Rotary Foundation recognizes major donors from three countries

Arch C. Klumph Society inductees during the ceremony 19 October in Evanston.

Rotarians from Brazil, the Philippines, and the United States were inducted on 19 October into the Arch C. Klumph Society, which honors those who give at least US$250,000 to The Rotary Foundation. 

“Thank you for your generous support of our Rotary Foundation. It is our honor to recognize the many ways that you serve,” said Foundation Trustee Chair Wilfrid Wilkinson in welcoming the inductees, along with several Rotary senior leaders and their spouses, to the induction ceremony at RI Headquarters in Evanston. 

Harley and Mary Jordan

Harley Jordan, a retired math professor and operations research analyst for the United States Department of Defense, is a member of the Rotary Club of Central Vermont (Berlin-East Montpelier). He is past governor of District 7850. 

Jordan served in the U.S. Coast Guard during several combat missions in World War II. In introducing Jordan, Rotary Foundation Trustee Michael McGovern said Jordan’s exposure to the chaos of war may be the reason he has been so motivated to pursue world peace. 

“The Rotary Foundation is, I believe, a significant force in the search for world peace,” Jordan writes. “When whole populations are no longer poorly fed and housed, then maybe peace will have a chance. I long for that day.’” 

In remembrance of his wife, Mary, who died in 2004, Jordan said, “[She] supported my every attempt to further Rotary and the Foundation. We are particularly grateful for the opportunity to continue to participate, in a small way, in the many programs of the Foundation . . . through our gifts to the Permanent Fund.” 

Floyd A. and Betty Lou Lancia

Floyd A. Lancia works in the field of real estate development and construction, following a career in education. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Anthony Wayne (Fort Wayne), Indiana, USA , an assistant regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and past governor of District 6540. 

Rotary Foundation Trustee and Past RI President Ray Klinginsmith noted Floyd is equally committed to projects at home and abroad. 

Lancia said one of his life-changing moments occurred when he vaccinated a little girl against polio during a National Immunization Day in India. “She looked me in the eye and smiled as I administered the drops, and I knew that her life would be changed, because she would not be a victim of polio.” 

In contributing to the Foundation, Lancia said that for him and his wife, Betty Lou, “It’s about the differences we can make in the lives of others . . . It’s a matter of trust and knowing that the money will go to good use.” 

Rafael M. Garcia III and Minda A. Garcia

Rafael Garcia is chair and CEO of the Mega Group of Computer Companies, a multinational conglomerate based in the Philippines that specializes in high-technology systems. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Pasig and past governor of District 3800. 

“The same savvy and inclination for growth that have made him successful professionally have also served him well in his Rotary work,” said Rotary Foundation Trustee and Past RI President Dong Kurn Lee. As district governor in 2011-12, Garcia led 14 clubs to double their membership, chartered three new clubs, and inspired all of the district’s clubs to support the Annual Fund. 

Garcia has also provided support to a housing project in Pasig that has a medical clinic, community center, daycare center, and preschool. 

Rafael’s wife, Minda, is governor of Soroptimists International for the Philippines, an organization committed to supporting girls and women. 

“Those of us who can help must know how to give back,” said Rafael. “And the best way to give back is to give to The Rotary Foundation.”  

Cecil “Pancho” Padilla

Cecil “Pancho” Padilla is a consultant with Pacific Gas and Electric, following his retirement from the company as a senior manager. A member of the Rotary Club of Winters, California, USA, he has traveled to more than 70 countries on medical missions, along with helping to build bridges and renovate orphanages. 

Padilla helped establish a dental clinic in Baja, California, as part of his first international Rotary service project. “Experiencing the ability and strength of Rotary to help the people in this little fishing village set a fire in me and it was there that I became a Rotarian,” he said. 

Padilla says that his experience in Rotary, which includes immunizing children in Africa against polio and working to rebuild towns in Louisiana devastated by Hurricane Katrina, has enabled him to more broadly serve his own community, including through the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. He has also sponsored 23 individuals for Rotary club membership. 

“For me, it is a privilege to be in Rotary,” Padilla said. 

Jim and Donna Philips

Jim Philips retired from the real estate financial services sector in 2004, following the sale of his Atlanta- and London-based firms. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Georgia, USA, and past assistant governor of District 6900. 

Jim’s wife, Donna, who taught special education classes before her retirement, is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Decatur. 

Jim spoke of the importance to him and Donna of “the great work of the Foundation, particularly Rotary’s effort to eradicate polio,” and how honored they feel to be part of Rotary’s involvement. The couple participated in a National Immunization Day in India in 2006, and some of their experiences were captured in the Rotary film The Last Hurdle. 

“More than anything else, we look forward to the day in God’s good time when polio is vanquished on the earth,” said Jim. 

Oswaldo and Hisame Takata

Oswaldo Takata, who founded the largest construction company in Brazil,  is a member of the Rotary Club of São Paulo-Sudeste. He enjoys supporting PolioPlus and participating in community fundraising events hosted by his club.

Oswaldo’s wife, Hisame, is a pediatrician and has provided assistance, including free medicines, to students at Escola Valentim Gentil for more than 20 years. She also chairs Chama Social de Asistência ao Excepcional, an organization that assists people with special needs.

“I am very happy to be part of this wonderful Rotary family, one of the largest in the world,” said Oswaldo. “Contributing to The Rotary Foundation means being sure that your money will be managed very well and efficiently.”

• Read about new society members inducted during a Canada Day ceremony 25 October.
• Learn more about donor recognition.
• Your contributions help The Rotary Foundation advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.