🌟 Million Dollar Gala — A Night to Remember

The 2025 Million Dollar Gala was a celebration of Rotary’s heart, spirit, and purpose — and what an evening it was! With more than 70 Rotarians and guests gathered, the event was filled with fellowship, inspiration, and a shared
sense of commitment to doing good in the world.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Gala planning team and volunteers, the evening came together seamlessly. From the décor to the stories shared, every detail reflected Rotary’s enduring passion for service and generosity.
Special thanks to those who helped coordinate the venue, presentations, and door prizes, and to Joe Kosanovic for jumping in at the last minute with technical support — proving once again that teamwork makes the magic happen.

This year’s Gala not only honored last year’s success — an outstanding $1.03 million raised for The Rotary Foundation — but also launched our new 2025–2026 Foundation Campaign with an ambitious goal of $1.25 million.

Our campaign targets for this Rotary year include:

💉 $200,000 for Polio Plus – pushing us closer to global eradication.

💙 $565,000 for the Annual Fund – strengthening local and international Rotary programs.

🌍 $450,000 for the Endowment Fund – ensuring Rotary’s impact continues for generations to come.

During the evening, we also had the privilege of recognizing and celebrating our most gracious donors — those in attendance who achieved new milestones this year:

Major Donor – Edwin and Lois Goering

Bequest Society – Jocelyn Bonner, James Grimm, Jane Falls, Jim and Katie Polk

Arch Klumph Society – Claire and Ray Little

Triple Crown – Claire and Ray Little, Jim and Kathleen Polk

Their generosity exemplifies the very best of Rotary’s giving spirit and serves as an inspiration to all of us to consider how we, too, can help shape Rotary’s legacy for the future.

A heartfelt thank you to PDG Cindi O’Neil, our Master of Ceremonies, for keeping the evening lively, meaningful, and right on time (a rare Rotary feat!). And to District Governor Chris Waugh, whose leadership, vision, and enthusiasm continue to inspire us all as we launch a new year of service and generosity.

Special thanks to Kim Meyers for coordinating decorations, the raffle, grants meeting logistics, and treasurer duties with her volunteer team; Gary Manly for managing registration; Steve Matthes for music and donor recognition; and Jerry McIntosh for his presentation on Sierra Leone.

We also extend deep appreciation to our many Past District Governors, whose continued commitment, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes efforts made this event possible. Your presence and support truly underscore the ongoing strength and wisdom of Rotary leadership in District 5110.

Finally, a special thanks to our generous sponsors:

🍷 Case by Case for donating all the wine

💎 Charles Beaudet for the diamond necklace and earrings

🎟️ Renee Yandel and Monica Wilton as table sponsors

🎶 Steve Matthes and Shane Allen for the music that set the mood

To everyone who helped make this event possible — and to all who attended — thank you. Your dedication, creativity, and service truly embody Service Above Self. You’ve inspired a strong start to the year and set the stage for an even brighter future for District 5110.

✨ Together, we’re turning generosity into global good — one project, one gift, and one Rotarian at a time.

News Source : https://rotarydistrict5110.com/%F0%9F%8C%9F-million-dollar-gala-a-night-to-remember/