Steven Solomon spoke about the ways that The Rotary Foundation affected his life
Steven Solomon spoke at the July 12, 2018 meeting about the ways The Rotary Foundation supported him: beginning as an Interactor and Boy Scout in Illinois, as a Rotary Scholar and a Vocational Scholar, all the way through to his current position as Senior Annual Giving Officer for The Rotary Foundation.
During his time as a Rotary Scholar, Steven worked in Durban, South Africa. When he returned to University of Wisconsin to finish his undergraduate work, he learned that Jane Goodall was scheduled to speak in Milwaukee. He managed to get a ticket to the event and waited afterward to have Dr. Goodall sign a book for him. Through that brief meeting, Steven became involved with Dr. Goodall’s organization, Roots and Shoots, which seeks to empower youth to become leaders who can make positive changes in their communities, and he was able to bring a Roots and Shoots program to Durban. Steven’s contacts with Dr. Goodall were instrumental in arranging for her participation at the 100th International Convention.
Later, a chance encounter with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and demonstration of his Zulu speaking skills led to Steven being a primary contact for Archbishop Tutu at a Rotary World Peace Symposium in England.
Steven embodies what contributions to The Rotary Foundation can do. Whether giving to support for projects today through the Annual Fund, working to eradicate polio through the PolioPlus Fund, or planning to support future projects of The Rotary Foundation by giving to The Rotary Foundation Endowment, donations to The Rotary Foundation are put to work in ways that will touch many people around the world.
Steven ended his presentation by recognizing Dan Smargon, who, just before his one year anniversary of induction into the club, became a Paul Harris Fellow plus four. Dan noted that, at a time when there is such wealth disparity in the world, contributions to The Rotary Foundation are needed more than ever to help those people who are at risk of being left behind. We thank Dan and all our Paul Harris Fellows for their contributions to The Rotary Foundation that help make the many projects the foundation supports a success.