I am very excited to announce to you a new initiative that I, along with President-elect Kara Bennett, KCRC Foundation President Phil Kinney, and our respective boards, have been working towards for several months – the Club 13 Venture Fund!
The Venture Fund consists of money provided by the Kansas City Rotary Club Foundation, to be used on community projects that benefit the youth and community of Kansas City. Over the next three years, the Foundation has committed up to $50,000/year for these projects.
“The foundation feels that supporting the Venture Fund idea is a very positive use of the Foundation's assets,” said Phil Kinney. “The financial support for the Venture Fund will not reduce the amount of money that is sent to the camp each year.”
As Kara Bennett said at our May 3 luncheon – the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of this fund is focused around YOU, the club members. It will be up to YOU to suggest projects, and champion their success. The goal is to make a difference by showing that we, Club 13, are People of Action in Downtown Kansas City, and to be relevant to our community.
“This money has the potential to spark interest in our club and to fund many worthwhile projects to support the needs of children in our downtown area,” said Kara.
We won’t be able to do this without you, our members. Kara is forming a new committee to put these ideas in action. If you would like to participate, please let us know. And, we need your ideas for projects – ideally “one and done” events where we can volunteer or lend a hand for one day. But the sky’s the limit and all ideas are welcome.
I hope you are excited as the Club and Foundation’s leadership is for this amazing opportunity! We not only have the opportunity to “Make a Difference” – but to “Be the Inspiration” to our community!
Please reach out to David, Kara or Mandy if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
