Next Week at Rotary

We'll have change of venue for next Tuesday's meeting. Join us at noon in "the Hub" of the newly remodeled Great Falls High School. Come see what your tax dollars supported ... and the generosity of Rotarians created!

Last Week at Rotary

Last week we learned all about the Montana Community Foundation from its impressive Executive Director, Mary Rutherford. With a master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho, Mary is well-qualified to head up this large philanthropic organization dedicated to building stronger communities across Montana. (Plus, as a certified scuba diver, she can definitely handle the deep end of any pool!)

The Montana Community Foundation began its work in 1988. Today it manages more than $141 million in assets and administers more than 1,300 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. As of December 2020, nearly $43 million of that amount was tied to nonprofit organizations, with another $36.5 million in donor-advised funds and $22.3 million in local community foundation affiliates.

Community foundations bring together people and organizations wanting to make a positive impact in the world. They are tax-exempt public charities that guide philanthropy and are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the areas they serve. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations work with community foundations to create permanent charitable funds that help meet the challenges of changing times. The foundation invests and administers these funds.

MCF provides donor services, endowment building, community development and leadership, and philanthropic advocacy. Since 1988, MCF has reinvested more than $90 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs.

After her presentation, Mary fielded questions with aplomb and expertise. A long-time Helena Rotarian, Mary’s philanthropic leadership was recognized in 2019 by Helena’s YWCA with its Salute to Women Award. We can see why!

Some Guys ...

There's a precise term for the kind of grin we saw on Mike Wier's face last week. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for the Rotary eBulletin. The cause for such delight is that he drew the elusive Queen of Clubs at last week's meeting, thus winning a 50-50 pot that your cub reporter was too excited - and envious - to record.

Does it seem to you that this particular fellow Rotarian gets the winning raffle ticket for the 50-50 opportunity more often than the odds would predict?

It certainly seems that way to this reporter, who is batting .1000 on NOT getting the chance and not winning EVER EVER EVER after 10 years of buying her sad little ticket left lying on the table, week after dreary week.

Ours is not to wonder why. Ours is to turn green. And cry.

Let's Get Social!

A good time was had by all at our first post-pandemic social last week. The weather was HOT, but the beer at MT Pints was cool, the snacks delish and the company grand.

We've got another social coming up on Monday, June 28, at 5 p.m. If you've never been to the Ryan Dam Clubhouse, this is the time to do it. Appetizers, tea, and water will be provided. Please bring a beverage of your choice. Don't forget your lawn chairs, sunscreen or bug spray!

Milestones

Happy birthday on Tuesday to the remarkable Bob Norbie. After a run of health difficulties, he is back in the pink and it's delightful to see him "on his game." Best wishes, Bob, for the best year ever!

Weekly Wisdom for Father's Day

Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how well you shaved today,

you have to do it again tomorrow.

A father should be his son’s first hero and his daughter’s first love.

Only the best dads let their children fly. Only the most loved children soar.

He didn’t tell me how to live. He lived – and let me watch him do it.