.. .. and why it is important to present it with dignity and why we need to continue to donate to the foundation

by Past RI President Cliff Dochterman

The presentation to present a Paul Harris Fellow should be an impressive occasion. That is why the Rotary Foundation has the beautiful medallion on a blue and gold ribbon, in order that it can actually be presented around the neck of the individual, along with the certificate, to show that it is an event of special significance.

It is an expression of appreciation for a very generous contribution to The Rotary Foundation. If we did not think much broader in describing a Paul Harris Fellow, and realize it is primarily a magnificent way to raise money for The Foundation, I assure you that The Rotary Foundation would not be one of the great humanitarian agencies of the world.

What is the historical fact? A few years ago, when I was a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, I read all of the minutes of the Trustees during the year l956-57. In the year l956, the total contributions to The Rotary Foundation were a little less than $500,000 US dollars ( $493,722 to be exact.)

The Trustees began to think about how can they raise more money for the Foundation. What would be a good way to encourage Rotarians to give "big money." They finally came up with the idea of trying to get some Rotarians to give $1000 in one major gift, by giving them a special form of public recognition.

So, it was suggested that we call them "Paul Harris Fellows." There were three conditions: the contribution must be at least $1000; it must be from one individual; and it must be given within a single year. A very attractive pin and medallion were designed as a means to identify this type of generous donor.

As you recognize, in l957, a monetary gift of $1000 was a very substantial amount of money equal today to $25,000 to $30,000.US. So, there weren't too many gifts, and thus, very few Paul Harris Fellows. So, in a few years, it was decided that they could collect more money if the gift could be collected and given over several years, and after there was an accumulation of $1000, they would designate the person as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Has the Paul Harris Fellow recognition by the Trustees been successful as a fund raising scheme? Absolutely! As I mentioned above, in l956, less than $500,000 was raised annually by The Foundation. Today, nearly $70,000,000 is raised per year -- and about 80% of those funds come from individuals being named Paul Harris Fellows, or are naming other persons Paul Harris Fellows.

The last time I checked, there were about 900,000 Paul Harris Fellows, and multi-Fellows in the world. They are the backbone of the annual support to The Rotary Foundation, and those donations are the only reason that enables Rotarians to carry on a world-wide program of educational and humanitarian programs.

So, what is a Paul Harris Fellow ? Think for a moment of this statement: "A Paul Harris Fellow means whatever you want it to mean."

• Should The Rotary Foundation accept a $1000 contribution as a way to honor a person for exceptional service?
  Certainly.
• Should The Rotary Foundation accept a gift of $1000 as an expression of happiness for 20 years of marriage, or a new grandchild, or success in one's vocation or family life ?
  Of course.
• Should The Rotary Foundation accept a $1000 contribution in memory of a friend, relative or associate who has been an important asset to your life?
  Certainly.
• Should The Rotary Foundation accept $1000 if you really believe in the tremendous value of the humanitarian work of TRF in developing parts of the world and express appreciation for your gift by naming you a Paul Harris Fellow or multi-PHF?
  Absolutely.

So, I suggest that a Paul Harris Fellow can mean whatever you wish it to mean. The Rotary Foundation benefits from your contribution and demonstrates this appreciation through the mechanism of a Paul Harris Fellow. That is the way I see it.

Cliff Dochterman
Past RI President 1992-93

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