One of the greatest privileges of serving as your District Governor is seeing firsthand the incredible difference Rotarians make every single day. Whether it’s providing clean water, supporting students, fighting disease, responding to disasters, or strengthening our own communities, our ability to serve begins with one remarkable resource—The Rotary Foundation.
On Friday, October 16, I hope you’ll join me at the DoubleTree SeaTac Ballroom for our District 5030 Rotary Foundation Gala—an evening dedicated to celebrating the generosity, compassion, and commitment of the Rotarians who make this work possible.
This special evening recognizes the extraordinary generosity of our district’s Rotary Foundation donors and celebrates the life-changing work made possible through their support. Your ticket covers the evening’s dinner and program – there will be no fundraising appeal, paddle raise, or additional ask during the event.
We are especially honored to welcome Rotary International President-Elect Larry Lunsford as our special guest. With more than 1.2 million Rotarians around the world, this is a rare opportunity to meet Rotary’s incoming global leader and hear his vision for the future of our organization.
Throughout the evening, we will recognize members of District 5030 who have reached new milestones in Foundation giving, including First-Time Paul Harris Fellows, new Paul Harris Fellow recognition levels, Paul Harris Society members, Major Donors, Arch Klumph Society members, and others whose generosity continues to strengthen Rotary’s mission. Each honoree will be personally recognized by President-Elect Lunsford.
The evening will also remind us why we give. Every Foundation contribution supports projects that improve lives—providing clean water, promoting peace, preventing disease, supporting education, protecting mothers and children, growing local grants, and creating opportunities that might never otherwise exist. Together, our gifts become something far greater than any one of us could accomplish alone.
If you’ve been thinking about reaching your next Paul Harris recognition level, this is also a wonderful opportunity. The District Foundation Team is once again offering a matching contribution of up to $500 for the first 50 eligible donors who submit their donation receipt. Whether you’re becoming a First-Time Paul Harris Fellow or advancing to your next recognition level, this program can help you achieve your Foundation giving goals while multiplying your impact.
Most of all, I hope you’ll come for the fellowship. There is something special about spending an evening surrounded by people who believe in Service Above Self and who continue to invest in a better future for our communities and our world.
As we continue our Rotary year of Creating Lasting Impact, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate what we accomplish together.
I look forward to sharing this special evening with you.
Friday, October 16, 2026
DoubleTree SeaTac Ballroom
Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
Register today at district5030.org/event-tickets.
I would be honored for you to join me!
Patricia Chapman
District Governor, Rotary District 5030
