Rotary Club of Grand Junction

2017-2018

President Tom Benton’s Message:

Rotary International President, Ian H.S. Riseley has challenged clubs throughout the world in his theme “Rotary: Making a Difference”.

Rotary clubs both locally and nationally continue to make great strides in all six areas of focus: Promoting peace, Fighting disease, Providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, Growing local economies, Supporting education, & saving mothers and children.

Although these areas of focus are very broad, many clubs have been able to put together simple, economical and long-term impactful projects through a determined effort.

Many of our club members have made significant contributions both in their respective industries and through Rotary. Recognizing these contributions has lead me to summarized the spirit of our club - Rotary, a Culture of Service for 2017-18. I often wonder how this culture morphs into the next couple of generation. Perhaps we need to look at membership with a vision for the future of our organization – more women and individuals born after the year we graduated from high school.

Moreover, we must remain vigilant in pursuit of a couple of our primary goals; fund the eradication of diseases (polio #1), and continue to support literacy/educational efforts to enhance world peace.

Lastly, we need to be mindful of the components of the four-way test with particular emphasis on “will it build good will and better friendships”.

Ian Riseley has also challenged us in this effort – “plant a tree for each Rotary member between now and Arbor day – April 27th. 2018. What better way to build better friendships that a group project.

This is such an honor for me to serve amongst many great leaders in our valley and together I am confident we will be “making a difference”!

Tom Benton