District Newsletter

Expanding Our Reach

RI President Stephanie Visits Atlanta

By Gordon Owens

It's rare for a sitting Rotary International President to visit our district, but on Monday, July 29 we had the honor of spending the day with RIP Stephanie Urchick at the Atlanta Rotary Club. The club had a packed schedule for her that included meeting with their senior leadership, learning more about the Early Childhood Champions program, speaking at their club meeting and recording a podcast. The highlight of the day was a reception before lunch that included club presidents from around our district.
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District Rotary Foundation Committee

Meet The Team

By Bob Hagan

The district designated funds we receive from our Rotary Foundation are the life blood of the impact our clubs have in their communities and around the world. Based on Rotarians generously giving to our Rotary Foundation a few years ago, our district has been granted $345,779 to use for global grants, peace fellowships, scholarships and district grants this year. The group tasked with managing these funds and raising future funding is the District Rotary Foundation Committee. I was honored to be nominated by our DG, DGE and DGN to serve as the chair of this committee and look forward to helping our clubs maximize every opportunity to do good in the world through our Rotary Foundation. We have assembled a great team
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Magic of Rotary

What Would You Do With A Magic Wand?

By Gordon Owens

I have been asking clubs during my visits, "If you had a magic wand and could do anything to help your community, what would it be?" So far, early childhood education is the common theme with literacy being the primary focus. I've heard statements like, "I would make sure every child could read before they start school" from several clubs. I encourage you to think about this question and dream big! There isn't a thing we can think of that a group of dedicated Rotarians can't turn into reality in your community. Let's show them the Magic of Rotary.
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District Awards

District & Club Scoreboards

By Gordon Owens

While we may focus on an issue like mental health last year or spreading the idea of peace through peace poles this year, the goals for Rotary remain consistent year over year; growing your club's impact by adding new members, giving more to our annual fund to increase our capacity to do good around the world and have every Rotarian contribute to Rotary's effort to end polio. With the help or our district webmaster, Alec Smythe, we have created a district & club scoreboard that tracks how each club is doing on these three goals in comparison to the other clubs in their same category. Every month in the footer of the newsletter we will include a leaderboard that shows the top clubs. We encourage you to check out your club's scoreboard on our district website.
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District Grants

Don't Spend It Until You Get It

By Kay Williamson

We have requested our District Designated Funds from our Rotary Foundation which will fund the community and competitive grants in our district and we expect to receive that funding this month. As a reminder, do not start to spend any money associated with district grants until you receive a check from us. 
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RotaVette.com

The Race To 1000 Tickets

By Will Daniel

We've sold the first 100 tickets for the RotaVette Raffle! When we sell 1000 tickets we are guaranteed to give away a Corvette C8 or $50,000 to one lucky winner. Be sure to get your tickets early and often as there are only 3000 available. Click to purchase 1 entry for $100 or get 6 entries for $500. All the proceeds from the raffle go to our Rotary Foundation so it's a win-win.
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MAP Webinar - August 12 | 5:30PM

Improving The Member Experience

By Dave Schwickerath

RIP Stephanie has challenged all the clubs around the world to make the membership experience, Simply Irresistible. If you want to learn more about how to improve your club's membership experience join the next Membership Action Plan webinar on Monday, August 12 at 5:30PM. Here from Rotary leaders about how they have taken their own club's membership experience from good to great and how that translates into membership growth. An awesome experience is key to keeping existing members engaged and welcoming new members into the family of Rotary. Register on DACdb.
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Global Grants

Let's Talk About Your Project

By Olga Narvaez

Does your club have an idea for a new global grant project? Let's talk! Our first chat will help your club summarize the grant project and consider what to include in your project budget. Our District Rotary Foundation Committee reviews these project summaries and budgets as it considers how to allocate the District Designated Funds (DDF) we have available from our Rotary Foundation. If your project is ready to go, then submit a summary of the project and budget estimate to me by August 30, 2024 so we can review all of the projects and allocate available funds accordingly. The Global Grant application process can be intimidating but I am here to help clubs make sure their grant project checks all the right boxes. Let's go do some good in the world together! [more]

PolioPickem.com

Who Will Win Our First Pool

By Gordon Owens

The Olympics have started and so has our first Polio Pick'em game. Based on the number of entries purchased we have a pool of $250 to give away to one lucky winner and the other half of the money will go to support Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio. As the medal counts get updated, keep an eye on our district Facebook page for updates on who's leading the Polio Pick'em Olympics. 
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Public Image

Templates For Monthly Themes

By Mandy Timmons

Our zone public image team has created a template tool that helps you spread the word about Rotary's monthly theme's. These are easy to use and setup to meet Rotary's brand standards. Just make one for your club and share the theme on your social media accounts. This is a great way to show your audience the impact Rotary has around the world in our 7 areas of focus. Visit http://elevaterotaryzones3334.org/Design-Template-App/ to create these for your club.
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Member Engagement

It tastes good to be a North Cobb Rotarian!

By Nancy Prochaska

The Rotary Club of North Cobb has 110 members, 27 of whom were born outside of the US, or are married to someone born outside the US! Our club's international flavor is strong and beautifully helps create the "Magic of Rotary!" We celebrated with an International Potluck Social, where all members were asked to bring a dish representing their heritage. We enjoyed favorite dishes from Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, Ireland, England, and many other countries, plus some American fried chicken and apple pie. YUM! It tastes good to be a North Cobb Rotarian!
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International Convention 2025

Exciting Times Ahead: Join Us in Calgary!

By Steve Ivory

The Rotary International Convention is set to take place in the vibrant city of Calgary, Canada, from June 21 to June 25, 2025. This annual event brings together Rotarians from around the globe to share ideas, engage in impactful discussions, and celebrate the achievements of Rotary clubs worldwide. Read on for more information about Early Bird registration and accommodations.
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Laws of Life Essay Contest

Double Your Sponsorship For Free

By Carol Gray Walker

We are thrilled to announce a matching program from the John Templeton Foundation, available until October 1st. This means every dollar raised - up to $60,000 will be doubled, making your club's sponsorship go twice as far in supporting the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest.The Contest has made a tremendous impact on the lives of over 840,000 Georgia teens. For twenty-five years your dedication to fostering strong character and ethical literacy in our youth is unparalleled. Now, more than ever, we need to stand together to continue this vital work. Please make your sponsorship contribution before September 15th and help us Meet Our Match!
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GRSP News

GRSP Conclave Slated Aug. 23-25 in Columbus

By Katheryne Fields

Rotarians and guests are invited to Conclave to welcome the Georgia Rotary Student Program Class of 2024-25 in Columbus August 23-25, 2024. Conclave is hosted this year by District 6900 and under the direction of the Rotary Clubs of Columbus, Muscogee-Columbus and North Columbus. Conclave is the kickoff event for GRSP and allows the international college scholarship students to interact with one another as well as Georgia Rotarians. Students, trustees, officers and host families will participate in important informational sessions beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center and throughout the day on Saturday.

Registration is still open for Conclave, please visit the GRSP Calendar at https://grsp.org/calendar-of-events/ [more]

An Innovative Approach To Literacy

Emerging Technology Supports One Of Rotary's 7 Areas Of Focus

By David Cochran

In alignment with Rotary’s mission to create lasting change, we are excited to introduce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming literacy across the globe. Utilizing the innovative Kibeam Reading System, this program leverages emerging technology to foster a love of reading in children, enhance literacy rates, and empower communities. Through the collaborative efforts of Rotary members and clubs, we are lighting the path to a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to prosper.
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Club News

Rotarian of the Year Fernando Duenas Makes a Difference

By Patti Kadkhodaian

Every so often you get to cross paths with an extraordinary person. A member for less than two years and a retired executive of FedEx, Fernando Duenas has attended every service project, every social and every lunch meeting. As a recipient of the 2023 Rookie of the Year award as well as 2024 Rotarian of the Year award, there is no question about his dedication to Rotary.At the Peachtree City 4th of July parade, consisting of 20 Rotarians and their families, made a memorable impression.

In addition to the meticulous planning, stunning decorations, and perfect weather, Fernando had a touching encounter with a young parade spectator. When Fernando ran out of candy but offered an American flag to a little girl, she graciously accepted and even presented him with a beautifully crafted Independence Day drawing as a token of her appreciation. Moved by the girl's kindness, Fernando reflected on the emotional impact of the gesture, emphasizing how heartwarming and special the moment was for him. [more]

Club News

Run with Vinings Cumberland on August 10

By Thomas House

The Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club is gearing up for the much-anticipated Vinings Downhill 5K Run for the Kids. For nearly thirty years, this event has been a beloved tradition and a highlight in the Atlanta running community. What started as a simple race has blossomed into a fun-filled family event, now featuring a Kids 1K race and a Doggie Dash. This year's race takes place August 10 at the top of Vinings Mountain.
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Club News

Griffin Daybreak Helps Provide Food for Kids and Seniors

By Debby Daniel-Bryant

The Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club President Dylan Blasingame was happy to start off the new Rotary year by presenting checks to Backpack Food for Kids Program Coordinator Trebony Dillard (center) and Senior Center Nutrition Supervisor (Meals on Wheels) DC Carter (right).
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Club News

LaGrange Leads March into New Year

By Jeff Wright

The Rotary Club of LaGrange was proud to begin the new 2024-2025 Rotary year with our first service project on July 6. Each year LaGrange Rotarians serve as parade marshalls for the Annual Sweet Land of Liberty 4th of July Parade which is now hosted by the Junior Service League of LaGrange. The LaGrange parade is unique in that only children march in the procession. The parade is now in its 40th year and LaGrange Rotarians are proud to march along with the children ensuring their safety along the route.
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Club News

Paulding County Supports CAYA Summer Lunch Program

By Roy Strickland

The Rotary Club of Paulding County has donated $10,000 to CAYA's Summer Lunch Program. The program has provided individual lunches to needy children in the County each weekday, Monday through Friday throughout the nine-week summer break from school. More than 27,000 meals were delivered to the children by the end of July. Paulding County Rotary helps make that possible not just with donations but also with volunteer service. 
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Club News

Peachtree City Helps Harvest for Real Life

By Mandy Timmons

Established in 2011, the Harvest for Real Life Fruit Orchard is a vibrant haven with blueberry bushes, blackberry vines, grape vines, peach trees, apple trees, pomegranate bushes, plum trees, fig trees, pear trees, and persimmon trees.  The Rotary Club of Peachtree City recently participated in the U-Pick 4 Others program - a FUN and FREE activity for families and groups who want to make a difference in their community. All produce goes directly to the families of the Real Life Center, distributed weekly through their Market. Fresh, nutritious food can be hard to come by on a limited budget, making the Orchard and Garden (and the volunteer work this morning) a true blessing to those in our local community!
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Club News

Roswell Rotary After Hours Raises Nearly $5,000 at Annual Comedy Show

By Kathryn Igou

After Hours, Roswell Rotary Club's young professionals satellite club, recently held their second annual Comedy for a Cause fundraiser. … [more]

Club News

North Fulton Provides Back-to-School Supplies

By Lisa Gelber

To start off the new year, the Rotary Club of North Fulton supported North Fulton Community Charities in their back-to-school supply drive for needy families in the North Fulton Community. More than 450 families registered to participate in this program, so the backpacks and supplies we provided and organized were definitely needed. Our club believes every child deserves to have the things they need to start the new school year!
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Club News

Dunwoody Creates Augello People of Action Award

By Jackie Cuthbert

At its year-end gathering, the Rotary Club of Dunwoody presented its first annual Augello People of Action Award to Anita and Charlie Augello award. We honored Rotarian Charlie and Honorary Rotarian Anita for their never-ending support of people. Their work extends to Alzheimers, the USO, the students at Kingsley Elementary School and so much more.
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Club News

Being a North Cobb Rotarian Tastes Good Volume 2!

By Ada Wikina

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Club Fundraiser

Join Peachtree City for Evening of Elegance and Entertainment!

By Mandy Timmons

Join the Rotary Club of Peachtree City for Bourbon and Bow Ties, Pinot and Pearls on Thursday, October 17, 2024 in the Central Plaza at Trilith. Indulge in an unforgettable night of glamour and goodwill at the Rotary Club of Peachtree City's exclusive fundraiser! Whether you're celebrating with friends, a loved one, or colleagues, this event promises an evening of fine dining, live music, and top-tier spirits.

Proceeds from the event support local charitable initiatives and community projects led by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City. Read more about the event and how to get your tickets now! [more]

District Newsletter Update

August 25 Newsletter Deadline: Share the Magic

By Jackie Cuthbert

Keep the stories about the magic of what's happening in your clubs going for September; articles received by August 25 will be included! We hope you will share the ways you are serving your communities and the world, the youth programs you support, your strategies for membership and fellowship and more! We will publish the newsletter on the … [more]