The Foundation Recognition Dinner: Glitz, Glamour and All Things Kenyan
What makes a Foundation Dinner one of the best nights of the Rotary year? Is it the glitz and glamour, the elegantly set up venues? Is it the banquet of food and drinks? Rotarians dressed to the nines in the theme of the season? Is it Clubs squaring off in friendly competition by regaling the crowd with amazing performances? Is it the dancing? Or friends who haven’t seen each other in a minute reconnecting? Is it the awards for the most generous givers? Or the keynote speeches reminding us why we serve? Is it any one of these things or is it all of them?
The Foundation Dinner 2023- Nairobi Edition, hosted by our District Governor Leonard Ithau was all these things and more. Starting impressively on time, with Rotarians and Rotaractors trickling in from as early as 4:30pm, the mood was set for a great night. With a venue like the Carnivore, it was always going to be an incredible experience, from the décor at the reception area, the welcoming committee in traditional Kenyan attire, to the tables at Simba Lounge, iconically draped in safari colours.
There were many special moments of the night, like the DG being ushered in, dancing to the chanting of Moran. How better for our leading Service Warrior to make an entrance than be escorted by warriors? He proceeded onto the stage with the renown Kenyan hit, ‘Unbwogable’ by Gidi Majimaji, another apt choice, because in service, you must have a sense of daring especially in a year that calls for ‘bigger, more impactful projects.’ We must be, as the song says, Unstoppable.
The night was eventful in the most entertaining way, with participation from clubs district wide. There was a skit which left people in stitches, traditional dancing to Luhya drums from Kakamega and many other regions which got Rotarians on their feet.
Apart from the entertainment, most remarkable perhaps were the awards which this year included certificates for clubs with the most Paul Harris Fellows (|PHFs), highest per capita of donations, highest contributions to the Rotary Foundation via the new giving platform, Jenga, and many other categories.
It was fulfilling to see every single person who went above and beyond the call of contribution to the Foundation being acknowledged. Over two hundred Paul Harris Fellows, which is, Rotarians who have given at least $1000 in the Rotary year, were honoured. Over and above that, were Benefactors, who give to the Endowment Fund, Paul Harris Society members, for giving S1000 annually to the Foundation and Major Donors for giving $10,000 accumulatively to the Foundation.
No matter what level of giving, every single Rotarian in the room was a part of a great movement, coming together for the greater good in our corner of the world, and beyond. Together, on this single night, Rotarians raised an astounding Ksh KES 3.3 million!
The Foundation Dinner is about glamour, for sure, and Rotarians meeting together, enjoying each other’s company and reflecting on the first half of the Rotary year, but most importantly it reinstates the power of like-minded people going in the same direction.
At Rotary events, the standard salute is, ‘To Rotary World Over’, it always gives a sense of belonging and power. To have it said by over 500 Rotarians after such an amazing night, reinforced just how much more we can do, Rotary the World Over.
So, in the words of our Leader, Leonard Ithau, let’s do more. And now, let’s gear for the next great Rotary Event —- DCA WATAMU!
We started the year telling you why Watamu has your name on it, stay tuned for more articles coming your way. WATAMU Twasija! Honestly, if you haven’t booked your spot yet, you’re lugging behind.
Book your spot NOW. Register here: dca2024.rotary9212.org
