As Rotary Foundation Month ends, District 5750 has much to celebrate. Throughout November, our clubs have stepped up with generosity, energy, and purpose. Whether through contributions to The Rotary Foundation, storytelling that highlighted the impact of Foundation grants, or continued commitment to PolioPlus, our district demonstrated once again that service isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. The Rotary Foundation is the engine behind so many of the projects that change lives in our communities and across the world. Because of your support, children are protected from preventable diseases, families have access to clean water and sanitation, communities receive maternal and child health resources, and countless individuals benefit from district and global grants. Foundation Month may be ending, but the ripple effect of your contributions continues all year long. Thank you for living the spirit of Service Above Self in everything you’ve done this month.

As we move into December, Rotary’s focus shifts to Disease Prevention and Treatment Month—a theme that feels like a natural extension of the work we’ve just celebrated. Disease prevention is at the heart of Rotary’s mission, from the near-eradication of Polio to the countless medical missions, screenings, health education programs, and humanitarian partnerships our clubs support. This month invites us to think about how we can make our communities healthier, safer, and more resilient. It’s an opportunity to spotlight local health initiatives, partner with clinics and nonprofits, educate families on wellness, and continue raising awareness about diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

The transition from Foundation Month to Disease Prevention and Treatment Month reminds us of one powerful truth: every act of service contributes to the well-being of others. Your generosity fuels our ability to prevent suffering, restore hope, and strengthen the world around us. Thank you, District 5750, for your leadership, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to making a difference. Let’s carry this momentum into December as we continue changing lives—one act of service at a time.

We have an incredible opportunity to support RYLA this year, and we need your help to make a lasting impact.

RYLA isn’t just a camp—it’s a transformational leadership experience. Students gain confidence, communication skills, and long-term mentorship that many of them would never have access to otherwise. RYLA empowers young leaders to discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and return to their schools and communities with a renewed passion for service.

This year, our goal is to sponsor 100 students, and we can’t do it without club support. Please visit our RYLA page and encourage your club to consider becoming a sponsor. Together, we can invest in the next generation of leaders and strengthen the future of Rotary." Please add three pictures horizontally with contact information (phone numbers) for all three individuals in a similar format that reflects our district contacts and the RYLA Poster (big and centered). Please connect with Nicole to get step by step instructions on how to sponsor students and include this as well (request coming directly from Mack Patel)
 
1. The Current RYLA Chair - Nicole Stephens 
2. PDG Chuck Musgrave
3. PDG Jack Werner
 

As we focus on developing future leaders, we also want to remind everyone that applications for the next District Governor are open until December 15th. If you or someone in your club feels called to serve at a higher level, now is the time to apply. You’ll find the application and details on the homepage of our district website.

Thank you for your continued commitment to service and for all you do to strengthen our district. Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with peace, gratitude, and connection.

Best Regards,

District Governor Mukesh Patel
Rotary District 5750

 

Upcoming Events
Mid-America President Elect Learning Seminar
Mar. 19, 2026 – Mar. 21, 2026
 
RYLA
Jul. 17, 2026 – Jul. 20, 2026
 
View entire list
Shout out to District Trainer Roy Wood for his incredible service to our District. 
 
Roy is an educator and consultant, retired Naval Officer, and executive. He has been a Rotarian since 2017, and previously held positions as President of the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow, OK (2021-22), as well as Club Secretary, and Club Treasurer.  He was Rotary District 6110 International Service Chair in 2022-23 and assumed duties as Dean of the District Leadership Academy in 2023.  Roy is a Paul Harris Fellow and member of the Paul Harris Society.
 
He has lead our District Training over the past year covering topics such as the most recent class on Youth Protection. Roy leads our District Leadership Academy that teaches Rotarians about all aspects of Rotary.
 
Thank you, Roy, for your commitment to Service Above Self!
Click to see all photos from this newsletter.
Click the Photo for Link
 
Click the Photo for Link

November was Rotary Foundation Month, a time when we celebrate the lasting impact of The Rotary Foundation and the generosity that fuels Rotary’s global mission. One of the most meaningful ways Rotary recognizes that spirit of giving is through the Paul Harris Fellow designation. A Paul Harris Fellow honors individuals who embody exceptional commitment to service and Rotary values, awarded when a contribution of $1,000 is made to The Rotary Foundation in their name.

Last month, we proudly recognized the Rotary Club of Del City, where 20 Paul Harris Fellow pins were presented to eight dedicated members—a powerful testament to their generosity and ongoing devotion to “Service Above Self.”

The following members were presented their new PHF pins:
 
Jim McFarland - PHF+5
Mike Anderson - PHF+5
Jennifer Driskill- PHF+4
Larry Hooper - PHF+4
Rick Johnson - PHF+4
Rep. Andy Fugate - PHF+4
Mayor Floyd Eason - PHF+2
Clay David - PHF+2
 

Pictured above Left to Right: Donald Vick, Major Donor, Mayor Floyd Eason, Rep. Andy Fugate, Larry Hooper, Jennifer Driskill, James "Chili" McQuiller, Rick Johnson, Mike Anderson and seated PDG Jack Werner. 

Rotary Club of Edmond Celebrates
Rotary Foundation Month

This month, we’re recognizing the impact of the Edmond Rotary Foundation and the many ways it strengthens our community.

Investing in Education:
For nearly 20 years, the Foundation has supported Edmond students through scholarships and meaningful projects in local schools—from learning tools and books to playground and garden enhancements.

Building Youth Leadership:
Our annual sponsorship of students to RYLA helps develop confident, service-minded young leaders who return inspired to make a difference.

Supporting Families & Community:
The Foundation partners with organizations such as Fostering Sweet Dreams and Miracle League baseball, expanding opportunities and meeting real needs for families. Members also recently brought holiday cheer during Deck the Downtown.

Gratitude for Leadership:
We thank Natalie Bonney and our Foundation and Rotary boards for their thoughtful vision and dedication.

Click below to read the full story and explore how Rotary is making a lasting difference in Edmond.

The Rotary Club of Midwest City, together with the Interact clubs, participated in the Veterans Day Parade to honor and celebrate our veterans for their service.
 
The Rotary Foundation:
From Compassion to Impact
By Roy Wood – District Trainer
 
Each November, we pause to recognize one of Rotary’s greatest strengths - The Rotary Foundation (TRF). It is the engine that transforms our generosity into lasting improvements in health, education, peace, and human dignity. TRF projects often begin with a simple act of compassion, yet they ripple outward in ways that change entire communities. Two recent Foundation-supported efforts show just how deeply our giving matters.

A Lifeline for Newborns in the Philippines

Imagine a mother standing beside an incubator, worried that her premature baby is too fragile to nurse. For families across the Philippines, this fear is heartbreakingly common. Through nearly 100 Foundation-supported global grants, Rotary clubs have helped create and equip a network of human milk banks that now serve more than 30 hospitals. These facilities screen, pasteurize, and safely store donated breast milk—often the only source of nourishment critical to saving a newborn’s life.
 
 
What TRF delivers here isn’t just milk. It delivers hope. It gives parents the reassurance that their child has a fighting chance, no matter their circumstances. And it provides hospitals with the equipment and training to protect vulnerable infants long into the future.

A New Start for the Smallest Patients in Brazil

In Brazil’s Ribeira Valley, a different group of parents once faced an equally difficult reality. Babies born too early or too small often lacked access to specialized care, and the region’s infant mortality rate reflected that painful truth. A Rotary-funded global grant—supported by clubs in Brazil and Japan—equipped a neonatal intensive care unit with modern incubators, ventilators, and monitors. It also funded community education on prenatal care and breastfeeding.
 
The results were remarkable: infant mortality dropped to seven per 1,000 live births, almost half of what it had been before. Behind those numbers are real families—parents now carrying their infants home healthy, grateful for a chance they feared they might not have.
 
These projects remind us of something powerful: Rotary doesn’t just meet needs. It changes the trajectory of people’s lives at home and around the globe.
 

How You Can Help: Rotary Direct

If you’ve ever wondered how to support this kind of transformational work, Rotary Direct is the most effective and convenient path.
 
Rotary Direct allows you to set up automatic recurring gifts—monthly, quarterly, or annually—to the Rotary Foundation. Even a small monthly amount becomes a reliable foundation for the projects Rotarians create worldwide. Recurring giving helps TRF plan ahead, respond quickly, and sustain programs like the newborn-care initiatives described above.
 
You choose where your gift goes: the Annual Fund-SHARE, PolioPlus, a specific Area of Focus, or a global-grant project. Your contributions also count toward recognitions such as Paul Harris Fellow.

How to Set Up Rotary Direct

  1. Visit my.rotary.org/donate.
  2. Sign in with your My Rotary account.
  3. Choose the fund you want to support.
  4. Select the recurring giving option and choose your amount and frequency.
  5. Enter your payment information and submit.
  6. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your giving record will always be available on your My Rotary profile.
As Rotarians in District 5750, we have the privilege—and responsibility—to extend our compassion beyond our own communities. When we give through Rotary Direct, we ensure the Foundation can continue saving newborns, strengthening hospitals, eradicating disease, delivering clean water, and building peace.
 
This month, I invite you to take the next step. Enroll in Rotary Direct. Make a recurring gift. Become part of the stories of hope for families around the world. Together, we can turn generosity into action—and action into miracles.
Rotary Club of Oklahoma City
November 2025 Teacher of the Month
 

In cooperation with the Mayor's office and City Council, the Rotary Club of Okla. City recognizes an outstanding teacher in our community

Nickie Mayes has been named Teacher of the Month for November 2025 by the Millwood Public School District

Nickie  is a 7th Grade Geography Teacher at Millwood Arts Academy, and is known as a "True Champion."  She is a Change Agent in education and believes that all students can and will learn. As a master teacher, she maintains high expectations for herself and her students. Well respected among her peers, Nickie uses her strong leadership skills to advocate for the members of her school community and supports her colleagues by modeling best practices, sharing resources, and serving as a teacher-mentor. 

Nickie is poised, energetic, confident, creative, and thinks fast on her feet—expertly balancing the social, emotional, and academic needs of all her students; and her rapport with students and parents is nothing short of remarkable. 

Congratulations, Nickie!

District Governor Mack Patel visited Rotary Club of Ponca City Trailblazers in November.
 
RYLA 2026
 
The date for our next RYLA is set for July 17-20, 2026 at Camp Twin Cedars. We need your support to sponsor students and encourage students to apply. 
 
The QR Code on the attached flyer lands on the application page.  Additional information can be found on the District Website. rotary5750.org. Encourage the high school Sophomores and Juniors to apply as soon as possible!
 
Since we have the entire camp AND the kitchen we would love some kitchen help.  It would be great if a few Rotarians and or clubs would volunteer to help preparing meals and cleaning up.  Let Nicole know you would like to help. nmhs40@gmail.com
DG Mack Patel had a great time visiting Rotary Club of Del City.
Rotary Club of Guthrie Meeting Highlights
 
Assistant Governor Terry Moore, Past President of Rotary Club of Guthrie, visited the Rotary Club of West Oklahoma City to share more about his job at Job Corp. Rotarians were interested in how to potentially hire students after completion. (Photo below)
 
 
Later that month, Rotary Club of Guthrie welcomed Kini Maune, Owner of Frena Self Care, as their speaker and the club honored the students of the week (photo on the right)
 
Members of the Rotary Club of Midwest City, along with Interact students from Midwest City High School and Carl Albert High School, served more than 150 meals to residents of the Autumn House in Midwest City. We are grateful for their service and dedication.
Rotarians Weekly Mentorship at Putnam Heights Academy
Rotarians from District 5750 gather every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at Putnam Heights Academy to share a meal with students, offer encouragement, and engage in meaningful conversations about life. Through their consistent presence, they provide mentorship, support, and a positive influence each week.

 

Beyond Polio: Our Commitment to a Healthier World
By Roy Wood – District Trainer
 
This December, Rotary celebrates Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. While our historic pledge to eradicate polio is closer than ever, this month reminds us that our work to combat disease is broad, deep, and vitally important. From massive global partnerships to transformative local projects, Rotarians are People of Action who fight disease on all fronts.
 
Rotary’s global health commitment remains ironclad. This year, Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation renewed their partnership, extending their pledge to match 2-to-1 all Rotarian contributions to polio eradication, up to $50 million per year. This dedication is what has brought us to the brink of ending this disease for good.
 
Internationally, Rotary’s impact also shines through local club projects. Recently, the Rotary Club of Antigga (Antigua & Barbuda) donated critical CPAP machines to their local hospital, allowing doctors to use these rather than more invasive ventilators, fundamentally changing the safety of care for premature babies. In Hong Kong, the Rotary Club of Admiralty’s Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme provided screenings and preventative care to hundreds, saving limbs and lives through early detection.  These projects, along with a growing focus on mental health initiatives, show that Rotarians are tackling everything from non-communicable diseases to maternal and child health.
 
How can you and your club make a difference? You don't have to start from scratch. An incredible network of resources is available to help you plan and execute impactful health-related projects.  Take a look at these Rotary resources:
 
Rotary Action Groups (RAGs): Connect with global experts and Rotarians who are passionate about health.
If you are a healthcare professional yourself, you should consider joining the International Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals: https://rotaryhealthprofessionals.org
This December, let’s get inspired, connect with these resources, and continue our legacy of building a healthier future for all.

The Del City Rotary Club presented 120 “The Best Dictionary for Students”, to the Second Grade Teachers at Epperly Elementary School in Del City on November 14, 2025. 

Left to Right are Rotarians, Larry Hopper, Representative Andy Fugate, Don Vick, Second Grade Teachers, Nancy Mitchell, Charlotte Cranfill, Vice Principal Becky Thompson, Cheyenne Drake, Carl Ray, and Marsha Daggs.

District Governor Nominations
 
Great leaders build great clubs—and our next District Governor could be someone from yours! Who in your club lives the Four-Way Test and leads with passion, integrity, and service?
 
Nominations for District Governor 2028–2029 are open through December 15.
 
Apply/Nominate Now - Click HERE for the form
 

Del City Rotary Club Delivers Warmth to Local Students

The Del City Rotary Club recently supplied 82 hoodies to three elementary schools, along with an additional 25 hoodies for the local middle and high schools. Using District 5750 grant funds, the club purchased the hoodies from a local merchant in response to a direct request from the school system. These warm, comfortable hoodies will be distributed to students who need them most.