“Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” So goes the description of who we are. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. We are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end. We are members of 35,000 clubs worldwide. Yet who we are are local people, intensely local, in communities the world over working to make those communities better. The December Rotarian magazine captures examples. In Bermuda, a Rotary Club invited high school students to participate in an information technology quiz. Teams of three or four contestants from seven schools vied for gift certificates, with the top three squads garnering the prizes for their knowledge on topics including computer infrastructure, networking, security, and programming languages. In Brazil, a Rotaract Club (Rotary in high schools) offered residents fresh milk in exchange for recyclable items (only 2% of Brazil’s garbage is recycled). In Germany, eleven young artists interpreted Rotary’s 2018 theme, Be the Inspiration, unveiling an acrylic-on-canvas. In India, more than 300 women participated in a motor rally to promote organ donation. The 150 vehicle caravan along a 12-mile route capped a yearlong drive that collected more than 5,000 organ donation pledges. And in Cadiz, Kentucky - a town of just 2600 people, about our size - the Rotary Club used the detonation of a bridge as a fundraising opportunity. The Club puts quirky items up for bid each year at it’s annual auction. The chance to push the plunger detonating the bridge netted $16,500 at the auction.
Solving real problems. Making things happen. Improving communities. They take real commitment and vision. And money. Like the $16,500 the Cadiz Club raised. And the almost $48,000 your Kingston North Kitsap Rotary raised at 2018’s Swing for Rotary Golf Tournament. Our 2019 tournament is set for June 21. It’s beneficiaries will include Food4Kids, Kingston High School Scholarships, North Kitsap Schools, Senior meals, Coffee Oasis in Kingston, community events and projects, and international projects to which we contribute. Our sponsors have been such great supporters. Yet again they’re being asked to help. Our golfers have been such great supporters. Yet again they’re being asked to play. Our members, they’ve been such great supporters. Yet again they’re being asked for unlimited hours to make the event happen. So, if you’re a sponsor. If you’re a player. Save the date. Members, we know you’ve already done so.