What is Rotary to Me

When I moved into the Mequon business community taking on the position of GM at Elite Sports Club in 2009, I wanted a connection to the community. Stan Smith approached me about joining Rotary but I wasn’t sure what the organization was all about. As he and others were getting to know me through meetings I attended, I slowly got more involved. I felt I was valued as a new Rotarian in this club and did not feel pressured into getting more involved. Unfortunately, I didn’t get as involved as quickly as I should have. It took me at least a year to join a committee. This was on me as I thought I could have been much more proactive in participating. And in delaying my involvement, I feel I missed a whole year of meaningful interaction.

As I soon discovered, service above self is a grounding experience where other leaders in the community are right there with you doing what it takes to get our service jobs done. You get to know them in another way where you feel more personally connected to them. They become more than just a connection when you are shoulder to shoulder dedicating time to a worthy cause.

My time being part of our Fundraising Committee has been very rewarding. Through, sometimes what can be a stressful responsibility, our committee has bonded and come together to produce a fun and successful annual event to raise money each year for what our club needs to contribute to both Rotary International and our community. This committee is now my favorite part of my Rotary experience.

Getting involved in Rotary has made me more connected as well as humbled to know I have this wonderful community in my life that cares so much about helping others as well as about me.

No matter where I land, I feel blessed to have had all the wonderful experiences in Rotary along with lifelong friends and believe that Rotary will continue to be a part of my life.