Posted by Chris Gilbreath
District Foundation Chair Judy Byron presents Paul Harris awards to William Beaudoin (C) and Walt Elliott (R)
 
With November being Rotary Foundation Month, what better way to start than hosting Judy Byron, District Foundation Chair?  Her main message was to be about District Grants but she shared a wealth of information about that and much more.  In the end though, it was the grant information that will likely have the greatest impact on our members. 
 
Though the reasons for joining Rotary are many, Byron shared that we become Rotarians by participating in activities that benefit our local and extended community.  She acknowledged how active our club is and showed that we have been generous in our Foundation giving.  Joining other Rotarians worldwide we act to end polio, clean water, strengthen local economies, create peace and in general change lives.
 
Foundation Grants, she explained are a very effective tool for obtaining our service objectives.  She admitted that despite the more complex nature of the International Grants, our Kingston Club is utilizing global grants by teaming with other area Rotarians to fund projects.  At the same time, we are funding a variety of local projects without getting the full benefit of Foundation funds.  She stated we would do well to become qualified for District Grants.  From Bryon’s discussion of Immunization Tours, Peace Scholarships, grant opportunities and so many other Foundation activities, the collective impact of the Rotary Foundation was clearly shown.