This Rotary Year, the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Foundation Board “kicked off” our Annual Rotary Foundation Pledge drive with a more personal, informative, and interactive means with which to impact Club giving to The Rotary Foundation.
In past years, announcements were made, and emails followed. But there definitely appeared to be a “disconnect” as to what TRF represents from some members, especially newer members. Also, there was some uncertainty as to the distinction between TRF giving and Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Foundation giving.
The solution: From mid-August through early November, we set-up a separate Foundation Pledge table for the purpose of assisting members with questions, providing information on TRF and BBRF programs and assisting members with payment. At least two Foundation Board members were on hand at the table at every weekly meeting to provide assistance. We even commissioned a vinyl banner (see attached) to hang off the front of the table. By being available, our Club’s Foundation Board was to provide better information and insight on the designated giving options between the “Annual Fund” and “Polio Plus”; needless to say, our members responded with a significant increase in designating giving to Polio Plus this year. Overall, it appears total TRF commitments also increased over Rotary year 2021-2022.
