Learning and celebration define 2025 Rotary International Convention’s donor events

Special events recognize donors and highlight their impact

By Etelka Lehoczky

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The donors whose contributions enable much of Rotary’s work gathered at a variety of special events during the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada. Thanks to its donors, The Rotary Foundation hopes to increase its endowment to US$2.025 billion this year while continuing to change lives around the world.

“From supporting the environment to funding peace centers, you are making your mark and leaving a legacy of generosity and profound respect for others,” 2024-25 RI President Stephanie Urchick told donors at one ceremony. “You inspire each of us to give a bit more, work a bit harder. Thank you for creating The Magic of Rotary, and for leaving this earth a little bit brighter than how you found it.”

Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Mark Daniel Maloney celebrated donors’ commitment and optimism at the same gathering, which honored members of the Arch Klumph Society. The society recognizes donors who have contributed US$250,000 or more to the Foundation.

“You have chosen to leave a lasting legacy through Rotary, and for that, I am most grateful,” he said.

The theme of legacy echoed frequently at the events. At The Rotary Foundation Donor Summit, Endowment/Major Gifts Adviser Eric Kimani shared thoughts inspired by the birth of a grandchild a few weeks earlier.

“As I marvel at this new life, I cannot predict where he will be 70 years from now, nor can I foresee the impact of my hard work or savings on his future,” Kimani said. “But one thing I know beyond any doubt: My gift will outlive me, my children, and even their successors. And so will yours. Each of you in this room has made the extraordinary choice to leave a legacy that transcends your physical existence.”

Because of contributions from members and other supporters, the Foundation funded more than 1,800 grants worldwide in 2024-25. That includes over 1,400 global grants and more than 400 district grants. This support totaled over US$88 million in global grant funding and more than US$28 million in district grant funding.

Donor Summit host Amanda Drury, a news anchor with CNBC in Sydney, Australia, praised Rotary’s ability to accommodate a wide range of philanthropic interests.

“Rotary’s programs are as diverse as its membership base,” she said. “It’s part of what makes Rotary so unique – there is truly something for everyone to find their own way of doing good.”

Maloney agreed, noting that Rotary’s areas of focus allow for great diversity in the causes that members address. They are promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving maternal and child health, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.

“Whether you’re focused on tackling environmental issues, educating communities, or expanding access to quality health care, Rotary has the knowledge and infrastructure to turn your philanthropic passions into reality,” Maloney said. “Our seven areas of focus are all interconnected, allowing for thoughtful, holistic, and sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing global issues.”

Guests at the Donor Summit learned about the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, which is working to reduce severe disease and death from malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea in four African countries.

Donors also heard about the on-the-ground reality of Rotary’s fight against polio.

“Visiting polio workers in Pakistan was one of the most profound experiences of my life,” said Jennifer Jones, a Foundation trustee and past RI president. “The gratitude in a mother’s eyes, the trust of a child receiving the vaccine — these moments will stay with me forever. Every drop of vaccine, every step taken, brings us closer to a world where polio exists only in history.”

Additional events for donors at the convention included the Magic of Connection dinner, which recognized substantial donors and those who increased their giving in 2024-25, and The Rotary Foundation Unity Ball, which recognized Arch Klumph Society and Legacy Society members.

Learn more about how to support The Rotary Foundation.

— August 2025

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