Hello District 5840,
I am writing this message from Houston, the site of the 2022 Rotary International Convention. How appropriate it is that June's theme is Fellowship. I have just spent 6 days with Rotarians from throughout the world united in fellowship. These members are diverse, smart, of varying ages and backgrounds and have shown compassion for others and passion for Rotary. All have displayed a united theme and it is "Serve to Change Lives."
As I finish this year as your Governor, I believe that we have accomplished our goal of changing lives! I have heard first hand about all the amazing club projects that have been completed. I am a witness to the success of your fundraising efforts for the Rotary Foundation and Polio Plus. Together, we have worked hard to recruit new members and retain existing members, this has been a success with a net growth of 65 members as of 5/31/22! Congrats to all of you.
Clubs have been getting back to face-to-face meetings, with hugs and smiles as we greeted those we had not seen in person for some time. Fellowship and networking are still the foundation of our clubs. We take care of our members and neighbors!
We kept Rotary alive and in front of our communities with increased efforts at Public Image and life changing Service Projects. We also continued our efforts to change the world through donations to the Rotary Foundation and Polio Plus.
Bottom line? We have much to celebrate and I hope that every member in each of our clubs takes a moment to reflect on your success this year. And, do not forget to share the good news with your community!! This will bring in additional new members who also want to Make a Difference and provide Service Above Self.
As we reflect on this year, we send out our prayers for healing throughout the Uvalde community. This is a time for grieving and showering this community with support and love as they work to move forward. District 5840 will continue to look for ways to help honor the lives lost and to work with our Rotary members and the entire community dealing with this tragedy.
The year has gone by quickly and I thank all the Club Presidents, Board Members, Club Chairs and individual members for working together! I hope to see all of you November 9-11 at the 2022 District 5840 Conference in Kerrville, TX. Save the date and plan to attend to celebrate this great year! Registration will open in late August and I promise it will be lots of fun with time for learning, sharing and fellowship!
Blessings! 💙💛