A Message from the Governor

Thank you to everyone who supported our Phillies game fundraiser for PolioPlus. So far we have been able to raise over $5,000. We still have some T-shirts to sell so please reach out to PDG Kevin Katarynick if you are interested in purchasing.

The first six weeks of my time as District Governor have been flying by. Thank you to the clubs that have reached out to me to schedule my official visits and inviting me to your meetings and special events. I appreciate how warm and friendly all the clubs have been.

David Houtz

District Governor, 2022-2023

More Money! District Grant Applications Due Sept. 30th

By Peter A. Mardinly

Let's keep it simple. More District Grant money is available!
There is a limited amount ($4,400). But only if your club has not already obtained a District Grant for 2022-2023.

These are 50-50 grants - for each dollar you club spends, you get one dollar matching.
Maximium Grant size is $1,000.
Completed Application is Due September 30, 2022

With the change in the Rotary year we will be updating our District Grants webpage. But the basics of submitting a grant through the DACdb grants module are there.
https://rotarydistrict7450.org/ddf-district-grants/

For additional help, contact Warren Sell, Chester Rotary Club, District 7450 Grants Subcommittee Chairperson, warren631@msn.com 484-557-5442.

Membership: New Chair and New Clubs

Every Rotary Year brings new people and new ideas. This year's Chair of the Membership Committee is Rob Newman.He has been a Rotarian for about 15 years, and just finished a year as the President of the Longwood Club.

Key items on the Committees ‘To Do’ list are working with clubs to both attract new members, and ensure current members have a variety of opportunities for Fellowship and Service.

The Membership Committee are also working on the goal of starting 2 new clubs in the District this year. Newman says, "DG Houtz is very excited about starting a Club comprised of military veterans. We’ve talked to other districts where they have found that individuals who have built careers on the principle of service to their country are very open to finding new pathways to serve in the community." Newman adds that the Ardmore club is on a mission to form a Satellite Club around the idea of librarians and literacy. If you would like more information or might want to help get the new clubs started, you can contact Rob Newman at: captain_newman@usafa-grads.com.

All District Rotarians are welcome to attend the Membership Committee meetings on the 3^rd Monday of the month at 7 PM. You can find the Zoom Link for the meeting and more details on the DACdb District Calendar.

Welcome New Members

To see all the new members who have joined our District in recent months,
click "Read More."

Read More

Baseball, Beer, and Shirts: How Does It All Add Up?

By Kevin Katarynick

With your support of our recent End Polio Now fundraisers, District 7450 will make a significant contribution to The Polio Fund of the Rotary Foundation. Thank you.

It was nice to be back at Citizens Bank Park for the District 7450 Night with the Phillies, an event we’ve not been able to hold since 2019. PDG Kevin threw out the first pitch and had a moment with the Phanatic The heatwave finally broke Tuesday, providing much nicer weather for fun and fellowship at our tailgate. Although the Phillies couldn’t get us a win, we did have a great night at the game while raising $5060 to EPN.

Additionally, over the last month, Locust Lane made the presale for the second year of Purple Pinkie Pale Ale available to our Rotarians and friends. What is Purple Pinkie Pale Ale? It’s a collaboration with Locust Lane Craft Brewery in Malvern and District 7450 to brew a limited-edition, limited-run beer to help raise money for polio eradication. This event runs in conjunction with the Pints for Polio Happy Hour held at Locust Lane Craft Brewery in October. Currently, Locust Lane has helped us raise over $600 toward our polio donation.

PDG Kevin, pictured with the Phanatic, threw the first pitch at the District 7450 Night with the Phillies.

Rotaplast is Back

By Paul Quintavalla

After two years in virtual hibernation because of the pandemic, Rotaplast renewed its surgical missions for children with cleft lip and palate. Our District's two week mission to Medellin, Columbia, returned in August with excellent reports of surgical procedures. The team consisted of 28 medical and Rotarian volunteers including Craig Galante of the Broomall RC.

His role as Quartermaster made him responsible for over 2,500 pieces of medical equipment ranging from surgical instruments and gloves to Tylenol and an autoclave. He also managed distribution of 120 donated Beanie Babies and quilts for the children.

“This was my first mission, and it was the experience of a lifetime,” said Craig. “The Colombians were extremely glad to welcome us and appreciated the life-changing surgery we provided that wouldn’t have otherwise been available. I also got to meet and work with other Rotary volunteers from across the country and the local Rotarians who hosted us. Read More

Kennett Area Collaborations

This month's Collaboration Spotlight shines on KARA, which stands for Kennett Area Rotary Alliance. It's made up of 3 Rotary Clubs - Longwood Rotary Club, Kennett Square Rotary Club, and Kennett Square Lite. Since the partnership was formed, the members have held three events together.

The latest was when they presented the first portion of their $50,000 pledge to the new Kennett Square Library and Resource Center. $20,000 has been raised so far from individual donations as well as a Wine and Hors D'oeuvres event at Galer Winery. KARA also entered the Kennett Memorial Day Parade as a group.

Aimee Bowers, President of the Rotary Club of Kennett Square says collaborating with the two other area clubs has improved their connection to the community and Rotary. "We have built stronger avenues of communication, leading to better friendships within the clubs. Teaming with other clubs has also allowed a larger, consistent community impact and exposure irrespective of club size."

If your club has been or will be teaming up with another club for a service, social, or fundraising event, please send some information to DistrictDispatch7450@gmail.com.

Portrait Fundraiser for Ukraine

Whether you want a new headshot for LinkedIn or a portrait of you and the kids, mark your calendar for Sunday, September 11th. That's when Philadelphia Rotarian Meghan Hughes

will be doing a photo shoot as a fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees in our area.

Your $100 session fee will be sent to Ann's Kids Educational Center in Philadelphia. The donations will pay for daycare for Ukrainian children while their mothers try to get settled and look for work in our area. Click THIS LINK to see some of the children your photography appointment will be helping.

The photo sessions will happen in Wayne so members of Main Line area clubs should find this very convenient.

For more information, please contact Meghan directly at 267-308-4480 or hello@meghanreneephotography.com. Read More

Chance to Win Eagles Tix

If you've dreamed of having season tickets to see the Eagles, consider making a donation to our District's Gundaker Foundation. Doing so will put you in the running to win seats at all 8 home games! September 16th is the deadline. CLICK HERE for all the details.

Contributions to the Rotary Gundaker Foundation provide matching Community Service Grants and Vocational Education Scholarships in Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhoods.