The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service recognizes individual Rotarians and Rotaractors who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Foundation, such as through their involvement in Foundation committees, grants or programs, or by supporting Rotary Peace Fellows.
The Foundation’s programs are how members transform donations into sustainable projects that change people’s lives. Each year, districts can nominate one member to honor their commitment, enthusiasm, and passion for these ideals.
This year, the District 5810 nominee was selected by the review committee. It is thus with great pleasure that on behalf of The Rotary Foundation Trustees, I bestow this award upon you today.
Bill Dendy has done a tremendous amount of work to raise awareness of The Rotary Foundation and stimulate giving. Joining Rotary in 2000, he has demonstrated outstanding service to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) for over 25 years and continues to impact TRF through inspirational and innovative leadership.
As a prior District Foundation Chairperson, Bill motivates and connects Rotarians to TRF. He created informative and inspirational videos to elevate awareness of TRF projects, and to show the life changing impact of grant funded projects and how to make contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Our nominee gave the gifts of media to the district and foundation. Some examples are:
- Quarterly Foundation newsletter highlighting District news and events
- Interviews with District Rotarian Philanthropists.
- Served as a President Elect training Facilitator.
- Produced Rotary Zone, Leadership Summit, Rotary Youth Exchange and Interact events promotional videos.
Leading the District Foundation Committee, our nominee’s leadership helped stimulate giving to TRF of approximately $4,035,000, which included new Arch Klump recognition and an increase in Paul Harris Society givers. Bill recognized those who support TRF through Major Donor events/celebrations; Paul Harris Society donor events and a Million Dollar Dinner.
He endorsed the District’s Rotary Peace fellow and supported and assisted in Global Grants for Mexico, India, Africa, global scholarships, and more. He has organized and participated in numerous grant and work project trips to Jamaca, Cuba, Honduras and Cozumel.
His involvement in Rotary includes:
District 5810
District Treasurer 2009-2011
District Finance Chair 2011-2012
District Governor 2016-2017
District Interact Chair 2019-2021
District International Service Chair 2020-2021
Council on Legislation Representative 2020-2023
District Rotary Foundation Chair 2020-2025
District Fundraising Subcommittee Chair 2022-2023
District Conference Chair 2006-2007, 2022-2023
For Zones 25B & 29
Assistant Area Rotary Foundation Coordinator 2023-2024
Zone Institute Committee “Director of Fun” 2022-2025
For Rotary International
Joint Audit Committee 2023-2024, Chair 2024-2025
President’s Representative to District 2451 (District Conference 2025)
He has also achieved
Major Donor Level 3
Paul Harris Society
Bequest Society
Rotary Recognitions
Rotarian of the Year (2012)
Rotary Service Above Self Award (2020)
Bill, we value and appreciate your enthusiastic service to the Foundation, and we thank you for all that you do to ensure the continued success of these vital Rotary programs.
Congratulations on receiving this prestigious honor.