We were honored to have our District Governor Kathleen Olson as our guest again on Friday, August 28th. The previous week was in the school district parking lot under sunny skies. Double booking was the reason we couldn't meet inside. The District Governor was formally introduced by Assistant District Governor, Area J by Jean Seruntine. The District is launching a District Engagement Initiative this year, There will be a gap year from the typical District Conference. Kathleen is hopeful that the gap year will allow Clubs in the District to get involved in the District Engagement Initiative. She went on to state that the District Engagement Initiative is a great way to tell the Rotary story. What could our Club accomplish if we had other partners involved with us on a project? Kathleen commented that our Club was deeply dedicated to The Rotary Foundation, budgeting $2,500 but raising over $8,000.
A little bit about Kathleen. In 1994 she joined the Tacoma Rotary Club--the eigth Club ever formed in Rotary--and actively engaged and participated in various roles in the Club including Club President in 2004-2005. Kathleen has been involved in Pacific Northwest President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS), District 5020 Training Assembly and the South South Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a major donor, Paul Harris Fellow +9 and a Rotary Foundation Benefactor.
Kathleen and Rick met in 1994 while volunteering at the Emergency Food Network in Tacoma. They were married six months later. Rick joined Rotary in 1996 and has served as Sgt. of Arms, three times, currently at the Rotary Club of Arlington. Early on, Kathleen has been actively involved in community volunteerism and has served on local non-profit boards. Kathleen and Rick are dog foster parents to four Chihuahuas and two senior cats and strong supporters of the Seahawks and the Mariners.
Thank you Governor Olson for visiting our Club.