Computer Library at Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez, Salcedo, DR

Dear Team,

In Rotary International we refer to "The Power of One" magnified by 1.2 million Rotarians. And we speak often of "Building World Understandings" through "Service Above Self". The hearts of Rotarians cannot be quenched. And you all have so aptly demonstrated these principles of service.

I promised you all that I would do a group mailing to keep you informed of the results of your hearts & your giving. And even though our project to equip a computer library in a poor school in Salsedo, Dominican Republic, has not yet been officially submitted for approval, I cannot restrain myself from sharing my excitement over the recent events of the past 2 weeks.

The total cost of our project is to be $12,109.37. Of that sum, Contributing Clubs must fund 28.58% or $3,460.86. Our District 5110 will be asked to match that amount. And the RI TRF will then be asked for approval & a Matching Grant of 42.84% or $5,187.65.

My Rotary Club of Scott Valley (Sponsoring Club) has pledged $1,000. Club Rotario Salcedo (Host Club) has pledged $100 plus many hours of selfless labor together with the cost of materials to prepare the room (paint, wiring, security, etc.). They are already busy having fund raisers.

The Eugene Metro Club was the first to commit (bless them!) & their enthusiastic spirit began a movement of others, among them, Medford Rogue, Brookings Harbor, Gold Beach, Port Orford & possibly others. I am receiving e-mails from some that they want to be a part. Last week I visited on the Oregon Coast 4 Clubs & one Rotarian pressed into my hand $200!

As of today, I have received commitments totaling $2,870.00 or 83% of the amount needed from Contributing Clubs, 33% over the 50% required to present our District application.

None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm & determination of our own Josefina Urena who visited us 3 years ago with the Dominican Republic GSE Team. Then a lawyer, now a judge, she has only recently joined the Club Rotario Salcedo. And with the able coaching of her mentor, Past President & International Service/WCS Chair, Rita Brito, & their Club President, Dr. Gustavo Santos, they have formed a winning team. Encouraged by PDG Luis Hidalgo, her GSE Team Leader, Josefina has been tenacious in researching the RI web site, preparing the application & coordinating the signatures required. I received it late yesterday by FedEx. Josefina has amazed me with her new found knowledge of our tedious process. She stands tall among 10 year Rotarians.

Please consolidate all individual contributions to our project into your Club treasury, then write & mail to me your check ASAP. Make your check payable to the: "Rotary District 5110 WCS Treasurer" for whatever amount. In the lower left corner of the check where it says "For" write: "Club Rotario Salcedo Project". This will ensure our Treasurer, PDG Bill Mickleberry, keeps them all together & credited for the same project.

Any checks you mail to me, I will bundle them together in an envelope properly documented & with the total of all checks noted.

My address is:

Norm Malmberg
5730 S Kidder Loop
Post Office Box 113
Greenview, CA 96037-0113

If you are coming to the WCS meeting, for sure, you may bring your check with you & give it to me there. But, please e-mail me your Club's total contribution so that I can accurately complete my "D5110 WCS Committee Matching Grants Project Summary" which I must make 40 copies for distribution to the committee. If you can do that no later than a week in advance, it would be most helpful.

Please let me know if there are others you suggest to also receive these group e-mails. Or if you prefer to have your WCS Club Chair receive it instead of you. I haven''t learned of all the WCS Chairs. But, I thought you may like to inform your Club members of International Service & WCS projects they are involved in. Our Club members seem to appreciate being informed.

Feel free to fire e-mail questions. I'll do my best to respond. Hope to see you in Roseburg, Oregon, Saturday, October 21st, at our TRF annual seminar & WCS 2nd quarter committee meeting.

Thanks for all you do for Rotary,

Norm Malmberg, International Services/WCS Chair
Rotary Club of Scott Valley
Chair, D5110 Credentials Committee
Member, D5110 WCS Executive Committee
Member, D5110 Public Image Planning Committee