THIS IS WHY!

Every one of us has had our Rotary “Moment” – that moment when it suddenly hits you, “This is why I do what I do!!”.  For each of us, it’s something different.  For many of you, it continues to evolve.  I’d like to share with you some Rotary Moments I recently experienced with a group of high school students and Interact Club Members from Akron High School.  This past Christmas holiday, I was fortunate enough to co-chaperone a service trip to the Dominican Republic with 9 girls, ranging in age from 17 to 21.  Some were Akron High School alumni and some were current Interact students.  All were engaged and excited to demonstrate Service Above Self.  Our trip took us to Bani, Dominican Republic, where we worked at the Elizabeth Seton Nutrition Center, doing some hands-on service projects.  The girls spent the past 6 months hosting various fundraisers to help raise money to contribute towards the future expansion of classrooms at this Center.  In addition, they offered “sweat equity” by constructing walls, painting and transplanting fruit trees.  The lessons they learned about service and helping others was priceless. 
 
As a result of their efforts, they were able to make a $1000 USD donation to a local medical dispensary, and a $5000 donation to the Elizabeth Seton Center towards the cost of their building project.  One of the true joys I draw from an experience like this, is watching the “ah-ha” moments with each of these young ladies… and future Rotarians!  And, in the spirit of full disclosure, my daughter was one of the young ladies on the trip – and watching your child have that experience… well, let’s just say – it brought a tear to this proud mama’s eye!  When I am surrounded by young people, doing this work – whether it’s across the globe or in our own back yard – my Rotarian pride swells.  This stuff, these projects, those kids… THEY are the future of Rotary.  THEY are the ones who will be making a difference.  THEY just may have had their first Rotary Moment!
 
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