I’m pleased and honored to be president of the MDRT Foundation for the coming year. Like many of you, I’ve seen first-hand the wonderful difference that MDRT members – working through the Foundation – have made in the lives of countless people.
I’ve seen the impact of more than $2 million in grants issued last year to hundreds of local, regional, national and international charities that are important to – and nominated by – MDRT members. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve seen the gleam in the eye of MDRT members as you contribute your personal energies and emotions into Habitat for Humanity projects, playground builds and other worthwhile projects.
A committee of your peers will develop specific 2008 initiatives for the Foundation in the coming weeks. And, of course, the amount and recipients of charitable grants in the coming year will be determined by you and other MDRT members through your generous contributions and nominations of causes that are important to you.
Whose lives will you touch in 2008? As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Foundation in 2009, we hope to build an endowment that will ensure at least $1 million in annual grants into perpetuity. Of course, every contribution of time or money, no matter how small, makes a positive impact. But as you consider your own charitable priorities for the coming year, consider joining the more than 75 members in the Foundation’s Inner Circle who donate $5,000 or more per year. Working together, we’ll achieve more than any of us can accomplish on our own. Isn’t that the very essence of the Million Dollar Round Table?
