In this instance I’m not writing about the blessings that come to each of us this time of year, but the blessings that we, as Rotarians, bring to others.
District 6080’s Foundation Banquet was a roaring success and will help many scores of people. Over 125 Rotarians from around the district attended. We received an insightful and strategically important message from RI Past President Ray Klinginsmith and over $ 9,000 was raised during the celebration for The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
A University of Central Missouri faculty member was selected as one of only twenty-five people, world-wide, to participate in a three-month, World Peace Fellow symposium to be held at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand next summer.
6080’s international project – to send clothing, books, sporting and ambulatory equipment to needy populations in Panama – was a roaring success. District volunteers packed up four pallets – 150 individual boxes – of requested items. The pallets await transport to a Navy freighter that will deliver the goods to Panama next spring.
A hearty group of explorers was chosen for the District’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) trip to Central America in April 2013. A number of young scholars were selected and are being prepped for their year abroad through the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program.
And scores of projects were launched by Rotary clubs from throughout the District, representing such community efforts as Salvation Army bell-ringing, Angel Tree contributions, Buddy Backpacks, Shoe Boxes for Soldiers, food collections for local food pantries, and home heating projects.
I am proud to be Governor of a district that is doing so much for so many. I’m tempted to encourage you to keep up the good work, but I know you’ll do so even without my further encouragement.
Because you’re Rotarians.
Mark Pearce
Governor 2012-2013
Rotary District 6080