President-elect Dennis Song spearheaded a creative program for last week's meeting, exploring the purpose and role of the Lewisville Noon Rotary in the local community. Under the title, “Imagine Rotary: What is My Club?” Dennis shared a few of the ideas gathered during discussions with fellow Rotarians, and also insights he heard while attending President-Elect Training and talking with Rotarians from around the country. Some might say we a fundraising club, while others would categorize our group as a networking club or service organization, Dennis explained. But the heart of our club is about caring for our community, he said. The Lewisville Noon Rotary also was the first Rotary club in the area. All the other local clubs—including Flower Mound, Highland Village, Cross Timbers, and Pilot Knob—were initiated as a result of the positive impact the Lewisville Noon club was making in the community and the club's rapid growth. LNR club president Dirk Dahlke (left) and president-elect Dennis Song. As part of the program, Dennis also invited other club members to explain how Lewisville Noon provides both volunteer and financial support to local schools and non-profits. Angie Cox detailed briefly how our club applies to the district for matching grants, based on monies raised from club dues. Lewisville Noon Rotary was able to get a $4000 matching grant that helped fund our efforts to stock food pantries at seven school campuses in LISD last year. The club also obtained an additional $9000 matching grant, which was used to build a frisbee golf course at a local park. Steve Cox then shared how contributions to the Paul Harris Foundation are used, and the purpose of the DAF. Outside of our local community, our club also has supported global initiatives through Rotary International, including purchasing water filters for those living in a poor community in Honduras. In looking at the big picture, Lewisville Noon strikes a balance of service, fundraising, and networking, but most of all, we're family, Dennis said. He added, “Rotary is men and women in a club who gather together to do projects that help those who need help, and we have fun.” |