December 7, 2022 – Livermore, CA – Thanks to the very generous bequest of Dr. Martin Plone, the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore (RFL) is able to double its Community Grant Program awards in 2023. Local nonprofit organizations and schools are invited to seek support for their projects that contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community. Applications are now due by January 20, 2023 for grants up to $5,000 and, for the first time this year, for grants between $5,000 and $50,000.
Applications and requirements for the 2022-23 Grants can be found on the RFL website. Please visit rotarianfoundationlivermore.org for complete information. Grants will be awarded in April 2023.
In 2022, the Foundation awarded $94,951 to 22 community organizations. Almost $200,000 will be awarded to deserving projects in 2023. The additional funds will enable the Foundation to support important projects in our community that align with the RFL vision and mission. Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded over $1.4 million in grants to support our community.
When Marty Plone passed away in July 2021, he left a substantial portion of his estate to the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore. Dr. Martin Plone joined the Rotary Club of Livermore in 1971 after his good friend and fellow veterinarian, Dr. John Shirley invited him to be part of the organization. He was active in Rotary, serving as Club President. In 1987, he was one of the Rotary leaders who envisioned and then founded the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore as an organization that could extend Rotary’s support of the community.
Originally from Massachusetts, Plone earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1963 and went on to earn a DVM in 1967, both at Washington State University, Pullman. After graduation, he spent two years in the United States Air Force stationed at Itazuka, Japan working in the area of public health and also taking care of pets and sentry dogs on the base. Upon his return to the United States, Dr. Plone went to California, practicing first in Berkeley and then in Livermore. Five years after graduation he set up his own American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) certified practice in a storefront in downtown Livermore. He then bought a lot and built his own building, The Del Valle Pet Hospital, a thriving small animal practice in 1979, where he stayed until he retired in September of 2000.
Plone remained an active member of the community as well as an active Rotarian throughout his life. He volunteered in several capacities including working with the California Attorney General’s Office to develop and review bills supporting victims’ rights. Plone believed in the power of the individual, as a member of the community, to make a positive difference in the lives of others. “Service above Self,” the Rotary motto, is embodied by Dr. Martin Plone. His generosity will benefit thousands of community members.
The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore is proud to honor Dr. Plone’s legacy through the expanded Community Grant Program.
Photo, courtesy of Rotarian Foundation of Livermore: Dr. Martin Plone
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ABOUT THE ROTARIAN FOUNDATION OF LIVERMORE:
Since its establishment as a tax-exempt qualified charitable fund in 1987, the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore has provided support to create opportunities for young people, promote community service, and improve the quality of life for the benefit of all in the Livermore Valley. This Foundation is a joint commitment by members of the Rotary Club of Livermore (the “Noon Club”) and the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley (the “Morning Club”). Annually, the Foundation awards grants to community members and organizations. For more information, please visit www.rotarianfoundationlivermore.org.