PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE NOVEMBER 2015

Since becoming president of Sunrise Rotary I have learned a lot about our community, nation and world, but most of all I have learned about a number of club members who very quietly go about making our community and world a better place.  In discussing things that went right and things that could be improved with Lobsterfest, Karl Klokke noted that he had never worked with a group where the members were so willing to take on an assignment.  In addition  to all the work done and resources contributed to Lobsterfest, I have observed the following:

 

After Lobsterfest, members and guests contributed additional monies to meet the challenge grant for Hope House.

 

Both new and old members were willing to give of their time to attend and instruct at Rotary 101 in an effort to teach and learn about Rotary as it exists beyond our weekly club meetings.

 

Sunrise members contribute time and resources to support Hope House in a multitude of ways ranging from coaching softball and basketball, helping with maintenance, reducing energy consumption to helping with electrical and data system upgrade and repair.

 

Club officers and Board members give their time to organize and manage club resources and activities,

 

One of primary club goals is providing services to children.  This is manifested by everyone that helps with the Dictionary project, books for Taft Elementary School, support of the Frank Church Christmas dinner, support of the Family Christmas baskets and the art project illustrating the goals of Rotary.

 

Our club's service extends beyond Boise and Idaho through our support of international programs in Mexico, Latin America and now Mozambique.  Service beyond our local community is also made by member contributions to Polio Plus and Rotary International.

 

A number of our members are also active at the District level.  Jim Hogge as District Governor Elect, Tom Rosenthal and John Lodal with the Youth Exchange, as well as Terry Gilbert who takes on various tasks at the District level.

 

In addition to the service members provide through Rotary, a number of you serve on other community boards and service organizations.

 

Thanks to all of you for your quiet dedication to service and truly "being a gift to the world".