By Amanda Allen Morrell
The Rotary Foundation recently announced that Dr. John Kirby, a member of the Latta Rotary Club, has made contributions that qualify him as a Level 1 Major Donor.
In appreciation for this investment in the future of humanity, the Board of Trustees of the Foundation expressed their gratitude by presenting him with an engraved crystal keepsake and a diamond pin.
The crystal is engraved with his name and depicts doves bearing olive branches, the universal symbol of peace.
The contributions Dr. Kirby has made make it possible to carry out an array of programs around the globe that:
—Improve living conditions for needy families locally and globally;
—Increase food production and clean water programs;
—Provide classrooms and educational materials for schools;
—Allay the suffering of the sick and disabled by providing immunization, medical treatment, and rehabilitation, and;
—Provide new channels for international understanding, and brighter hopes for peace through Group Study Exchanges, Ambassadorial Scholarships, and University Teachers in developing countries.
For over 100 years, the Rotary Foundation has been transforming monetary gifts into service projects that change lives locally and internationally.  
More than 90 percent of Foundation donations go directly to support global service projects.  
Because of people like Dr. Kirby, the Foundation has been able to wipe out 99.9 percent of all polio cases worldwide.
The Latta Rotary Club would like to congratulate John on this honor and thank him for his generosity.