President's Message - July 2016

Our new Rotary International President John Germ chose Rotary Serving Humanity as his theme for 2016-17.  These words have impact.  They distill the essence of what it means to be a Rotarian down to three simple words.  As we kickoff the new Rotary year, I ask you to reflect back on your decision to become a Rotarian, what it has meant to you, and the wonderful opportunity you have this coming year to make a positive difference in the world!

 

Nick Frankle, our new District 5240 Governor, chose as our district theme this year If you can dream it…you can do it.  This too has impact.  When I first joined Rotary in 2001 one of the first things I learned was that Rotary is an enabling organization.  What do I mean by that?  If you have the passion to serve our local and/or international community, not only do you have the support of our club behind you, you have the support of the worldwide organization of Rotary behind you to support you in your efforts!

 

Whether it’s funding a free dental clinic day treating over 50 underserved residents of Santa Barbara with serious oral health problems, or providing low cost, sustainable, in-home water filtration systems serving 2,250 residents of two rural communities in Nicaragua who are no longer becoming sick from drinking contaminated water, or immunizing young children against the poliovirus in countries where the virus continues to be a serious threat, Rotary is there making the difference!

 

I’m honored to lead our club this year.  The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise has a rich history of humanitarian service, fellowship, and fun.  Continuing in our tradition of service, I ask each of you to commit to greater engagement in Rotary.  You get out of Rotary what you put into it and it makes all the difference!

 

Serving with the best,

Chris

 

Chris Baxter, 2016-17 President

 

Photo: Immediate Past President Bill Ringer and President Chris Baxter