Sunday, November 17, 2024, CNY Rotary will hold our first ever Legacy Brunch. Our goal is to raise one million dollars for the Rotary Foundation’s Endowment Fund. Some of you might remember it as the Permanent Fund, if you have been in Rotary as long as I have. The CNY Foundation Committee needs to find 100 people who will pledge or bequest $10,000, meaning that you will leave that money to Rotary in your will or estate.
 
That may sound like a daunting task, but we are already halfway to our goal and we know there are many members who have it in their hearts that they would leave money to Rotary when they go. Now we are just asking them to finally put that to paper!
 
Why the Endowment fund? If you direct your gift to the Endowment Fund—SHARE, the interest from your donation will come to CNY Rotary long after you’re gone to support the grants that we give out to our local clubs for district and global grants. For every $25,000 given to the Endowment Share Fund, it will generate approximately $1,000 each year towards our grants program, forever. 

…And Rotarians like you! 
If you watch anything on PBS, you know that the programs always begin and end by thanking all their major donors and then follow with the phrase: “...and viewers like you." Because everyone who gives to support them, at every level, deserves appreciation. We feel that way too and want to have this Legacy Brunch be a space where we can celebrate all giving. There will be special presentations for our newest Bequest Society Members who have taken the step to add Rotary to their will as part of this campaign, as well as recognition for our Major Donors, Paul Harris Society Members, Paul Harris Fellows, Sustaining Members, and everyone who gives something. As with any fundraising situation, every contribution counts!
 
If you want to make a contribution to Rotary by leaving money to the Endowment Share Fund in your will, please contact our Major Gifts Officer Tyler Stokesbary today at tyler.stokesbary@rotary.org. He can help you determine which method of giving is best for you and your family, and help you make it official. Confirm this by November 1st in order to be celebrated at the upcoming brunch. If that's not enough time to make your plans, please know that our campaign will go through the end of this Rotary year and we will continue to celebrate new Bequest Society Members along the way.
 
For additional information on the brunch event and how you can give, visit www.CNYRotary.org and click on the Legacy Brunch banner on the homepage. Registration to attend the brunch is coming soon!