I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the Rotarians and guests that attended the Fusion 5650 District Conference! It was inspiring to see all of the passionate Rotarians and guests come together to share ideas and experience to celebrate the Magic of Rotary. The excitement and enthusiasm you shared made the Fusion 5650 Conference an amazing experience for all!
During the two-day conference, we heard from inspirational speakers like Don Eckles, the Co-founder of Scooters, Greg Clark and Brenda Cochran with Hot Meals USA and we heard from President Stephanie Urchick’s Representative, PDG Lyle Staab who talked about the Rotary Vision and Action Plan. He touched on the importance of the Rotary Foundation, it’s A+ rating and why it is important for all Rotarians to support it and Polio Plus so we can continue to impact people worldwide.
We had clubs from our district share about great fundraisers and service projects that they do to have a strong impact in our communities. We had a great presentation by PDG Gary Bren on his efforts with the Polio Ride and our support in the district to eradicate Polio. DGN Gretchen Bren presented on the opportunities available for Rotarians to become future leaders by attending the Rotary Leadership Institute to further their knowledge of Rotary, our clubs and our district. In addition, District Membership Chair Jennifer Green presented with PDG Carol Horner on the importance of Innovative and Inclusive Membership in Rotary. Randy Bretz gave a very informative and inspiring presentation on reigniting Rotary’s power to bring people together.
We had a surprise visit from our Rotary Zone Public Image Coordinators Patrick Harrison and Amber Scarborough who came to us from Austin, TX and reminded us that Rotary is the #1 service organization on the planet and to ask ourselves “What is Our Why?” Do we know it? Can we communicate it? PUBLIC IMAGE IS EVERYTHING! When we think about membership, think about being innovators.
With all of the great content, we did find some time to enjoy ourselves Friday night with a social event featuring the Paul Harris and the Fellows Band. Thanks for donating your time and talents. Rotary Rocks!!
PDG Kathryn Schubert handed out Club Excellence Awards to the clubs that achieved at least 13 of the goals they set in Rotary’s four areas of focus:
- ENHANCE PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT
- INCREASE OUR IMPACT
- EXPAND OUR REACH
- INCREASE OUR ABILITY TO ADAPT
In addition, she recognized the Top Ten Clubs in our district for growing their membership, giving to Polio Plus and to the Rotary Foundation. And finally, we recognized Blake and Kathy Collingsworth with the Cadwallader Award.
I would like to thank the conference committee led by Chair James Mackiewicz and all of the volunteers for their efforts to bring us the best district conference! And finally, I would like to thank everyone who attended this year to help celebrate The Magic of Rotary!
Best District in Rotary!!
Tom
Tom Kerfoot, Rotary District 5650 Governor 2024-25
Yours in Rotary,
Tom Kerfoot, District Governor
Rotary District 5650
Omaha Suburban Rotary
tkerfoot5650@gmail.com