Some say it was a promise made in a moment of weakness while others may say it was a stroke of inspiration, but whatever you call it “Operation Razor” was successful in raising over US$ 150,000 for The Rotary Foundation in District 9210 during this Rotary Year!
During The Rotary Foundation Banquet in Lilongwe last October I sat and watched Rotarians talk about The Rotary Foundation as “our” foundation and how we needed to dig deeper to keep the life-blood of the foundation flowing. My personal theme for the year is “Whatever It Takes” and every president, assistant governor and committee chair was appointed with that thought in mind. Being one who believes in doing rather than talking I made a personal pledge to shave off my beard if – and only if – the Rotarians in D9210 could reach the stated goal of US$ 100 per Rotarian by 31st March.
Sceptics abounded. “It will never happen,” remarked more than one PDG. “You’re dreaming,” said others. Perhaps, but if you want to accomplish the impossible you have to dream bigger than sceptics think possible! Of course, Sherry and I made our personal contribution as well. One cannot expect others to do more than their leaders.
The contributions were slow at first and I thought that the sceptics might be right. Not being one to admit defeat, I promoted “Operation Razor” every week when sending out the “Snippets” to the District starting in January 2007. There was actually a “count down” to 31st March.
When the totals were tallied by TRF and the RI fiscal agent in Zimbabwe it topped US$ 150,000 and it is STILL GROWING even after the deadline!
A promise is a promise! During The Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner on Thursday night of DisCon 2007 I pulled out the razor and “bared all” for The Rotary Foundation. (That is, I bared all my chin and cheeks.) There were calls for the moustache to go as well, but that is not technically a part of the beard! J
For those with enquiring minds… The beard will be back. Sherry prefers fur to smooth – and I LIKE her kisses!
Happy Reading!
DG Patrick
To Get What You Have Never Had, You Must Do What You Have Never Done!
