October was a remarkable month for Rotary District 5750 — together, we raised $17,000 for Polio eradication!
A heartfelt thank-you to every Rotarian and every club that participated. Your creativity, generosity, and teamwork continue to move us closer to a world free of polio. This achievement is a testament to what happens when our compassion turns into collective action.
Now, as we step into November — Rotary Foundation Month — it’s time to celebrate and reflect on the incredible work made possible through The Rotary Foundation. This isn’t just another program or budget line; it’s the very engine that powers Rotary’s mission around the world — from eradicating polio to providing clean water, building peace, supporting education, and strengthening communities.
Every project you see, whether it’s a local literacy program in Oklahoma or a clean water system in Kenya, begins with a Rotarian’s vision and the support of the Foundation. When we give to the Foundation, we’re not donating to an organization — we’re investing in impact. Every dollar given goes further because of the Foundation’s efficiency and the partnerships it builds.
This month, I encourage each club to make The Rotary Foundation come alive:
• Educate your members about how Foundation funds return to our district through District and Global Grants.
• Share stories — highlight a project your club has done (or dreams to do) with Foundation support.
• Contribute — whether personally, as a club, or through fundraising events, every gift matters. Remember: when we each give a little, Rotary changes a lot.
• Engage — invite a Foundation alumnus or past grant recipient to share how Rotary changed their life.
As we approach the holiday season, let’s also remember those in need right here at home. Local food pantries and community organizations may need extra support in the coming weeks — please consider donating your time, energy, or resources to help ensure every family has a reason to be thankful this season.
Think of The Rotary Foundation as Rotary’s promise kept — ensuring that the compassion we feel becomes the action the world needs.
Together, let’s make November a month of gratitude, giving, and global good.
With appreciation and fellowship, District Governor Mukesh Patel Rotary District 5750
Our District Foundation Chairs are proud to support the life-changing work of The Rotary Foundation. TRF is the driving force behind Rotary’s mission—turning the generosity of Rotarians like you into lasting, meaningful impact. Together, we’re creating sustainable projects that uplift communities locally and across the globe.
In Rotary, we believe that strong communities are built through understanding, connection, and shared purpose. This month’s theme, Economic and Community Development, reminds us that service begins with learning — learning how our community works, what it needs, and how we can make a difference together.
The Rotary Club of Edmond recently embraced that spirit of learning through a Rotary Rotation at the brand new Edmond City Hall and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Forensic Science Center. Members had the opportunity to see how city planning, infrastructure, public safety, and innovation all come together to strengthen Edmond’s future. At City Hall, we gained a deeper appreciation for the careful planning and collaboration that support a growing community. At OSBI, members learned how investments in science and technology enhance safety and create opportunities that ripple throughout the local economy. Each visit helped us see new ways that Rotary can align our service with the needs and priorities of our city.
That spirit of service continued as members volunteered with Edmond Mobile Meals, helping deliver nourishing food and connection to neighbors who benefit from a friendly face and a reminder that they are part of a caring community. By serving alongside organizations like Edmond Mobile Meals, we learn how compassion and consistency can make a lasting impact right here at home.
Each experience this month deepened our understanding of Edmond, its systems, its people, and its heart. And with that understanding comes purpose. Together, we continue to live out Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self and Unite for Good, using what we learn to serve more effectively every day.
Every young person in Rotary programs deserves to be safe and respected. This important training will help Rotarians recognize risks, prevent harm, and meet Rotary’s high standards of youth safety — while fulfilling the District’s mandatory requirements for anyone working with youth.
📅 When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 📍 Where: Altitude 1291, 6235 SE 15th St., Midwest City, OK 💲 Cost: Free for District Rotarians
Who should attend: Club presidents, officers, Youth Service chairs, Interact/RYLA/Youth Exchange leads and counselors, event volunteers, and anyone working with youth.
Together, we can ensure every Rotary youth program is safe, trusted, and empowering.
Club and District Support
Greetings from Rotary! We are contacting you today with a reminder regarding the IRS annual filing requirement for all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Whether your club is a subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or is independently tax-exempt, the IRS requires that all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and its territories file an annual information return. For clubs whose tax year follows the Rotary year, the deadline to file is 15 November. The form a club must file is dependent upon its gross receipts for the year. For more information, please see Frequently asked questions about annual reporting requirements for exempt organizations at www.irs.gov.
It is important that your club comply with IRS requirements. Please note Section 6033(j) of the Internal Revenue Code automatically revokes the exemption of any organization that fails to satisfy its filing requirement for three consecutive years.
Our document, US Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and the IRS: Frequently Asked Questions, provides general information about Rotary clubs and the IRS. For specific questions regarding your club’s tax-exempt status, reporting requirements, or your club’s ability to file, contact local counsel, your tax adviser, or the IRS directly at www.irs.gov or877-829-5500.
Thank you for your attention to this important reminder.
Sincerely,
Your Club and District Support team
November is Rotary Foundation Month
— a time for all of us in District 5750 to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible power of The Rotary Foundation (TRF). It’s the heartbeat of our organization, transforming the generosity of Rotarians like you into sustainable projects that change lives both here at home and around the world.
From eradicating polio to bringing clean water to communities, training peacebuilders,
and supporting education and health, the Foundation is how Rotary’s vision becomes
reality. Every time we contribute — whether through a small gift, a club project, or a
legacy commitment — we strengthen Rotary’s capacity to do good in the world.
A Century of Impact
What began in 1917 with a humble $26.50 contribution has become one of the world’s
most trusted and effective charities. The Rotary Foundation channels our passion into
tangible results through District and Global Grants, scholarships, and programs that
align with Rotary’s seven areas of focus — from disease prevention to environmental
protection.
Our District 5750 clubs have seen firsthand the power of the Foundation. Whether
supporting literacy projects in local schools, medical missions abroad, or clean water
systems in developing communities, every success story shares a common thread: the
Foundation made it possible.
Why Your Support Matters
The Foundation’s strength lies in its sustainability. Every dollar you give is carefully
invested and returned as grant funding — magnified through partnerships, stewardship,
and matching funds from the World Fund. For 15 consecutive years, The Rotary
Foundation has earned top ratings from Charity Navigator for accountability and
transparency.
In short, your donations are put to work effectively and ethically — turning goodwill into
measurable good.
Five Ways to Take Action This Month
1. Give what you can. Make a personal donation to the Annual Fund or PolioPlus
campaign. Every gift, large or small, fuels our collective impact. Sign up for
Rotary Direct to make giving quick, easy and secure.
2. Join the Paul Harris Society. Commit to giving $1,000 annually (just $85 a month)
and join thousands of Rotarians around the world sustaining Rotary’s work year
after year.
3. Engage your club. Host a Foundation-focused meeting or fundraiser this month.
Share how TRF projects have touched lives locally and globally. Discuss club
donation goals such as Every Rotarian, Every Year’ recognition.
4. Tell your Foundation story. Use social media, newsletters, and club meetings to
showcase the real impact of your club’s projects supported by Foundation grants.
Inspiration is contagious!
5. Plan for tomorrow. Consider a legacy or estate gift to the Endowment Fund —
ensuring Rotary’s good work continues for generations to come.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
This November, let’s recommit ourselves to the mission that unites us — doing good in
the world. As Rotarians of District 5750, we have the privilege and the responsibility to
keep The Rotary Foundation strong. When we give, we empower hope. When we serve, we create change.
Together, we turn generosity into action — and that’s what being a Rotarian is all about.
For more information about The Rotary Foundation and our District’s activities, please
contact:
Steven Shepelwich
District Rotary Foundation Chair
District 5750 shepelwich@gmail.com
405-779-4766
RYLA 2026
The date for our next RYLA is set for July 17-20, 2026 at Camp Twin Cedars.
GREAT NEWS. We have negotiated the use of the full camp this year. DGE Mike has agreed to a Club cost of $500 per camper.
The budget is based on 75 campers attending, so we need Clubs to be proactive about reaching out to the schools in their town and making sure students know that this opportunity exists. Be sure to stress that there is no cost to Campers.
The QR Code on the attached flyer lands on the application page. Additional information can be found on the District Website. rotary5750.org
The preferred Camper is a current Sophomore, but we can accept current Juniors.
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
THE GOAL IS TO HAVE THE 100 CAMPER SLOTS FILLED BY THE END OF THE YEAR. PLEASE HELP US REACH THAT GOAL.
REMEMBER, THERE ARE CLUBS AROUND THE DISTRICT WHO WILL SPONSOR CAMPERS THAT THEY DID NOT SELECT. You can nominate more campers than the club has budgeted for. BUT, please let us know soon how many Campers your club is agreeing to sponsor.
If your Club has already named a RYLA chairperson, please let Nicole know. If the club does not have a RYLA chair yet, please appoint or draft one and let Nicole know.
Western Heights Interact Club Launches Toy & Book Drive with Rotary Support
The Western Heights High School Interact Club, proudly sponsored by the West OKC Rotary Club, is once again spreading joy through service. Building on last year’s successful Toy Drive—which provided gifts to every Pre-K student across all four elementary schools—the Interactors are expanding their reach in 2025.
This year, the club aims to include both Pre-K and Kindergarten students in their Toy Drive, and they’re calling on Rotarians and community members to help make it happen. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be delivered directly to Western Heights High School—just mention they’re for Interact. Alternatively, toys may be brought to the West OKC Rotary meeting on Wednesday, December 3rd at 11:45 AM.
In addition to toys, the Interact Club has launched a
Book Drive to benefit students of all grade levels. Gently used or new books are welcome and will help foster a love of reading throughout the district.
Let’s rally behind these young leaders as they continue to serve with heart and purpose. Your support helps them build a legacy of kindness, literacy, and community spirit.
Mustang club president Rob Foley represented the club as a judge along with Logan Tapparo for the Lego building competition held at the Mustang liabrary.
Logan is a graduate of Mustang High School and is a recipient of the H.W. Almen/West OKC Rotary Scholarship.
Each month there's an opportunity for students of all ages to participate in a Lego building competition with a different theme each month.
Rob said our club encourages students to participate in as many of the programs as possible the liabrary provides.
Finishing Strong: Building District 5750’s Future,
One Member at a Time
Fellow District 5750 Rotarians!
It’s been an incredible year of service, fellowship, and impact. We’ve launched new projects, strengthened old traditions, and made our communities better because of Rotary. But before the Rotary year ends, we have one more challenge—and one more opportunity—to make a lasting difference.
That challenge is membership—and the opportunity is finishing this Rotary year with growth, energy, and momentum that will carry us forward into the next Rotary year.
Every project, every scholarship, every meal served begins with a member. More members mean more hands, more hearts, and more hope. When our clubs grow, our impact multiplies. Membership isn’t just a number—it’s the fuel that drives Rotary’s engine of service.
Across District 5750, we’ve seen incredible momentum—new members joining, clubs revitalizing, and communities noticing Rotary’s presence more than ever. But we’re not done yet. We have the power, in these final eight months, to end the Rotary year with a positive growth story—one that says we didn’t just maintain; we moved forward.
The secret isn’t complicated—it’s connection.
Invite someone to a service project.
Share a story about how Rotary changed a life—maybe even your own.
Engage current members—make sure they feel valued, seen, and involved.
When members feel connected, they stay. When potential members feel welcomed, they join.
One new member in each club turns into district-wide growth.
One creative event or “bring-a-friend” day can spark enthusiasm.
One handwritten note or phone call can rekindle a member’s passion.
Momentum is built one small step at a time—and right now, every step counts.
As you welcome new members, celebrate them—post on social media, share their stories, and show the community that Rotary is alive and growing.
People want to join something vibrant, purposeful, and joyful. Let’s show them that’s exactly what Rotary is.
So here’s the challenge for every club in District 5750:
Add at least two new members before the Rotary year ends.
Re-engage at least one inactive member.
Share one story publicly about your club’s impact.
Decrease membership loss from the previous Rotary year.
Do this, and we will finish the year not just strong—but unstoppable.
District 5750 Rotarians, this is our moment. The momentum is here. Let’s finish the year with growth, gratitude, and the spirit of “Service Above Self.” Together, we can make District 5750 shine—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Your District 5750 membership team is standing by to assist you in your membership goals.
Let’s grow Rotary, one heart and one mind at a time.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Chili
James R McQuillar
District 5750 Membership Chair
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.
Educate your members about how Foundation funds return to our district through District and Global Grants.
Share stories — highlight a project your club has done (or dreams to do) with Foundation support.
Contribute — whether personally, as a club, or through fundraising events, every gift matters. Remember: when we each give a little, Rotary changes a lot.
Engage — invite a Foundation alumnus or past grant recipient to share how Rotary changed their life.
Pies for Polio Results!
