The Washington (evening) Rotary Club met Thursday night at the Washington Yacht & Country Club in the upper deck overlooking Broad Creek. President David McLawhorn welcomed members and asked Dr. Zeno Edwards to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bartow Houston did his best to lead in the singing of America the Beautiful. Russell Smith gave a heartfelt blessing for the upcoming meal. Following the meal, President McLawhorn went over some changes in the Rotary calendar and reminded members of the BBQ fundraiser on Oct. 1 at the home of Sam and Barbara Grimes.

President McLawhorn then introduced Frank Belote, a member of the Washington (noon) Rotary Club who currently serves as the endowment chairman for Rotary District 7720. In an earlier life, Belote piloted B-52 Bombers in Vietnam and was stationed in various countries around the world and retired as a Bird Colonel.

Belote spoke about the Rotary Endowment Fund, which is separate from the annual fund and the Polio Plus Fund. He explained that gifts to the endowment funds are held in perpetuity and it is the interest from these funds that are used to support humanitarian project around the world such as clean drinking water, basic education and world peace efforts. He explained that gifts to the Endowment Fund can be bequest in one’s will, or appreciate stocks, or even the remainder of an IRA or 401(k) account. He noted that Rotary is in more countries than there are countries in the UN! Rotary has a full-time advisor who works with members wishing to make a donation or set up an endowment fund ($25,000 minimum). Belote offered to serve as a person of first contact for anyone thinking about or wishing to make a lasting contribution to help continue the good work of Rotary around the world. Following his remarks, Belote received a round of applause and was presented with the highly coveted rotary pen.

The meeting concluded with the members saying the Four Way Test of the things we think, say and do.