At the recent Killington-Pico Rotary club meeting, the newest Paul Harris fellows were recognized: Robert (Bob) Montgomery and Diane “Dee” Montgomery (posthumously) for their contributions to the Killington community.
With tears in her eyes, Dale Pfeifenberger recall the many accomplishments of her best friend “Dee,” including helping young adults plan for college, founding Sunday school at the United Church of Christ, being an original trustee and teacher at KMS and an integral partner in her husband Bob’s many successful businesses. Pfeifenberger remembered specifically enjoyed playing tennis, a glass of wine, and raising their sons together: Whit and Brian Montgomery, and Gerald and PJ Pfeifenberger.
Funds raised through Paul Harris recognitions support the Rotary International Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary, and its mission to improve the lives of those in need through various service projects and initiatives.
Past Rotary District Governor Ben Lawton recalled some of the past world community service projects that the local Rotary district has been involved in, including through its exchange program supporting a hospital in Bandung, Indonesia, with a backup generator for the hospital’s operating room and emergency services. Rotarians in District 7870 raised $30,000, which was matched by the Rotary foundation to provide a $60,000 generator for the hospital. Another Rotary district foundation project was a $300,000 global grant to provide pure drinking water in El Salvador through home, sanitation filters, also during the recent Covid crisis, district Rotarians distributed more than 200,000 masks to help prevent the spread of Covid.
The six key areas of focus for the Rotary Foundation include:
Disease prevention and treatment. (Since the initiation of the polio plus initiative, the Rotary foundation has provided more than $2.5 billion in the effort to eliminate polio worldwide, which has been reduced by 99.9% since 1985.)
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
- Maternal and Child Health
- Basic Education and Literacy
- Economic and Community Development
- Peace and Conflict Resolution
Through its efforts, the Rotary foundation aims to create lasting change and improve the quality of life for people around the globe. In fiscal year 2022 to 2023, the Rotary foundation expended $364 million. This amount reflects the generous contributions from Rotarians and other supporters, which are used to fund the various charitable local projects and initiatives worldwide.
November is designated as Rotary Foundation month and donations can be accepted by mail to K-P Rotary. P.O. Box 146, Killington, VT 05751.
