April 2, 2026
Griff Lynch was featured in the March/April 2026 issue of JAMES Magazine's "The 2026 Most Influential Issue," having been named this prestigious magazine's "Georgian of the Year."
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It was such an inspiring luncheon as we celebrated our club’s 75th anniversary on March 23rd. We collected so many memories, and I wanted to share a few more of these.
“George Ivey and Buddy Allen first tried to sponsor me, but the club’s hierarchy put a stop to it. One member even said a woman would join ‘over his dead body.’ He later changed his mind. Years later, Allen Oxford sponsored me, and after a long process, I joined in 1992. As president, George Ivey later put me on the path to leadership. It was a huge honor for me to be a Rotarian as my family had a lot of Rotarians - grandfather, father, two brothers and great uncle. I plan to remain a Rotarian until I become too feeble or die!” Julia Chabannes
“One memorable experience was my 1983 honeymoon, when my wife and I traveled to England and Belfast, Northern Ireland. As chairman of a Buckhead Rotary committee supporting a house in Belfast that brought Catholic and Protestant youth together, we visited to see its impact firsthand and meet those running it. Despite ongoing violence and bombings, and few tourists choosing Belfast at the time, it was a meaningful and unforgettable trip.” Ben Bowen
“I was on the Rotary club board when member Frank Stevenson made the first proposal for the Buckhead Rotary Foundation in the mid 1980’s. This took the club from selling Christmas trees once a year for fund raising to another level.” Sam Alston
“I have fond memories of all the visits with sister clubs around the world with my Buckhead Rotary friends.” Aadu Allpere
Our district is having a good year. Our overall foundation giving exceeded $1M due to Buckhead Rotary and the other club’s generosity in the region. We are leading our zone of 14 districts in polio giving and are currently 3rd in Annual Fund giving. As you know, our giving is built into our dues, however many members chose to give above and beyond the minimums and other giving is optional. Please reach out to our Treasurer, Radu Zernoveanu raduzer@gmail.com if you need any help on increasing your giving levels.
Our district is currently at 3,795 members, up 30 YTD. Buckhead Rotary is doing a great job of attracting new members with 19 new members this year alone and three more to be inducted in April. The district goal is 4,000 members by 2028. This goal considers the normal attrition rate that clubs experience for various reasons.
Come out and support our Pawsitivity Partnership with LifeLine's Healthy Pet event. Buckhead Rotary is the sponsor for this event! There will be 1,500+ pets and their people in attendance along with Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman.
This event provides the much needed vaccinations for dogs and cats as well as chipping and vouchers for spaying and neutering. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to engage with the animals as you help direct people, check them in, and assist with paperwork.
Come for an hour or stay for the entire time. Families and children of all ages are welcome to attend. LifeLine provides breakfast (bagels and donuts) and coffee plus lunch for all staff, volunteers, and event attendees.
Event Hours: 10 AM - 1 PM
Volunteer Shifts: Start at 6:30, 7:00, 8:15, and 8:45 AM (depending on the role) and last until the event ends (between 3-4 PM).
Where: Fulton County Airport (Charlie Brown Field)
3977 Aviation Circle NW, Atlanta, GA 30336
The biggest night of the year is almost here, the Buckhead Rotary Benefit, honoring Gary and Tia Stokan, is less than a month away!
This special evening is our only annual fundraiser, providing the critical funds that empower us to support all our club’s charitable efforts throughout the year.
If you plan to attend, you must register no later than Monday, April 6th at: https://buckheadrotary.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2026BuckheadRotaryFoundationBenefit/RegistrationTickets/tabid/1568572/Default.aspx
Please consider becoming a patron sponsor, we have two levels available, pick the one that is right for you: https://buckheadrotary.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2026BuckheadRotaryFoundationBenefit/Sponsorships/tabid/1568573/Default.aspx
or Scan the QR Code
Step into the flavors and charm of Northern Italy at an intimate evening gathering for members and their guests on Thursday, April 9, hosted at Karla Arriola’s home. This special event offers an exclusive, first-hand preview of one of the premier live auction items featured in our upcoming Foundation Benefit.
Members and their guests will be introduced to the Gems of Northern Italy luxury experience—an unforgettable journey through Lake Como, Valtellina, and the Swiss Alps. Come learn more about this one‑of‑a‑kind, all‑inclusive trip, while enjoying a guided wine tasting featuring selections from the Italian family’s own vineyard.
If you’ve ever dreamed of an extraordinary travel experience, this is your chance to learn what makes this trip truly one-of-a-kind before it goes to the auction block. Come savor exceptional wines, connect with fellow members, and discover what makes this experience such a special part of our upcoming Foundation Benefit live auction.
Space is limited, RSVP HERE! Salute!