Happy March, everyone! For those of you looking forward to Spring -- I’m one of them -- it is within our sights, arriving on March 20th! As our daylight becomes longer and we start to feel the sun becoming warmer, let’s hope for better days ahead and enjoy the new beginnings that Spring brings to nature.
I know this may feel difficult for many given the unpredictability of our state(s), country and world, but try to stay positive, focus on what we can control and remember our mission in Rotary: Weprovide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
At a January meeting to discuss ShareForever and the significance of The Rotary Foundation, I shared some thoughts. The Rotarians present felt that they were inspirational and asked me to share them with you.
Recently Rotary International responded to the decision of the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization, a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). RI stated that “we remain resolute in our mission to eradicate polio.” Through GPEI efforts, in which Rotary has had a significant role, we stand on the verge of eliminating this dangerous disease from the face of the earth. Other announcements and decisions have been made which cause us to consider our own role as Rotarians and members of our society regarding the needs of our fellow human beings.
By: Sarah MacGillivray, District ShareForever Committee PR, Bath Sunrise RC
It seems like just yesterday that we started the ShareForever 7780 Campaign. We started with what felt like a lofty goal of raising 1 million dollars in legacy gifts, and now we are thrilled to say that we have more than 4 million dollars! We are truly amazed, but not surprised. The dedication to The Rotary Foundation in our district has always been strong, and we are proud of and thankful for our generous donors.
By: Kathi Perkins, District Youth Exchange Chair, Westbrook-Gorham RC
Rotary's Short Term Exchange Program (STEP) is one of the least known Rotary programs but has the capacity for change and insight for student, families, and clubs. STEP involves a 6-8 week family-to-family international experience and a fun club introduction to youth exchange without school involvement, long term commitment, or expense.
The following Rotary Clubs of D7780 have expressed interest in participating in our district’s DAY OF CARING, targeted for Saturday, May 17th, or a date of their choosing, for a Community Service Project:
By: Tim Moyer, RYLA 770 Co-Camp Director, Kennebunkport RC
February was filled with lots of rewarding work to prepare for RYLA 2025! We read dozens of staff applications, interviewed many candidates, and just last week selected 12 incredible leaders to join our staff! We also held a valuable meeting for RYLA Coordinators last month to discuss recruitment and registration. We receive our largest batch of registrations in March and April, so if you know a high school sophomore who is ready to challenge themselves as a leader, please direct them to our online application at ryla7780.org, which they can submit to their local club, RYLA Coordinator, or Guidance Counselor. The soft deadline is March 8th for clubs to receive applications from students. However, please continue to share this opportunity with students as you are able. We want to see Camp Hinds filled with 144 campers on June 22, 2025!
Snow and cold did not discourage a group of District 7780 Rotarians from 8 clubs who came together to load a 40-foot shipping container full of mobility devices on Saturday, February 1. This container for Crutches4Africa is headed to South Africa and was picked up in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Happy March, everyone! For those of you looking forward to Spring -- I’m one of them -- it is within our sights, arriving on March 20th! As our daylight becomes longer and we start to feel the sun becoming warmer, let’s hope for better days ahead and enjoy the new beginnings that Spring brings to nature.
It seems like just yesterday that we started the ShareForever 7780 Campaign. We started with what felt like a lofty goal of raising 1 million dollars in legacy gifts, and now we are thrilled to say that we have more than 4 million dollars! We are truly amazed, but not surprised. The dedication to The Rotary Foundation in our district has always been strong, and we are proud of and thankful for our generous donors.
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