While in my day-to-day travels, I am often asked “What is Rotary?” to which my 10 second elevator speech is; “Rotary is a group of business and professional men and women who come together to help the community, both locally and globally.”

After being a part of this organization for the past 11 years, I am proud to call myself a Rotarian and even more proud to be President of such a tremendous organization that makes a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Rotary was founded by Paul Harris in 1904, not as a service club, but as a club for fellowship, a club where business men with high values and ethical standards could gather and foster friendships. It was out of this fellowship that Service came as a natural progression. Rotarians strive to live each day by what we call the 4 Way Test – Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to All Concerned? Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships? And, Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned? Can you imagine the world today if each head of nation, each head of business and each head of family would strive to live by this creed?

Rotary International and the local Rotary club enables us, as caring and concerned citizens to help the community in a variety of ways. One of our primary focuses is on the youth of Flagler County where our signature programs include; The Legacy Program at Princess Place where Rotarians mentor high school students, The Dictionary Program which gives dictionaries to every 3rd grade student, Senior Athlete of the Month honors a high school senior athlete for their academic achievements and The Rotary Wrestling Tournament.

A special project that we are very proud to have brought to the community is Fantasy Lights. Fantasy Lights, an animated light display that runs from December 1 thru the 30, will once again be a walking event at Central Park in Town Center. Members of our area schools, churches and other organizations will come together to put on performances and sell concessions throughout the event. This is a free event and has been co-sponsored by Palm Coast Holdings and the City of Palm Coast. All donations collected at this event go towards Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, which brings us to the global and international aspect of Rotary.
Rotary has partnered with the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and together has made a commitment to eradicate Polio. Polio continues to exist in just 4 countries of the world; India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. The last 1% is always the most challenging. So long as there remains one case of Polio, all of the children of the world must continue to receive vaccinations, at a cost of billions per year. Billions that could be put towards other health care issues.

Water, Health, Hunger and Literacy will continue to be another emphasis. Rotary allows us to help those closest to us and those in the farthest corner of the earth. Clean, disease free water continues to be a major concern world-wide, where 800 million people are without clean water and over 4,000 children die each day from water born disease. Proper sanitation and a simple bar of soap are out of reach to many. This year we will continue our partnership with our sister Rotary club in Pharidel, Philippines where we will continue to support advances in literacy, technology and a micro-loan project with which only $100 is needed to start a business and help buy or grow food for a family. This year we are taking our efforts in the Philippines to the next level by assisting them with a clean water project and by bringing Global Hand Washing Day on October 15 to the school children in a more remote outparcel.

Rotary International empowers each one of us individually and collectively to make a difference both locally and globally. Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, is much needed in the world in which we live and the community in which we call home.

Jeanette Loftus
President, Rotary Club of Flagler County