As I write my first newsletter column as president, I find myself reflecting on a truly memorable Changeover Dinner. We not only celebrated the successful completion of another Rotary year and recognized Susan Klein's outstanding leadership, but we also marked the 50th anniversary of the Mad River Valley Rotary Club. It was a wonderful evening filled with friendship, gratitude, and optimism for the future, and I want to thank everyone who joined us for such a special occasion.
I'm also writing this just a few days before the annual Warren Fourth of July Parade. A sincere thank you to Ben Olds and everyone on his team for the many hours they have devoted to preparing for one of the Valley's signature events. It is another great example of Rotarians working together behind the scenes to make our community stronger.
Thank You, Susan
A special thank you goes to Susan Klein for her outstanding leadership over the past year. Susan challenged us to grow our membership by twelve members which was a goal that seemed ambitious when she announced it. Not only did we reach that goal, we exceeded it, welcoming thirteen new members into our Rotary family. Because of Susan's leadership, our club is thriving at a time when many Rotary clubs across the country are facing membership challenges. We are grateful for all she has done to strengthen the Mad River Valley Rotary Club.
Looking Ahead
During the evening, I shared the theme that will guide our work this year, along with two primary goals: continuing to strengthen our scholarship efforts for local students while increasing our understanding of, and support for, The Rotary International Foundation and the opportunities it creates for our club.
Understanding Our Two Foundations
One comment I heard from several members afterward was that it would be helpful to better understand the difference between our Mad River Valley Rotary Foundation and The Rotary Foundation (Rotary International). That's great feedback, and we'll spend some time on that throughout the year.
Our Mad River Valley Rotary Foundation is the club's 501(c)(3) charitable arm. While it exists to support the mission and service of our Rotary club, it operates as a separate nonprofit corporation with its own Board of Directors. In accordance with its bylaws, that board is chaired by the immediate past president of the Mad River Valley Rotary Club. The Foundation receives and manages charitable gifts that support a wide range of Rotary service projects, educational initiatives, grants, and other community investments, while providing donors with the tax advantages associated with charitable giving.
The Rotary Foundation also has a direct benefit for our club. Contributions to the Annual Fund-SHARE help fund Rotary's humanitarian work around the world. After three years, nearly half of those contributions are returned to Rotary districts as District Designated Funds (DDF). Those funds can then be used to support district grants, scholarships, and service projects right here in Vermont, creating opportunities for clubs like ours to expand our impact. In other words, our generosity around the world also creates opportunities here at home in the Mad River Valley.
During my remarks at the Changeover Dinner, I shared the story of Arch Klumph, who established what became The Rotary Foundation with an initial gift of just $26.50 in 1917. That modest investment has grown into one of the world's great charitable foundations. In honor of that first gift, I'd like to issue a simple challenge to our club this year: that every member consider making a contribution of at least $26.50 to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE. It is a small amount for most of us, but it reminds us that extraordinary things often begin with a simple act of generosity and that today's investment helps strengthen Rotary's work both around the world and here in Vermont.
The Year Ahead
Throughout the coming year, we'll continue sharing stories about the work being done by our club, our district, and Rotary around the world while highlighting the many ways each of us can make a difference through service and philanthropy.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year and to working alongside all of you as we continue building on the strong foundation that Susan and so many others have created.
Mike Leichliter
President, Mad River Valley Rotary Club 2026–2027