It is hard to believe that the 2018/19 Rotary Year is drawing to a close. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you as your District Governor. I have had the opportunity to meet many of you and attend your meetings and have been inspired by what you are doing in your communities. Your commitment to service is making a difference.
Congratulations to Reverend Patrick Rooney on his installation as the 2019/20 District Governor and to John Anthony and Greg Staub as District Governor-elect and District Governor nominee.
Rotary is making great strides in the eradication of polio and later this year we expect to hear that Nigeria has been declared polio free. We have been on this journey for over 30 years and the end is in sight. As we near the end, the fight to eradicate the polio virus gets tougher. Rotary is not giving up on its commitment to the children for a polio free world and I am asking that you remain committed to Rotary’s #1 initiative and continue to provide financial support for our efforts.
At our Foundation Dinner in November 2018, we launched a Million Dollar Journey to raise at least $1,000,000 for the Rotary Foundation by our Foundation Dinner on November 7, 2019. Please consider making a contribution or pledge. One of the easiest ways is to become a member of the Bequest Society by including the Rotary Foundation in your will. Please feel free to contact your Club Foundation Chair or Area Foundation Coordinator or the District Office for more information. With your participation, I know we can exceed this goal.
This spring we announced the development of a District Passport Club. It is our desire that before Rotarians resign from your club that we can transition them to the Passport Club and keep them as Rotarians. We are currently developing a core of individuals to charter this club. For additional information, contact John Anthony, District Governor-elect to learn more about the Passport Club.
I would like to express my appreciation to the Rotary Club of Hershey for their unending support before and during my year as District Governor.
This District has been an inspiration to me and I ask that you continue to BE THE INSPIRATION and CONNECT THE WORLD as Rotary Make’s a Difference.
Rotary Mission Statement
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.