached eFlyer to link their blood donation as part of your Club’s donation record.
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6. Rotary International Foundation- Who is a Rotary Foundation Benefactor?
A Rotary Foundation Benefactor is a person who has notified The Rotary Foundation that they have made provisions in their final estate plans to Rotary for US$1,000 or more, or who has made an outright gift of US$1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation’s Endowment. Benefactors receive a certificate and insignia to wear with a Rotary or Paul Harris Fellow pin. They are listed in the Benefactor Report and identified in the Club Recognition Summary.
Clubs with 100% member support of Rotary’s Endowment are eligible to request a Rotary’s Promise Club electronic certificate. Qualifying support may be a commitment for a future gift to The Rotary Foundation in an estate plan or an outright gift of $1,000 or more to the Endowment.
A US$1,000 gift to The Rotary Foundation creates a legacy of helping people live better lives around the world. Today there are over 100,000 Benefactors worldwide. Will you join them by making a gift of $1,000 to Rotary’s Endowment or by leaving a gift to Rotary in your estate?