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In 1917 R. I. President Arch Klumph proposed that an endowment be set up "to do good in the world." Its first grant was $500 made to the International Society for Crippled Children, an organization created (not surprisingly) by a Rotarian-and which later grew into Easter Seal.

The Foundation grew slowly from its inception through the Great Depression and World War II. Shortly after the War, Rotary interest for contributing to a lasting world peace and the death of founder Paul Harris in 1947 spurred a continuous surge of contributions from Rotarians Worldwide, which continues today.

Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Annual Programs Fund has received gifts in excess of one billion dollars, with numerous options for contributing, including Sustaining Member, Continuing Member, Paul Harris Fellowship, and Benefactor/Major Gifts.

As Rotary grew and the dollars grew, additional programs to further world peace and understanding were added, from Ambassadorial Scholarships to Group Study Exchange, Matching Grants, Technical Training Grants, Health/Hunger/Humanities, Rotary Volunteers, University Teacher Grants, and Peace and Conflict Studies.

The Northwest Club has participated actively in contributing to the Foundation, and in assisting with hosting and program activities for incoming Group Study Exchange teams, with Wenlee Jensen the major coordinator in recent years. Our only outgoing team member, however, was Christian Kolberg to Australia in 1998. Dennis Ortwein served as Team Leader to the Philippines in 1997.

At the Tournament of Roses Luncheon in 1985-the R.I. President unveiled a new and gargantuan challenge. Rotary would eradicate the World of Polio. And so PolioPlus was added as an appendage to the Foundation. A few highlights: 1) In 1995- 300 million children were immunized in 51 countries; 2) In 1997, more than 260 million were immunized in 9 Asian countries; 3) In 2004, a record 170 million were immunized in one day; and 4) Many Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors (several from our District) have served as volunteers, often under dangerous conditions.

While partnering with several major health and humanity organizations, Rotary has eradicated nearly 99% of the dreaded disease Worldwide.

The Gates Foundation has challenged Rotary to come up with $100 million to finish the job. When we do, they will top if off with their $100 million. That should finish the job.

Our hands-on effort collecting donations at several supermarkets on a Saturday not only added some dollars to the cause, but also served as an education tool as many contributors didn't realize that Polio is still lurking out there.