April, 2006 My Fellow Rotarians - Rotary's Global History Fellowship

District 6440 Histories 2005
given to three clubs that went the extra mile to improve their clubs. Because of their renewed
commitment to Rotary the Rotary Clubs of Deerfield, Wauconda and West Chicago were all honored
with the award. Attendees numbered 800, representing sixty-six clubs.
On a sad note, my successor, DGE Robert Friedman passed away several months before his term began.
He was a dedicated Rotarian who put a great deal of effort into preparing for his year. Bob was looking
forward to leading District 6440 to a higher level.
The year ended in Brisbane, Australia at the International Convention where it was announced that
Rotarians worldwide had raised $88,557.000 for polio eradication.
I can sum up my year as governor as fun, fulfilling and productive. It was truly a gift. I thank all of the
Rotarians in District 6440 for putting “Service Above Self” and making District 6440, its communities
and the world a better place.
***
2003 - 04 – Anthony J. Tolbert, District Governor – “Lend a Hand”
T
he year was a very unusual one for the District. Jonathan B. Majiyagbe was President of Rotary
International for the year. The nominating committee elected Robert (Bob) S. Friedman as District
Governor from the Northbrook Club. Robert attended the Governor Training Session in Anaheim,
California and our District Conference. He had prepared himself and his committees for the coming
year. On April 29, 2003 Robert passed away. A funeral was held three days later, which was attended
not only by family and friends, but also by hundreds of Rotarians in and out of our District.
The Past District Governors of District 6440 met three days after the funeral to choose a new District
Governor, which is the procedure in our District. PDG Jack Blane convened the meeting at his home.
After reviewing the options it was agreed that it would be better to have a PDG take on the
responsibility for the year. Anthony J. (Tony) Tolbert III stepped forward and said he would accept the
position if the PDGs agreed to give their help. Those PDGs present agreed and Tony was unanimously
elected.
The year was a great year in spite of the change in leadership at such a late date. The District Governor
asked all those who were on the Friedman team to stay on and fulfill their assignments for the year.
Only two left the team from over 75 Rotarians.
The polio campaign was in the second year of a three-year program. Our District had pledged over one
million dollars to polio and thus many clubs were paying down their debt during the year. These
payments did not affect the Annual Giving for The Rotary Foundation. The District set a new record of
$313,000 which came to over $112 average per member. The giving per member also was a new record
for the District. The Group Study Exchange was with Finland. It was a great team and wonderful
fellowship accrued during their four-week stay. The golf outing, bowling tournament, PETS and District
Assembly went without a hitch. The clubs, as usual, held their fundraisers and served their communities
well. Many clubs set new records.
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