Presidential Medal of Freedom

Seattle's Bill and Melinda Gates were selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom to be presented at the White House November 22.  President Barack Obama named 21 recipients for the nation's highest civilian honor.

The Gateses are among recipients named by the president in honoring “individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”  The list includes honorees as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert De Niro, Ellen DeGeneres, Frank Gehry, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Robert Redford, Bruce Springsteen, Vin Scully, Newt Minnow, Eloise Cobell and Diana Ross.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation manages an endowment fund worth nearly $40 billion.  It has invested $36 billion in projects to fight polio, malaria and tuberculosis and global health and education initiatives.  

"Our Global Policy & Advocacy Program has teams dedicated to advocacy, policy analysis and government relations, as well as strengthening philanthropic partnerships and the charitable sector in the United States and overseas.  In addition to the policy and advocacy staff at our Seattle headquarters and in Washington, D.C., we have a European and Middle East office based in London, and country offices in China, India, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa"

Join the Fight to End Polio

Join the fight to end polio - Jesse Tam, events are held across the world. Bellevue and Seattle will celebrate this year's event at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center on October 27 with fellow rotarians and the community.  World Polio Day is October 24.

"Representatives from UNICEF USA, Rotary International, and Congressman Jim McDermott will join The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for a lively conversation about up-to-the-minute successes in the fight against polio and the lessons they hold about the innovation, collaboration, and the will needed to end polio forever.

Please join us at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center, 440 5th Ave N, Seattle, on Thursday, October 27, from 5:30-7:30PM. This event is FREE! Doors open at 5:30PM; program starts at 6:00PM."

Note: World Polio Day is on October 24. This year’s event is being held a few days later on October 27.

Invitation to a World Polio Day Event, October 27 http://bit.ly/2e0MBIZ  via @rotaryBellevue

ShelterBox Relief to Haiti

ShelterBox Relief post  Jesse Bellevue.  ShelterBox supplies and volunteer team are sent to help with those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. The October 4th storm left hundreds dead and many homeless. Rotary action group is helping to collect donations for relief in Haiti and the Bahamas. The funds will be used to replace the roofs of 1,000 homes and provide water filtration systems. 

"The Category 4 storm affected an estimated 330,000 people in Haiti, including 6,400 who were moved to temporary shelters. Extensive damage to main bridges and other transportation networks have left some areas cut off and vulnerable. Torrential rains have resulted in flooding and landslides. And contaminated water supplies threaten to lead to a surge in cholera cases and other waterborne illnesses.

A ShelterBox response team of volunteers from Canada, England, New Zealand, and the United States traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, last week to assess the damage and decide how best to help people. Shelter Box, an independent charity, is Rotary's project partner for disaster relief.

Working with Rotary members, government authorities, and other relief agencies, ShelterBox is focusing on the cholera outbreak in the southern region of the island and emergency shelter. A shipment of ShelterBox supplies arrived in Les Cayes, in the south of Haiti, on Wednesday, which likely will be used to help health professionals screen and treat cholera victims."   https://www.rotary.org/en/news-media/rotary-and-shelterbox-ground-haiti

Thanks for reading, http://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/ 

 follow my blog stay connected with Jesse   http://bit.ly/1opkxyz

Centennial Year for Rotary Foundation

Centennial Year for Rotary Foundation,  Jesse Tam

Rotary Foundation turns 100 this year 2016-2017.   How will your club and organization celebrate this special Centennial year?  Rotary members changing lives and improving communities all over the world.  It's definitely worth celebrating the work of members thousands of projects to provide clean water, fight disease, promote peace, provide basic education and grow local economies.  The fight to eradicate polio worldwide continues.

Here are just a few ways you can join in and commemorate this Centennial Year:

• Plan a special Rotary Day and invite the community to participate. It can be anything from a concert to  a simple birthday party with a giant cake in the shape of the Rotary wheel of course.
• Hold a fundraiser in your community to support a Foundation grant project, the Rotary Peace Centers, or PolioPlus.
• Organize or participate in a global grant or district grant project.
• Promote your club or district projects that are funded by the Foundation.
• Dedicate some club meetings to Rotary Foundation topics.
• Challenge members to increase your club’s contributions to the Foundation.

Here's to another year of successful Rotary  projects and volunteering in your local community and across the global.  Thanks for visiting Jesse Tam stay connected. "Start with Rotary..."

Enjoy An Old Fashion Picnic

August is a busy month as we make plans for family vacations and gearing up for back to school.  Join Rotary friends and families on Sunday, August 28th from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Aubrey Davis Park, 72 Ave SE and SE 22nd Mercer Island.

Old Fashion Picnic in the park with Rotary District 5030.  Sign up and register for this free event.  It will be a great event to meet new friends and exchange ideas, meet new members and bring the kids and relax.

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  Kid activities- 
  Free Face Painting, Balloon Animals, sack races, tug-of-war, hula hoops, and bubble station. The park also has a great playground to help keep the kids entertained.

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Food - 
Plan to pack a picnic lunch. We will provide some light snacks and beverages, but not enough to count as a meal. There will be some BBQs available, so you can bring items to throw on the grill. (We provide the briquettes, and you do the rest). Note: Public parks prohibit alcoholic beverages.

Directions-
Aubrey Davis Park 72nd Ave SE and SE 22nd Mercer Island
The location is conveniently located off I-90 on Mercer Island. Aubrey Davis Park is on the Lid  reserved the picnic shelter. There are plenty of free parking spaces.

Thanks for visiting Jesse, stay connected and learn more about rotary 

Rotary Friendship - Jesse Tam: Time to Pass the Gavel

Rotary Friendship - Jesse Tam: Time to Pass the Gavel: Time to Pass the Gavel or Rotating the Wheels to begin the next Rotary year.   Jesse Tam , Dragon Fest as part of Seafair celebration was he...

Time to Pass the Gavel

Time to Pass the Gavel or Rotating the Wheels to begin the next Rotary year.  Jesse Tam, Dragon Fest as part of Seafair celebration was held last weekend at the Seattle Chinatown International District. The festivities on July 16 - 17 included the Chinese Drill Team, music, lion and dragon dance, food vendors, display tables, games, bouncy toys and activities for families and all ages.

This year the Seattle International District Club set up a table to share their Rotary stories in the community, vocational services and various international projects. The weather was perfect for the outdoor gathering with volunteers and an opportunity to reconnect.  If you are interested in hearing more about the organization, club meetings are held every Thursday from 11:30 to 12:30 in the International District.  It's a diverse group of members with an interesting history and stories.

Come visit and learn how Rotary began with projects for youth, student exchange, volunteer opportunities and giving back to our local communities.  Pass the Gavel to our next group of leaders with more adventures and stories to come.

Rotary Leadership and Year Ahead, Jesse

Rotary Leadership and Year Ahead - Jesse Tam Greetings from Seattle, Bellevue and the Northwest. What a year, International Convention in Korea and the start of a new Rotary year for incoming presidents on July 1st. Our local clubs are selecting leaders and future projects to participate and focus with setting goals for fund raising.  June is when we 'turn the wheel, pass the gavel, roast the current leadership or celebrate the work club's have achieved.

Set the standards for your clubs and raise the bar a bit more each year.  You will be amazed what can be accomplished with small steps and teamwork. This year rotary is using all means of social media to spread the word and projects in our communities.  Giving back to our local schools and families, feeding those in need, cleaning up our parks, vocational and international projects. 

 There are so many things to be involved by volunteering or with a pledge for donation.  Enjoy the networking and July is just around the corner.

International Convention Host

Rotary will be another excellent showing for this years International Convention in Korea with speakers, seminars, world leaders, club presidents and Rotarians.  Jesse Tam, it's a fantastic way to hear messages from those who make contributions to our world.  Seattle/Bellevue club presidents and leaders will be heading to this convention.      

 Learn and hear about past, present and future projects at this yeas conventions.  Read about the upcoming events Rotary International below:   https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/news-media/follow-our-full-convention-coverage

"Korea is playing host to Rotary's largest event of the year, its annual convention. More than 42,000 Rotary members from over 100 countries will come together this month to celebrate service, exchange ideas, and relax among friends at unforgettable concerts and social events. The convention runs from 28 May to 1 June.

Attendees will hear from renowned experts in areas of peace, global health, and human rights"

Plan to travel a few days prior or extend your visit and see the city and culture of Asia.

My links  http://bit.ly/1qHv1tu  here are more posts/updates.  Follow my blogs and share if you like.
Volunteer and Thanks for visiting.

The Fight Against Hunger

There's never a time to do something amazing.  Jesse Tam wants to make an impact and support our community on the biggest day of giving #GiveBig and be amazing.  We are fortunate to be able to make a better place for all of us today.  Seattle/Bellevue contributions and corporate matching will go a long ways and make a difference in helping others.     jessetam.com  RI President visiting Seattle.

During my year as rotary district governor for 5030, we were recognized by Rotary International for our district wide program Rotary First Harvest. This is one of several organizations I fully support.  The 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation and Rotary District 5030 program; RFH works with farmers, truckers, volunteers and other  skills and resources into hunger relief in communities across Washington state. 

Our local rotary clubs and the community volunteer monthly for a few hours of packing produce at the warehouse.  It is a great opportunity for fellowship and meeting other members.  Help by giving  to fight hunger year round with your generous pledge and/or donation.  You can donation anytime online, a fantastic way to remember someone who has everything.      firstharvest.org

Rotary First Harvest connects farmers, truckers, 

food banks and volunteers for hunger relief

Coeur d'Alene Rotary Conference

The district conference theme this year is Harmony in Coeur d'Alene from April 29 - May 1, 2016.  It is located in a relaxing resort setting approximately 5 hours driving from Seattle  with spectacular golfing and lakeside landscape. Jesse Tam, an opportunity for rotary fellowship with 52 clubs in our District leaders, club presidents and rotarians.  Learn about various projects, programs and hear inspirational speakers.

There will be free time for making new friends and terrific social activities.  Enjoy the food, relax, renewal over the weekend with inspiring youth and more...informative and pro-active.  Great break-out sessions and hospitality at Resort at Coeur d'Alene.

Rotarians and their families to celebrate the spirit of Rotary. Make this a weekend getaway and stay connected.  It will be an amazing experience at each conference as a first time or long time attendee to hear inspiring stories.
 #Speakers  #President  #Fellowship

https://jessetam.com/  more rotary stories, updates and events. Thanks for visiting, share and follow.

International Women's Day

March is celebrating International Women's Day across the global. Jesse Tam sharing another rotary story in helping others and giving back from Rotary Voices. Seattle is one of the first to admit women into rotary at the International district.  Jesse Tam recalls the first meeting and vote at their club. It's been great to see so many projects created globally in education, clean water, micro lending and so on.           

What Can We Learn from Inspiring Women

"Rotary is about service and fellowship. While some value fellowship the most, others place the emphasis on service as the defining characteristic of their Rotary experience. I tend to belong to the second group. I believe in the importance of thinking through the design of our service projects to ensure they have a lasting and measurable impact on those we are trying to help.

That is why I am excited about an upcoming event for International Women’s Day.. read more  http://bit.ly/1Rew3TW                                

Celebrate Rotary 111th Anniversary

February 23 marks the 111th Anniversary of Rotary International.  Jesse Tam, sharing rotary on this day in 1905 the beginning of a service organization.  Rotary founder Paul Harris formed one of the world's first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago.  It was a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful lifelong friendships. 

Rotary has continued its commitments to service by providing clean water, improving maternal health, scholarships, fighting diseases and improving lives around the world.  It has partner with WHO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and global organizations.  This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Polio Plus program. 

Gates Foundation - Jesse 

There are many Rotary clubs global supporting their communities and projects in helping others in the world.  My personal experience started as a Rotarian in Seattle with over 30 years began as a charter member, club president, district level and district governor. Many things have changed throughout the years but the fellowships remain. A regal rewarding event. .  https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Seattle Jesse Tam, Gates Foundation 

"It's Ingenuity that make the difference between a Bleak Future and a Bright One"

#Volunteer  #Helpingothers   #Breakingtbarriers

Rotary Serving Humanity, President Elect

Rotary International Assembly recently held the presidents elect training in San Diego, California.  A time to hear about the visions, speakers and social events for the coming rotary year serving 2016-2017.  The highlight for all president elects to gear up and prepare for their rotary year!  Seattle, Jesse Tam blog rotary in the community and help others.

 The theme for 2016-2017 announced by RI President-elect John F Germ.      

"Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, believed that serving humanity is “the most worthwhile thing a person can do,” RI President-elect John F. Germ said, and that being a part of Rotary is a “great opportunity” to make that happen.

Germ unveiled the 2016-17 presidential theme, Rotary Serving Humanity, to incoming district governors on 18 January at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.

“I believe everyone recognizes the opportunity to serve Rotary for what it truly is: not a small opportunity, but a great one; an opportunity of a lifetime to change the world for the better, forever through Rotary’s service to humanity,” said Germ.

Rotary members around the globe are serving humanity by providing clean water to underdeveloped communities, promoting peace in conflict areas, and strengthening communities through basic education and literacy. But none more important than our work to eradicate polio worldwide, he said.

After a historic year in which transmission of the wild polio virus was stopped in Nigeria and all of Africa, Germ said we are closer than ever to ending polio...."  http://bit.ly/1PmezZr

Leadership Camp RYLA

Sharing rotary Jesse Tam. Rotary offers youths in high school to join and participate in RYLA. Rotarians in Rotary Districts 5180 and 5190 present this superb educational experience and retreat. Camp RYLA, is a Youth Leadership Training Camp for next year’s High School Seniors and tomorrow’s leaders. 

Young men and women spend a week in a challenging program of discussions, inspirational addresses, leadership training and social activities designed to enhance personal development, leadership skills and good citizenship. Attendance is by scholarship only. All winners are selected and funded by their local Rotary Clubs. 

You will also have the opportunity to participate in a character building program provided by the Grizzly Creek Ranch which focuses on leadership, effective communication, trust and cooperation. The adventure and shared insights, you will gain an increased sense of confidence in yourselves and in your team.  

The facility is near Portola, California, Grizzly Creek Ranch is approximately 130 miles east of Sacramento and 40 miles west of Reno.Camps areone week and serves students in northern Nevada and northeastern California. https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Camp 2016 Dates:

Week 1  –  June 19 – 24C
Week 2  –  June 26 – July 1
Week 3   – July 10 – 15