March 2025

Zone Disaster Grants in Action

Support our Friends in D7670 – Volunteer to Help WNC 

Opportunities are available to volunteer at Bounty and Soul in Black Mountain on the second Thursday of each month from 10-2 or at the Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone on Tuesdays or Thursdays for the 9:30-11:30 or 12:30-4 pm shifts. The need for food in WNC is great and growing.  Our recent grants of $25,000 to each organization are supporting the purchase of food.   

Since Hurricane Helene, the number of individuals receiving food from Bounty and Soul has increased by over 228%.  The links to both Google Docs are below.  There are cover sheets for both Google Docs.  The lead Rotarian or the Asst. Governor should give their cell number and sign in the yellow block as.  For any questions, contact Cindy Fink at 919-691-7323 or email her at [email protected] 

Hunger and Health Coalition- Boone 

Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iLPluTKYefwWyy8qNR9UDLQ8YxWI9p4xecKARRHj0AA/edit?usp=drive_link 

Cover Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p4eFoWFcJKmP4WUHpQeTyld7IqtvxSzIcP_3ruxVUhg/edit?usp=drive_link 

Bounty and Soul- Black Mountain 

Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CSGizAgalnTtndXeUBVSXrUsKxvrqHDgyddGnPOzXh0/edit?usp=drive_link 

Cover Sheet:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JKvA18EAdA8EE7TaZs8Aaong8MkXFKb11MOAjPJ0oQs/edit?usp=sharing 

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Creating a Stronger Club through Visioning

With Carolina PETS now behind us, Club Presidents-Elect in 7680 are brimming with ideas and ready to inspire their members to UNITE FOR GOOD. Support is available to make that happen.

The District 7680 Visioning Initiative is here to help clubs not only implement these ideas in the coming year and beyond but also empower club leadership to put the Action Plan into motion for a lasting, sustainable impact on the local community. Recently, District 7680 leaders experienced the Visioning Process firsthand and are now moving forward with a three-year plan designed to strengthen the district and create a brighter future for all. 

Club Visioning is a powerful tool that strengthens clubs by building consensus on their direction, promoting continuity and consistency among leadership and programming, and creating actionable plans to implement initiatives. One of the key benefits of a Club Visioning event is that it gives club members a voice in shaping the club’s future. Additionally, it provides a structured framework to develop and implement a long-range plan, ensuring that the club’s goals are met and sustained over time. This collaborative approach not only unites members but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to the club’s success.

Join us in this exciting journey! Get involved, share your ideas, and let’s make a difference together. Contact Marcia Scheideman ([email protected]), Visioning Coordinator for more information.

District Youth Programs, Youth Exchange

Our District 7680 Youth Exchange Officer, Scott Reynolds, recently received a letter from Exchange student Naisha Chandan who is on a one-year exchange from our District to District 2430 in Turkiye! 

I recently returned from Istanbul, where I had the incredible opportunity to attend my first-ever Model United Nations (MUN) conference at Boğaziçi University. Looking back, I feel immensely grateful for this experience—it was truly unforgettable.

Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations and its inner workings, but I also formed friendships that I’m confident will last a lifetime. The conference structure was well-organized, with four sessions each day, each lasting an hour and a half. Since English was the official language, I had no trouble following the discussions, and it was refreshing to connect with so many people who spoke English fluently. At the same time, my friends were eager to teach me some Turkish, so I got the best of both worlds!

Beyond the debates and formal sessions, we enjoyed fun breaks, lively after-parties, and an overall vibrant atmosphere that made the experience even more special. I wholeheartedly recommend that any exchange student take part in events like this if given the chance—it’s an opportunity you’ll never forget!

Here is a little photo collage of my experience!

SFTL Student Registration is up and running in DACdb’s RYLA module! And now it is up to you, the Rotarian, to make the difference. You are the one Students need to make this happen.

Attached is the SFTL Brochure designed for Students, Parents/Guardians, Interact Leaders, Guidance Counselors or others. I have also included a CCL Brochure to provide some idea of how significant the program opportunity is for Students.

Please ask your Student and their Parents or Guardians to complete the SFTL Student Application found at https://www.IsMyRotaryClub.org/App/?ID=147, which will then register in DACdb’s RYLA module as Applicant Entered.

ACTION REQUIRED: Don’t wait, recruit now. The deadline is April 11, 2025.

Coping with Change

Dr. Romy Cawood is a top rated psychologist and executive coach based in Charlotte, NC.  Dr. Cawood is transforming the way leaders and individuals navigate life’s toughest challenges. With a laser focus on communication, stress mastery, and navigating change, she empowers executives to thrive under pressure. In personal consultation she specializes in improving relationships, managing conflict, improving communication, and making pivotal decisions. Dr. Cawood doesn’t just offer guidance—she delivers game-changing insights that unlock potential and drive success. 

Last fall I addressed the topic of coping with the stress of that moment.  Once again, we are in a time of high stress, this time, due to rapid and unpredictable change that is affecting people economically, emotionally, and socially.   In my work with leaders in business a big focus of our work lately has been leading through a time of immense change, with a lot on the line. 

There are multiple healthy styles for dealing with change.  We all look to past, present and future as we deal with change:  We look to past experience to inform current behavior; we focus on taking in information that is of the moment; and we try to discern what is ahead of us.  However, we are quite different individually as to how much we look to the past, present, and future.  Some of us count heavily on past experience.  Some of us are great at taking in current information coming at us rapid fire.  And some of us have an uncanny ability to notice trends and project them forward.  I work with my clients to identify their strengths and weaknesses so that we can address blind spots.  Right now we all need all three skill sets to make effective decisions in a chaotic climate.

Here are some tips for coping with change:

1.  It may feel as if the change you are confronting is unlike anything you have lived before.  But chances are that you have used before the skills required of you today.  Take a moment to reflect on a time of change that you navigated effectively.  What worked?  How can you translate it to the current moment?

2.   We are being bombarded by information about rapid change right now.  Be deliberate about how you consume news.  Don’t scrolling absent-mindedly.  Consider turning off notifications.

3.   Beware of multitasking.  Although it can make you feel as if you are making efficient use of time, our brains need time to take in what we just learned.  Forcing the brain to move on to the next article, or problem impedes that process and can make us feel overwhelmed. 

4.  If you are in a leadership position at work, consider who on your team excels at dealing with past experience, present data, or future developments, and organize the team to make use of their skills.

5.   Our individual style for adapting to change morphs in predictable ways when we are under stress, though we do not always recognize it.  Take a moment to notice if you are “not your usual self” and slow down.  Slowing down is a powerful tool to improve your ability to analyze.                    

6.  Nurture your relationships.  Healthy relationships are a buffer and insulator for stress! 

For more resources on adapting to change:

Building your resilience

We all face trauma, adversity, and other stresses. Here’s a roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations, and emerging even stronger than before.

https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/building-your-resilience

Happiness: Adaptation to Change

The happiest people you will ever see are those who are adaptable to change.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meditation-modern-life/202208/happiness-adaptation-change

9 Trends That Will Shape Work in 2025 and Beyond

by Emily Rose McRae, Peter Aykens, Kaelyn Lowmaster and Jonah Shepp

https://hbr.org/2025/01/9-trends-that-will-shape-work-in-2025-and-bey

New Peace Center in Turkiye and a SURPRISE!

L-R: RYE Student Naisha Chandan, Divya Chandan, Kam Chandan, Kristen Eakes, RID Patrick Eakes, Ayşe Ergun	Kam and Divya with Rotary Peace Fellow Diego Carniero

RYE Student Naisha Chandan with Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick

Dinner with Naisha’s host families	Visit to local market with Naisha’s first host parents – Seçil and Durukan

My daughter Naisha is currently on a Rotary Youth Exchange program sponsored by District 7680, and is based in Ankara, hosted by D2430. Divya and I recently surprised her with a visit to Türkiye. It was an amazing experience to see her thriving in her new environment and embracing the rich Turkish culture. We also had the opportunity to explore the beautiful country, visit historical sites, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

In 2022-23, our District 7680 forged a partnership with D2430 through a Rotary Friendship Exchange program, and since then, we have also partnered in Global Grants. It was a truly memorable trip, and we are grateful for the chance to have shared this special moment with Naisha and her host families.

We traveled to the vibrant city of Istanbul to participate in the Rotary Peace Conference, where we had the opportunity to forge new friendships and reconnect with familiar faces. The conference, held from February 20-22, provided a platform for engaging in stimulating discussions, listening to motivational speakers, and networking with individuals from across the globe who shared our dedication to peace and conflict resolution. Among the attendees were the first 13 Rotary Peace Fellows at the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul. This center, the newest of Rotary’s seven global peace centers, offers peacebuilders based in the Middle East and North Africa the chance to earn professional development certificates in peace and development studies.

Read more about the conference.

D7680 Rotary Foundation Chair, Kam Chandan

Be the FIRST Rotary’s Promise Club in the Country

Clubs achieving 100-percent member support of the Endowment are eligible to be designated as a Rotary’s Promise Club. This support may be an outright gift to the Endowment of $1,000 or more, or a commitment to the Endowment of $1,000 or more. Click here to learn more.

Save the Date: District Grants Training

Saturday, March 22, 9 – 11AM (via Zoom)

Will your club apply for a District Grant for 2025-26?

Register for D7680 District Grants Training. Registration is available on DACDB Calendar under District Events. At least one member of your club (ideally 2+, preferably club leaders and those directly involved in the project) needs to attend grants training each year.

This year, we have more funding, due to increased giving by district members to The Rotary Foundation Annual (SHARE) Fund 3 years ago. Now is the time for clubs to start assessing needs, collaborating with partners, and planning project(s). Grant applications are due by June 15, 2025.  Applications will open in DACDB after district grant training. 

Did your club receive a District Grant in 2024-25?

Final reports are due by June 15, 2025, or within 2 months after a project is complete. Access your club’s grant application in DACDB to enter your Final Report under the Final Report tab. Update your funding, and expenses under the Budget tab. Upload project documents and photos under Documentation tab. Share your project with our District Grants Chair (Sharon Heinrich) and District PI/PR Chair (Mark Daniels). We want to help you tell your story and celebrate how your club is sharing the “Magic of Rotary”. 

If your club will not complete its project by June 15 as planned, notify the District Grants Chair by March 1 to discuss your situation. Grant funds that will not be spent by June 15 (without an approved alternate plan) need to be returned to the district by March 31.

For information about D7680’s District Grants, go to the “District Grants” module in DACDB (start at “Grants Overview”). You’ll find instructions on how to submit your grant application and final report, training slides and videos, links to Rotary International “Terms & Conditions”, MOU, Youth Protection requirements, Scholarship Best Practices, and helpful resources.

For questions, email [email protected] or contact the D7680 District Grants Subcommittee Chair (Sharon Heinrich).

Polio Update as of March 1, 2025

By Tom Smith, Polio Plus Chair

Progress is being made in the Polio Eradication Initiatives we support as Rotarians. Below are some recent updates and highlights.
In a significant boost to global polio eradication efforts, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed a US$ 500 million commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), during the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. The funds are critical to help end wild polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan and to stop outbreaks of variant polio. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment will help reach 370 million children annually with lifesaving polio vaccines. This pledge underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting the world’s most vulnerable children and contributing to a polio-free future.

• A five-day mass polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip successfully reached nearly 603 000 children under 10, marking a crucial step in containing an ongoing poliovirus outbreak. With improved access during the ceasefire, health workers vaccinated 40,000 more children than in previous rounds, ensuring broader protection for children previously unreachable. Led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health with support from WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, the campaign demonstrates the power of coordinated efforts in safeguarding children’s health amidst crises.

• At the beginning of February, GPEI and country partners successfully completed a nationwide immunization campaign in Pakistan, one of the last two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 45.4 million children under the age of 5 across 159 of the country’s 166 districts. More than 400 000 frontline workers went house to house to ensure every child was reached. This effort was critical to ensure every child is protected from polio’s devastating consequences.

Learn more about the strategies and collaborations that are driving this monumental effort
POLIO IN NUMBERS

Wild Poliovirus in 2025 (2024)*

Global Total:  4 (0) All in Pakistan

Circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus in 2025 (2024) *

Global Total: 0 (3)

*Data as of 28 February 2025. Numbers in brackets represent data at this time in 2024.

The District is supporting the efforts of Polio Eradication with donations to the Polio Plus Fund at the Rotary Foundation. Members and clubs by months end February have donated $69,098 towards our goal of $110,000. We have four months left to meet our goal and now is the time for every Rotarian to make a gift of some amount towards this worthy effort. I ask that the club’s officers set an example and encourage all members to donate. With your support we can reach our goal. There are 16 clubs with $0 giving year to date. All clubs should support this effort in some way, and I expect this number to decrease significantly by the next report.

The club leaders are:

1.  Charlotte                                      $16,560

2.  Meck South                                 $7,450

3.  Gastonia East                             $4,844

4.  Waxhaw Weddington               $3,965

5.  North Meck                                 $3,180

I will note that in small clubs that didn’t make the top 5, Matthews had $2,863 with 33 members, Taylorsville with 22 members had giving of $2560, and Statesville Fourth Creek had $2,245. You don’t have to be a big club to make a big impact.

Encourage members to join the Polio Plus Society and pledge $100 or more per year until we eradicate this disease. You can also Join our District Kennel Club through Paws for Polio and sponsor your pet for $100 and receive a bandana to be placed on the pet’s neck for a photo op. Please send photos.

I am available to make a presentation at your club if you desire. Please contact me at [email protected]

Now is the time to put all our effort into supporting the sole project of Rotary in eradicating Polio from the world. We promised over 30 years ago the children of the world that we would accomplish this goal, and Rotarians always keep their word. With your support we can make this a reality.

The District 7680 PolioPlus Society

Although the PolioPlus Society was rolled out on September 1^st of 2020, many Rotarians are still asking…”PolioPlus Society?  What’s that?” 

The PolioPlus Society is a group of individuals who are passionate about Rotary’s #1 Priority…the elimination of the poliovirus from the face of the earth. 

The PolioPlus Society, or PPS, operates much like the Paul Harris Society, whereby a Rotarian or friend makes a commitment to donate $1,000 per year or more to The Rotary Foundation.  Except the PolioPlus Society requires you to donate only a minimum of $100, and to continue to do so annually until the World Health Organization declares the world free of the poliovirus.

PolioPlus Society members will receive a special pin depicting a child receiving the two precious drops, an “End Polio Now” wristband to wear until polio is eliminated from the planet (Both depicted here) and a PolioPlus Certificate proclaiming your membership in this unique Society.  Plus the knowledge that you are doing good in the world and are in this fight to the end.  Joining the District 7680 Polio Plus Society is a two-step process:

Step #1 – Please fill out the below “commitment statement” and email to Polio Chair PDG Tom Smith at [email protected] or mail to 1840 Tanglebriar CT Matthews NC 28104

I hereby commit to making an annual donation to the PolioPlus Fund of The Rotary Foundation as follows (select one):

•        $100 USD per year (minimum amount to become a society member)

•        A contribution of $_______ per year to PolioPlus (more than $100)

I pledge to help Rotary make history by continuing to contribute the above amount each year until the World Health Organization certifies that polio has been fully eradicated because …Until the world is polio-free, every child is at risk.

Step #2 – To make your tax-deductible donation go to myrotary.org/donate , sign in and click on “Polio Fund”.  You can choose a one-time donation of $100 or more, or a recurring donation in the amount and frequency of your choice (We suggest $10/month as the “easy way” to become a PolioPlus Society member.)  Of course, you can also write a check payable to “The Rotary Foundation”, with PolioPlus in the memo section, and give to your club’s Foundation Chair.

Name__________________________________________Date_______

Email_________________________________

Club name_____________________________

Who Do You Know Who Could Benefit From Rotary? Invite Them.

It’s safe to say most of us have a variety of good quality friends, co-workers, acquaintances and neighbors we’ve never asked to a Rotary meeting or activity. I think the simplest way to think about who to invite is – could they benefit from Rotary, and could Rotary benefit from them? 

Inviting is highly personal. One person inviting one person at a time. It’s easy to do if you keep the Four Powerful Benefits of Rotary top of mind – relationships (with high quality members), service (both locally and worldwide), growth (both personal and professional), and learning (about the community and members). Many people you  know may NEED the connections in Rotary far more than you know. For some, yours may be the only invitation they will receive in their life!

Follow up is key. While someone from your club should follow up on your guest, you must do the same. 

And finally, if your guest joins, stick with them. Shepherd them through their Rotary journey, even if it requires you to learn more about Rotary yourself.  Asking how you can help them get the most out of Rotary may yield some surprising and rewarding answers. 

Inviting, follow up and shepherding are all acts of caring. People are drawn to places where people care, so be that caring person who starts with an invitation. 

Mike Walker

District Membership Chair

Please visit Rotary Zones 33/34 Public Image Resources for links to register for these two events! Up your Public Image skills by signing up for these events!!

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Rotary’s commitment to DEI is alive and well. In spite of some pushback from the private sector relative to the concept of DEI, Rotary International and DEI Advisory Council remain committed to the principles of DEI and what it can result in around having clubs that mirror our communities. We recently had an opportunity to celebrate one of our Committee members, Rockingham Rotary Club member Pastor Renee Bethea and her husband, James, as they received Paul Harris Fellow recognition in a ceremony hosted by the Rockingham Club. Congratulations to Pastor Bethea and James, and many thanks to President Kristi King for hosting us and Past President Katrina Chance for letting us know!

April 5^th — Spring Conference at Duke/UNC Rotary Peace Center (Rotarians welcome)

Join us April 5^th for a very special celebration for the Rotary Peace Center shared by Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, as 2^nd-year graduating Peace Fellows present their capstone work.

Two presenting Peace Fellows have D7680 connections. Aleksandra “Ola” Zaborowska from Poland, and Jacinta Bailey, from Australia. They both visited District 7680 to share in our Rotary Foundation Celebrations in 2025 and 2024. Read more about them below.

Many Rotarians value the connections they make with other Rotarians and Peace Fellowst at this annual event is always a highlight of my Rotary year. I’m inspired as I learn about the Peace Fellows’ work and commitment to peace-building in our world and how Rotary supports peace.  Each Peace Fellow brings their own unique experiences, interests, and skills. They show we all can grow peace in many different ways,” notes Sharon Heinrich.

Visit “Rotarypeacecenternc.org” to register for the event (in person or virtual), learn more about current Peace Fellows and alumni, and discover more about the Peace Center.

Rotary is looking for potential Peace Fellows. You may know a potential candidate who is contributing to peace. Applications are due by May 15 for studies at one of 8 Rotary Peace Centers, leading to a Master’s Degree or Professional Development Certificate. Contact PDG Luther Moore, see our February newsletter, or visit “Rotary.org” for more information.

Aleksandra “Ola” Zaborowska, from Poland, is in the Master’s program in International Development Policy at Duke University. She was matched to our District 7680 Endowment Fund at the Duke/UNC Rotary Peace Center, which current helps provide support for a new Peace Fellow entering every 4 years (and more often as the fund grows). Writing about her Applied Field Experience in the fall 2024 Peace Center newsletter, Alexandra wrote: “Think agriculture and water management don’t belong in a peace workers toolkit? Think again. These fields are essential for promoting environmental justice food security and equitable access to clean water and healthy food.” Speaking of her AFE internship, with NRDC last summer,  she explained, “This experience deepened my understanding of the intersection between policy and sustainability…. Agriculture and water management are more than technical disciplines — they are vital tools for advancing justice and sustainability. By addressing these issues, peace workers can help create a fairer and more resilient world.”

https://rotarypeacecenternc.org/fellow/aleksandra-zaborowska/

Jacinta Bailey, from Sydney, Australia, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. She matched with a family endowment supported by a Rotarian in our district. In a LinkedIn article earlier this spring, Jacinta wrote (shared here with permission):

“Being a Rotary International Peace Fellow at the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center has transformed not just how I think about peace, but how I listen and lead. Every day, I’m humbled and inspired by my global cohort – each person bringing their unique experiences of conflict, conflict transformation, and healing to our shared learning space.

From grassroots activists to medical doctors, our diverse backgrounds create a fertile ground of perspectives. Through deep dialogues with my Peace Fellow colleagues, I’ve learned that true peacebuilding isn’t just about finding common ground – it’s about embracing and learning from our differences.

This journey has reminded me that diversity is so much more than a political buzzword – it’s the cornerstone of effective peacebuilding. 

When we bring together different voices, life experiences, and approaches, we create more innovative and sustainable solutions to complex global challenges. My time here in North Carolina has made me a more empathetic leader and a better listener, reinforcing that inclusive spaces aren’t just nice to have – they’re essential for creating meaningful change.” 

https://rotarypeacecenternc.org/fellow/jacinta-bailey/

Peace Fellows – We need your help!

Did you know that informally, Peace is the oldest of our areas of focus? We can say that because we know that in the summer of 1914, during the Rotary International Convention in Houston, a resolution proposed by the Rotary Club of Hamilton, Ontario, which stated that the International Association of Rotary Clubs should “lend its influence to the maintenance of peace among the nations of the world,” was adopted, marking our early commitment to promoting global peace. Since that time, Rotary has been associated with peace efforts around the world, including during the recovery of the world in the aftermath of World War II.

Peace is hard work. We’ve seen how fragile it can be in even the most advanced countries and the presence of conflict in so many places around the world, means that we have much work to do. Rotary’s Peace Centers have produced 1,800 Peace Fellows since the inception of the program and these scholars are making a huge difference. They work in a variety of roles after completing the process, all of which are helping us to build a foundation for peace across our globe.

So what can YOU do to help us further develop our network of Peace Fellows?

You can help promote peace in the world by encouraging peace and development leaders in your community to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship.

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for peacebuilders from diverse backgrounds to study at one of our peace centers located at leading universities around the world. This year, we’ll select 50 peace fellows to study in our master’s degree programs at six partner universities in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States and 80 fellows to participate in our professional development certificate programs at Makerere University in Uganda and Bahçeşehir University in Türkiye.

Rotary Peace Fellows use their training to amplify their work at the local, regional, or global level. Together, we can advance peace by encouraging our local peacebuilders to learn about Rotary and apply for this unique fellowship.

Rotary and Rotaract members can help find candidates within their networks and community organizations. It’s easy to use our referral form so potential candidates can receive more information about applying.

More ways to promote the fellowship

Forward the fellowship application announcement to your contacts and include it in club and district communications.

Use our postcards for the master’s degree and professional development certificate programs to help promote the fellowships.

Gastonia East Rotary Club Donates $20,000 to Local Nonprofits

on Annual Day of Giving

Gastonia, NC – February 10, 2025 – The Gastonia East Rotary Club proudly celebrated its annual Day of Giving, awarding $20,000 in community grants to 17 nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving Gaston County. The funding comes directly from sponsorships of the Gastonia Concert Series, a partnership between the Rotary Club and the City of Gastonia.

Since its founding in 1970, the Gastonia East Rotary Club has been committed to service and community enrichment. Through initiatives like the Day of Giving, the club has donated more than $245,000 over the past decade to support organizations that make a real difference.

2025 Grant Recipients

The following organizations received grants this year, supporting programs in education, health, emergency services, and community outreach:

• Dream Center Academy: Provides mentorship, education, and leadership development for youth.
• New Hope Baptist Church-Gastonia Street Ministry: Offers meals, shelter, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Carolina Caring: Provides hospice and palliative care services to individuals with serious illnesses.
• Gastonia Firefighters Association: Supports local firefighters and their families through community outreach and assistance programs.
• Kintegra Health – HealthNet Gaston: Expands access to healthcare services for underserved communities in Gaston County.
• Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston: Offers a safe and supportive environment for young people to reach their full potential through various programs.
• Bit of Hope Ranch: Provides equine-assisted therapy and educational programs to promote healing and personal growth.
• Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry: Distributes food and essential items to individuals and families in need within the community.
• Scouting USA: Offers programs that prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
• Strong Like AK: Provides financial assistance, free temporary housing during life-saving treatments, and comforting support to those battling pediatric cancer.
• Conduit Carolinas: Serving Western North Carolina through Collection and Connection.
• Nita’s Silent Hands: Committed to transforming our world by mending the gap between the hearing and the deaf community.
• A Safe Place Empowerment Network: Provides support and resources to individuals overcoming substance abuse and addiction.
• Camp Sunshine: Provides respite, support, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys.
• Crowders Camps-Outreach: Provide an accessible camp experience that fosters growth mentally, socially, emotionally, and morally.
• Gaston Literacy Council: Offers programs to improve literacy skills among adults and children in Gaston County.
• The Woman In Pink: Dedicated to providing free wigs and head coverings in a supportive salon environment to women undergoing cancer treatment.

“The Gastonia East Rotary Club is honored to support these incredible organizations that work tirelessly to uplift our community,” said Jennifer Thomas, Club President. “Our Day of Giving would not be possible without the generosity of our concert series sponsors and the dedication of our club members who believe in ‘Service Above Self.’”

Ashe County Rotarian and

School Superintendent Dr. Eisa Cox singing for an ice day!

Click to play.

Pee Dee Area News – March 2025

The Wadesboro Rotary Club will host around 30 teams at their upcoming Sporting Clays Competition.  This is the 14th year for the competition which has become very successful with many sponsors from across the state and region.  The competition is held at Buchanan Shoals Hunting Club in Morven, NC.  This is a beautiful setting for the competition which will include approximately 12 different stations.  The tournament funds scholarships, community projects and a Youth Shooting Team. There is still time to offer sponsorships or enter a team for this year’s tournament.  Contact President Ashley Scarborough if you want more information at [email protected]

The Albemarle Rotary Club held their second annual Red Dress Gala on February 15th.  This raised funds for Gift of Life International.  Gift of Life was founded by Rotarians and provides opportunities for surgery and treatment for youth with congenital heart defects.  Over 100 participants enjoyed a night of music, dancing and great food.  Plans are underway for two more major events this year.  The annual Albemarle Rotary Club Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on June 2nd.  Funds raised from this event are used for scholarships for Stanly County high school students.  The other event is the 4th annual Race to Remember which raises money for Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust.  This is a 5K and 1 mile race in Albemarle and attracts around 100 participants each year.  Charles Brown, member of the Albemarle Club for 58 years was honored by the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce as the Stanly County Citizen of the Year at their awards presentation on March 6th. 

The West Stanly Rotary Club is receiving applications for their scholarship program which will be awarded in May.  Member James Baucom was installed as Chair of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce on March 6th and Member Dave Emrich was awarded Stanly County’s Small Business of the Year by the Stanly County Chamber for his restaurant, Emricci’s Pizzeria.  Emricci’s Pizzeria is located in Locust, just off NC24/27.

The Rockingham Rotary Club was pleased to have DG Kevin Kendrick visit in February and present Rev. Renee Bethea and her husband James with their Paul Harris Fellow awards. 

The year 2025 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Rotary Youth Exchange program as one of Rotary International’s official youth programs. Although the program started well before 1975, Rotary members, program volunteers, and alumni everywhere should be proud to celebrate the last fifty years as the program has grown and become a prime example of Rotary service worldwide for so many. Rotary Youth Exchange would not be possible without the essential work that volunteers—Rotary members or nonmembers alike—contribute year after year.

But how many volunteers does it take to run Rotary Youth Exchange? What kind of volunteers are necessary to ensure students complete thousands of exchanges every year safely and successfully? Let’s address both of those questions and showcase the scale of the massive volunteer effort that tens of thousands of adults contribute to Rotary Youth Exchange every year.

The following statistics represent the total data district program leaders have provided to Rotary International since 2018. No data was collected during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused an international hiatus for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 Rotary years.

Learn more – https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2025/02/20/by-the-numbers-50-years-of-service-in-rotary-youth-exchange/