Our Presidents Speak - October 31, 2016
OUR PRESIDENTS SPEAK: Joe Badenhoff of Acton-Boxborough
Please tell us what factors helped you decide to join Rotary.
To join a service-based organization. I wanted to be involved with an organization that wasn’t just networking. Also, as a former RYLAn, I was exposed to Rotary many years ago, and it felt right to join as a member at that point in my life.
Of your club’s activities, what do you consider the one thing that best identifies what your club is all about?
The Rotary Masquerade Ball, an annual event that provides a fun, interactive evening while providing impactful support for local food pantries.
What is your club doing this year to attract new members?
The club continues to be aggressive in our efforts with public relations to grow our profile in the local community. We aim to spread our successes enough to show what the power of Rotary can accomplish.
Do you have any advice to offer others in the district about how best to achieve a successful fundraiser?
A successful fundraiser needs to have a return on investment that a target audience and potential sponsors can and will care about or be dedicated to. The cause and the exposure from their support needs to create a value - one that someone would want to invest their time, energy and/or money into.
I also believe it is important to have a prepared explanation on the “why” for the fundraiser. If the explanation for a fundraiser does not sound confident, a potential support will be much less inclined to offer their involvement. People can sense confidence and knowledge, and I think fundraiser could use small brainstorming sessions to come up with the public-relations statement that any member could use when promoting an event.
Do you have any innovative plans for Rotary-related publicity during your presidency?
We are working towards being involved in a large community project, which is one of the largest projects of our club's history.
What do you consider to be your biggest concern during your presidency?
I hope to continue the growth of our chapter. It is a known fact that the success of any Rotary club is its members, and without growth - especially, of younger members - the projects and services of Rotary will be difficult to continue. We were able to grow last year, and I hope to continue that momentum.
What's the best book you've read in the past three years?
Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling. Fantastic book - my favorite.
What's your favorite quote?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
What's your favorite restaurant in your community?
My favorite place is T.C. Lando's in Acton, a sub and pizza shop. They have the best steak and cheese sub anywhere.
What is a "must see" in your community?
The Discovery Museum in Acton is dedicated to bringing fun science education to children of all ages through a variety of exhibits and activities.
Joe Badenhoff, of Acton-Boxborough Rotary, may be reached at jbadenhoff
