As 2024 comes to an end, let us stop and take stock of our good fortune our wonderful country and city and the contributions that Rotary makes to our world.
We get up to a temperature controlled home, turn on our electric lights, walk into our indoor bathroom, take a shower in warm water, decide which clothes we are going to wear while listening to the free press and or reading an uncensored news media and then go into the kitchen and decide what we want for breakfast and then drive our own vehicle to work.
I just want to remind myself and you of the many many things that we don’t even think about that millions of others do not have.
I’ve attended four Rotary Clubs in the past week and seen: the. West OKC Rotary club award 29 $5,000.00 College Scholarships to 29 high school students from all over Oklahoma, I saw dozens of. Rotarians volunteer every day through from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve at Northpark Mall, with North West OKC Rotary, raising money with their Santa photo project. Two things: 1. The NW OKC Rotary Club ha s done this every year for 40 plus years. 2. Last year they raised over $60,000.00 which all went to local charities. WOW!
Santa Fe, New Mexico gave Thousands of dollars to a local women’s shelter and SOKC Rotary gave, books and bicycles to local elementary schools, …..and on and on.
Whether it is small micro loans to help women in third world countries start their own business in Nigeria or building a school in Guatemala or picking up trash every weekend along the Okla River…..or wiping out polio, Rotary contributes every day, all over the world, to making things better.
Thank you each and everyone for giving your time and talents.
People of Action know that achieving any vision, big or small, requires a plan.
Rotary International pioneered a model of service leadership more than a century ago based on person-to-person connections. That model is just as powerful today as ever. Today's Rotary doesn't just reach out to act on communities' needs close to home; we transcend borders, generations, languages, cultures, and historic differences to create hope for a better world.
When we imagined where Rotary is going in the next 100 years, we developed a plan built on four priorities: increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant engagement, and increasing our ability to adapt.
Our members had a fantastic time serving free hot cocoa to the public during Ponca City Main Street’s opening night of Ice on the Plaza. It was a heartwarming evening filled with holiday cheer and giving back to the community.
Meanwhile, our December project, which will run through the winter months, focuses on collecting food and clothing donations to support winter emergency supplies for the unhoused and those in need. Together, our club is working to make a difference this season!
We’d love to have fellow Rotarians join us at Crawfest 2025! We are excited that Mid-West City Rotary is already coming!
A Choctaw Police Department holiday tradition has expanded in recent years to incorporate all of eastern Oklahoma County. Through the Eastern Oklahoma County Chief’s Association, local youngsters in need got the opportunity to go Christmas shopping with local first responders Dec. 12 at the annual Holidays with Heroes. EOC Rotary is proud to partner with this group with funds from our Annual Golf Tournament. Last year we gave $5000 and this year we were able to increase to $7000 to help families in need in our part of Eastern Oklahoma County.
A total of 115 area children had the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping for gifts they may not otherwise receive.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible local first responders, generous donors, and the Choctaw Walmart for making it all possible. You are the reason this event continues to thrive year after year. Thank you for your unwavering support,” noted Choctaw police chief Kelly Marshall.
As always, it took a plethora of supporters, volunteers and participants to make the growing initiative a success.
Mustang Rotary Club delivered nearly 350 pounds of dog food to the local animal shelter. Kristen Wepfer received the donation on behalf of the tenants. Project was the idea of club President, Rob Foley.
Kristen was extremely pleased to receive the donation, which will help carry them towards the new year. Several animals are adoptable at the shelter. Contact the shelter by calling 405-256-6207.
The donation was another way our club is helping the Mustang community.
Rotary Club of Edmond Gifts Musical Instruments and Books to Scissortail Elementary
The Rotary Club of Edmond recently presented a generous gift to Scissortail Elementary School, providing a significant boost to the school’s music program and library.
The donation of musical instruments was made possible by the Club's Foundation alongside a grant from Rotary District 5750. The musical instruments, which include base bars, metallophones, glockenspiels, tubanos, and xylophones, will enhance the school’s music education program.
Meg Womack, the school’s music teacher, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We now have the newest and
best instruments for elementary school music classes in the district.”
In addition to the musical instruments, the Rotary Club fulfilled a $700 book wish list from the school’s librarian, Larissa Spear. Each week, a Club speaker will sign one of the books with an inspirational message, and the signed book will be returned to the school as a lasting memento.
A group of Club members also contributed $1,000 to support students in need. These funds will be used to purchase socks, underwear, and coats for students who require additional clothing.
On Monday December 9TH GJCC BCL attended Rotary. He heard from GHS Men’s Wrestling Coach Jaydon Davenport & Women’s Wrestling Coach Levi Casey . He visited with the HS Principal Dusty Throckmorton and The GHS Student of the Week Bryson Hall as well as Dr. Michelle Chapple the Club’s President and other Rotarians.
On Monday December 16TH GJCC BCL attended Rotary. He heard from Pam Kanaly Co-Founder & Development Director of Arise Single Moms . He visited with the HS Principal Dusty Throckmorton and The GHS Student of the Week Jade Raper, Sherri Banister from The Hilton Inn as well as Dr. Michelle Chapple the Club’s President and other
Rotarians.
We are excited to invite you to tune in to The Rotary Spark Podcast! Each episode features engaging conversations with Rotarians and community leaders who share their experiences, insights, and passion for service.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, new ideas for your projects, or just want to connect with fellow Rotarians, our podcast is a great resource. You can explore a variety of topics, from local community initiatives to global Rotary efforts that make a real difference.
New episodes air every Friday of the month at 7 PM CST! Check out our latest episodes and subscribe here: The Rotary Spark Podcast
We believe that every story shared can ignite a spark within our community, helping us all to grow and serve better. Don't miss the chance to be inspired and learn from those who embody the spirit of Rotary!
Thank you for your dedication to service, and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Warm regards,
Brian Triger
Member of Midwest City Rotary Club
(978) 290-8200
Attention club leaders! It’s time to select your President Elect and mark your calendars for the President Elect Training at MidAmerica PETS, happening March 20-22, 2025 in Ft Smith, Arkansas.
Remember, the district will cover travel, hotel, and registration for any club leader who attends, including the president, president elect, president elect nominee, treasurer, and secretary.
Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for an impactful year ahead!
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