Jennifer Jones: Rotary Foundation Chair Calls Gratitude a Force for Global Service
In her July 2027 message, Trustee Chair Jennifer Jones highlights generosity, resilience, and philanthropy as guiding principles for Rotary members worldwide.
Jennifer Jones shares her July 2027 message, encouraging Rotary members to embrace gratitude and generosity.
Gratitude is more than an emotion—it is a force that shapes lives, strengthens communities, and inspires meaningful service, according to Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Jennifer Jones in her July 2027 message to Rotary members worldwide.
Jones encouraged members to embrace the practice of keeping a gratitude journal, describing it as a simple yet powerful habit of recording three things each day that inspire thankfulness. She said the exercise can transform people’s outlook, energy, and approach to life.
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Reflecting on Rotary’s mission, Jones said gratitude is deeply rooted in the organisation’s values. She noted that thanking donors is not only an acknowledgement of their generosity but also a recognition of their belief in creating a better world.
Sharing personal reflections from the International Assembly, Rotary’s annual training event for district governors-elect, Jones recalled several stories that left a lasting impression on her.
She first expressed gratitude for Debbie and Russell Doby, who turned personal tragedy into hope after surviving a devastating road accident in 2023. Following the incident, the couple established an endowment fund for their district at the Arch Klumph Society level, transforming a painful experience into a lasting commitment to humanitarian service.
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Jones also highlighted the generosity of Ravishankar and Paola Dakoju of the Rotary Club of Bangalore, India. During the International Assembly, the couple pledged $50 million to The Rotary Foundation—an amount representing 85% of their personal wealth. Jones described the donation as an extraordinary example of selfless giving.
Quoting Ravishankar Dakoju, she said, “When you give more than you think you can, life returns to you more than you can ever imagine,” adding that the statement reflects the true spirit of Rotary.
In another example, Jones paid tribute to Moh Eid and Chuck and Carol Stocking. After Moh Eid’s brother, Ibrahim Eid, lost his life while delivering humanitarian assistance to victims of war, the Stocking family established the Ibrahim Eid Fund to support Rotary Peace Fellows. Their initial contribution of $100,000 aims to help build a fund valued at $1 million, ensuring future support for peacebuilding initiatives.
Concluding her message, Jones thanked Rotary members, donors, and volunteers around the world for their continued commitment to service. She expressed appreciation for both long-time supporters and new members preparing to make their first contribution.
She urged Rotary members to let gratitude guide their actions throughout the year, saying it remains one of the organisation’s most powerful sources of inspiration and positive change.
