In recent weeks, the Rotary Club of Centennial has introduced a "20 for 20" initiative as part of our celebration of 20 years of "service above self". The goal, 20 new Paul Harris Fellows will receive their first Paul Harris Fellow pin at our 20th Anniversary celebration on September 11.
This effort is the brainchild of Katherine Hauff as a salute to the impact our Club has made to our community, as well as a tribute to the inspirational contributions of her parents, Honorable member Jeannie Henschen and her late father, former member and Past President, Hank Henschen. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Although this is not a topic that has been top of mind during the last 14 months, it is hard to overstate how crucial the Paul Harris Society is to the mission of the Rotary Foundation and its support of our six areas of focus.
As John McCarty, our resident Paul Harris Society expert has explained, our initial focus will be on that first recognition. Unless you have specifically directed our treasurer otherwise, Barbara Medina has already been making a contribution in your name to the Paul Harris Society from every single quarterly dues payment you've made since your installment as a Club member. John McCarty has a current list of every member's account and the points they have accumulated. Of course, any additional contributions over the years are accounted for on the same form.
As John explained, in order to assist and accelerate members to their first Paul Harris Fellow pin, our Club proposes to use the points we have accumulated AS A CLUB to match the points earned by the member. For example, Member X has 200 points in the bank. 200 points equate to $200 contributed. Since it takes $1000 for a member to reach the recognition level, Member X still needs 800 more points for their first pin. Our Club is offering to match 1:1 any contributions made between now and August 15 towards that 1000 point goal. A new contribution of $400 to the Paul Harris Society, will earn an additional 400 point bonus for a total of 800 points. Along with the 200 points in the bank, Member X will earn that first pin and a level of giving that is crucial to the Foundation.
If you would like to become a Paul Harris fellow, be sure to contact John right away as the deadline is this Friday, August 6.