Rotary International
Service Above Itself

I am a proud Rotarian since 1996. We are part of 33,000 worldwide Rotary Clubs in over 200 countries across the globe, with more than 1.2M members. Our local club is made up of 150 individuals from varied business and professional backgrounds who share a passion for serving our community and enjoying friendship that develop from working side by side in service. We meet weekly for lunch and an interesting program that helps keep us informed and educated about our community, about Rotary and other educational programs.

Our club, the Overland Park Rotary Club is most known for our annual Star Spangled Spectacular, a July 4 fireworks display that raises money each year for local charities. Our event is the largest, free, family-oriented July 4 festivals in the Midwest, with estimated attendance of over 50,000 people every year.

Additionally, our local club participates each year in other events for the benefit of children and our communities. We sponsor a Youth Leadership Institute - a week-long leadership retreat for high school students each summer, food drives, book drives, social events, grants to local charities, support for national disasters and involvement in international service. These all combine to make Overland Park Rotary one of the most worthwhile service organizations around.

Among Rotary International's significant contribution to humanity is Polio Plus. We are the volunteer arm and top private sector contributor in the polio eradication initiative, Rotary has contributed more than $900 million and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries. While most of the world is polio-free, it still threatens children in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

I had the privilege to serve as Club President in 2006, and currently serve on the Board of Trustees of our Foundation, and chair of the July 4th marketing committee.

I would be happy to talk to you further about getting involved in Rotary in your community. In the meantime, check out this video about Rotary International:
http:// www.rotary.org/en/aboutus/pages/ridefault.aspx