Service Hero Initiative

Executive Summary

District 6900 Service Hero Project Submission

Alpharetta Rotary Club – Honoring Service Through Time, Talent, and Treasure

The Alpharetta Rotary Club implemented a year-long, multi-layered Service Hero initiative designed to provide measurable, sustained support to military personnel, veterans, first responders, and families of fallen officers within our community.

President Paul Slavik’s 2025/2026 vision committed the club to more than a ceremonial tribute. Instead, the club structured a comprehensive program that combined direct service, financial assistance, civic partnership, and public recognition. The initiative culminates with our Memorial Day Service on May 25, 2026.

Scope of Impact

Over the Rotary year, the club engaged in 13+ hands-on service events across multiple service sectors:

Military & USO Support

In partnership with the United Service Organizations, Rotarians conducted four lunch visits (Aug 7, Oct 2, Dec 4, 2025 and March 19, 2026), serving approximately 35–40 service members per visit.
Total Impact: ~140–160 traveling service members served
Investment: ~$2,000
Volunteer Participation: 4 Rotarians per visit

National Guard Lunch

On November 4, 2025, Rotarians served approximately 30 Soldiers at the National Guard Armory.
Investment: $461
Volunteer Participation: 7 Rotarians

American Legion Veteran Dinners

Two dinners (Aug 19, 2025 and Feb 7, 2026) served approximately 50 veterans each.
Investment: ~$200 + significant in-kind food donations
Volunteer Participation: 15+ Rotarians per event

Fire Station Engagements

Five meal deliveries (Aug 28, Oct 7, Nov 6, 2025; Feb 26, March 2, 2026) supported local firefighters.
Volunteer Participation: 6–10 Rotarians per event (with 7–10 staying to visit and engage)

Police & 911 Center Support

Two meals (Sept 3 and Dec 3, 2025) served approximately 40 officers and 911 operators across day and evening shifts.
Investment: ~$300
Volunteer Participation: ~10 Rotarians per event

Support for Fallen Officer Families

The club provided $1,000 each to three families who lost loved ones in the line of duty.
Total Direct Contribution: $3,000

Wreaths Across America Participation

The club proudly participated in Wreaths Across America, honoring deceased military members at our local cemetery. A short ceremony opened the event, after which Rotarians respectfully placed holiday wreaths on veteran's graves, spoke each individual's name aloud, and observed a moment of silence.

Investment: $510 (wreath purchase)

Volunteer Participation: 14 Rotarians plus 5 children of Rotarians 

Service Hero Recognition

The club granted honorary membership to the Police Chief and Fire Chief, formally recognizing them at club meetings on February 27 and March 6, 2026.

Memorial Day Public Recognition

The initiative culminates on May 25, 2026, with a Memorial Day Service at Alpharetta City Hall.

• Estimated 100+ active/retired service members, families, and community attendees

• Participation from the Mayor and most of City Council

• Approximately 30 Rotarians organizing and serving

Financial Stewardship (Budget)

Total direct financial commitment (excluding in-kind contributions):
Approximately $10,471

Funds were allocated directly to service hero needs or event costs, including a $4,000 Memorial Day Service budget covering tents, chairs, sound system, City Band, speaker, flags, flyers, water, and public promotion.

Public Image, Recognition & Rotary Visibility

We ensured strong visibility and organization for each Service Hero event through clear communication and public promotion. All projects were posted in ClubRunner with detailed descriptions and embedded volunteer sign-up links so Rotarians could easily commit to bringing food, serving, or visiting. Events were also featured on our club website to inform members and the broader community. Following each engagement, we shared photos and summaries on our website as well as on Facebook and Instagram to publicly recognize the service heroes we supported and highlight Rotary’s involvement. Each event was carefully coordinated in advance with designated contacts from the respective departments or organizations through phone calls, emails, and text communication to ensure smooth execution and meaningful partnership.

Measurable Outcomes

• 300+ service heroes directly impacted

• Over $10,000 invested in direct service

• Significant in-kind food donations

• Strong, repeated hands-on Rotarian participation

• Sustained engagement across the entire Rotary year

• Strengthened civic partnerships and community visibility

Why This Project Is Exemplary

This initiative demonstrates depth, sustainability, financial stewardship, hands-on engagement, and visible public impact. Rather than a single event, the Alpharetta Rotary Club created a replicable, year-long model of service that honors heroes not only in remembrance, but in relationship.

Through time, talent, and treasure, the club has strengthened morale, supported grieving families, elevated civic unity, and embodied Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self.