Rotary International President Comes to Central Texas to say Thanks

Kalyan Banerjee, International President of Rotary International, will be in Austin on February 11, 2012, as the keynote speaker of local District 5870’s annual Foundation Dinner.  Banerjee and his wife Binota live in Vapi, Gujarat, India, where he is chair of United Phosphorus, one of the largest manufacturers of agrochemicals in India.

Rotary has gained much recognition for its efforts, along with the NHI and the Gates Foundation, to eradicate Polio throughout our world.  Through its PolioPlus program more than Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to protect more than two billion children in 122 countries from polio.  A major milestone in this effort was reached last month when the Indian Health Ministry reported no cases in the past year. To date, the organization has contributed more than $700 million – a figure that will rise to more than $850 million by the time the world is certified free from polio.  This money comes from the Rotary Foundation which is funded by club member donations and club projects.

The dinner to be held at the Austin Westin at the Domain honors individual members and clubs from District 5870 (Central Texas) who have distinguished themselves with generous donations to The Rotary Foundation.  The donations made by Rotarians around the globe come back as matches to local club fundraising to fund worthwhile projects.  Much of Rotary’s efforts are focused on projects which build peace, prevent disease, provide clean water, improve health, promote literacy and support community development.  District 5870 includes 65 clubs with over 3000 members in Central Texas.  Worldwide Rotary has over 34,000 clubs with over 1.2 million members.

The Rotary Club of Georgetown had the following members recognized at the dinner:  Laura Antoine, Audrey Rose Davenport, Barbara Garland, Laura Tilrico, William Connor, Robert LeCour, Billy Stubblefield, Russell Langbein, Michael Langbein, Michael Behseresht, Randall Mongold, Charles Lee Garza, Louis Anthony Garza, David Thomas Garza, Judy Barnes, Brad Curlee, Gary Anderson, Ken Anderson, Martha Anderson, Roland Peña, Wiley Rudasill, Chris Cash, Ron Barrick, and Edward Trice.  For more information about Rotary or PolioPlus, contact Laura Antoine, president of the Rotary Club of Georgetown.

President Banerjee’s visit is hosted by District 5870 Governor Suresh Pahwa.  Suresh is a member of the Austin University Area club.   The Rotary website is www.rotary.org.