One aspect of Rotary that makes it so unique is the annual change in leadership. It seems like we’ve only just arrived…….and it’s already time to leave.This has been an amazing year making a difference and now it’s time to be the inspiration. With Steve Sager leading our 50 clubs, the result will be nothing short of brilliance, excellence and success!
Our clubs and members are proud of the many ways we serve our communities and the world. We have planted seeds, both literally and figuratively. We contributed to hurricane relief, sending $50,000 to citizens in Puerto Rico who were devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. We are working on an incoming global grant for addiction prevention. We awarded (2) $35,000 scholarships for 2 students to study post graduate overseas in one of the 6 areas of focus. We have just sent a police officer from Worcester to Thailand for the summer to study peace and conflict resolution.
This year’s emphasis has been on service. Rotarians donated thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours this year and raised thousands and thousands of dollars for our local projects. The Power of Rotary is solidly rooted in our clubs. I am in awe of the diligence and hard work of so many Rotarians from our district.
Realize that we are just 1 of 529 Rotary districts across the globe – think about the multiplier effect – that’s truly Rotary Making a Difference, that’s truly inspiration. In Rotary, we are surrounded by inspiration – because that’s what we do. We find problems and we overcome. We smile as we do it, we are humble, we are happy to give of our time, talent and treasure. We are committed to making a difference, we are people of action, we change lives!
I love the Rotary symbol – the wheel. Our Rotary wheel has spokes – each of you represents one of those spokes and when all the spokes of the cog work together, we can climb mountains. We have found a way – almost – to the top of the mountain of curing a disease. We have almost summited to eradicate Polio. We have done that together through our donations and support of The Rotary Foundation.
My overwhelming emotion as this Rotary year comes to a close is gratitude. I am overflowing with appreciation to so many including each one of you for making a difference. As I pass the baton to Steve and Pam and Diana, I look forward to continuing to make a difference in Rotary. THANK YOU!