“The great use of a life,” wrote American philosopher William James in 1900, “is to ​spend it for something that outlasts it.”

Some leave a legacy through family and friendships, others through faith or ​principles, and still others through their professions. The Rotary Foundation ​offers another powerful option.

As a believer in the power of passing down a legacy through The Rotary ​Foundation Endowment, I was humbled that my wife, Gay, and I were able ​recently to help others in Rotary leave their legacy.

Our district (6860 in northern Alabama) had never organised a fundraising dinner ​focused on the Foundation’s Endowment before, but we knew it was time. We ​called it a legacy dinner, emphasising giving’s long-term impact.

Progress was slow at first, and there were sceptics who doubted we could raise ​$1 million, our initial goal. However, we remained optimistic, setting a date for ​February 23rd 2024, Rotary’s anniversary.

During this campaign, committee members travelled throughout northern ​Alabama, meeting with small groups in fireside chats about contributing to the ​Endowment. Then, significant gifts began coming in.

One Rotarian made a $25,000 commitment, handing over a cheque for $10,000. ​Soon, other members followed suit, and we had more than $200,000 in gifts and ​commitments.

We still had far to go but if there is one thing I know about Rotary, it is this: If you ​present the opportunity to members, they will respond. Topping off the district’s ​generosity were two surprises. One was a bequest commitment of $500,000, and ​then another of $560,000.

By the end of the campaign, our committee had exceeded our greatest ​expectations: We had raised $2,729,863.14 for the Endowment, nearly triple our ​goal. The impact of those gifts will create a legacy that will keep on giving forever.

No single club or district alone will achieve our goal of fortifying The Rotary ​Foundation Endowment to $2.025 billion by 2025. Not all of us can give $25,000 ​now or as part of an estate plan. But I also know many of us can.

Please help us reach that Endowment goal and in doing so leave behind a legacy ​and further the work of future generations of Rotary members by visiting ​rotary.org/legacy. On behalf of the Foundation Trustees, I am grateful for your ​Rotary legacy.