A Message from our Founder

Although it’s already been a year, I remember the day the sale of my company became official like it was yesterday.

I let out an honest sigh of relief when a copy of the executed sales document arrived in my inbox.

Almost immediately a declaration of pride and an accomplished smile came over me as I surrendered to the thought that the exhaustive due diligence that had lasted two years was finally over.

So many things changed for me on that day, truly, as one chapter ended another door with endless possibilities had opened.

A Door Opens

One of the chapters that I was not thrilled about ending was my role donating to hundreds of charitable organizations who receive funds as a direct result of over 13-years heading up a corporate Community Outreach program.

I had given my retirement notice, which would commence after a 6-month transition period. This meant I no longer had any influence on the continuation of the Outreach program. This realization completely dismantled that bliss I had felt earlier and replaced it with a genuine sense of loss.

Not wanting to dwell in negativity, I consulted some colleagues and friends about options, and a 30,000-foot concept of what would become The Rota Foundation was born.

A Call to Action

The timing could not have been better.

A new administration had taken up residency in the Oval Office and rumors were flying about how much federal funding that previously supported thousands of charities was about to get defunded.

Expectations of funding losses at the state and local levels as a byproduct were thought to be right around the corner. For small 501(c)(3) organizations this could mean disaster.

Plaza Bartolomé Pérez, Rota, Spain

Just as my life had changed for the better. An unknown future was on the horizon about to engulf many of the underserved in our society. Something had to be done.

The Rota Foundation is Born

Reflecting back on the fulfillment I felt running the corporate Community Outreach program. I thought back on the memories of my early military service and used its inspiration to establish a donor-assisted-fund with some of the proceeds from the sale of my company.

The foundation is structured to provide grants to qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations who apply.

The Rota Foundation, named after the port city of Rota, Spain, my last naval duty assignment, provided the perfect symbolism of the lighthouse that sat in Rota’s harbor, serving as a beacon of hope for those who locally support their underserved communities.

Click here to learn more about The Rota Foundation’s application process.