I wanted to share an article I came across: “Rotary International and Lions Clubs International Agree To Merge”
CHICAGO, Illinois - The world’s two largest service clubs have agreed to join forces and merge their membership as of July 1st. Rotary International’s Chicago President, Ron Burton, stated that the move will help to engage more people in service and change more lives than either organization could do on its own. Lions Clubs International President Barry Palmer agreed, noting that the new joint organization will have over 2.5 million members and expects that the union will encourage an increase of membership to over 3 million over the next 5 years. Both organizations were founded in Illinois, with Rotary founder Paul Harris in Chicago on February 23, 1905, and Lions founder Melvin Jones on June 7, 1917. "The birth of both international service clubs being so close in location, time and history", said Burton, "gives us even more in common and will ease the transition as we merge." The merger is expected to take place over a one year period. Lions and Rotary have agreed during the transition to use a modified logo and theme - WE SERVE ABOVE SELF.
A bit of surprising news, aye?
Well, thank goodness it was just an April Fool’s prank pulled by the Presidents of a Chicago based Rotary and Lions Club. They even went so far as to create a joint logo and posted this story on the Rotary District 5050 website. Very clever indeed. It is included here:
Now Rotary is serious about service, but I love that these two pranksters took a break to celebrate April Fools' Day and allow Rotarians to share a laugh before returning to their community projects.
I hope you will find a lighthearted moment or two and an opportunity for a good laugh this April Fool’s Day. Thank you for all the joy and happy moments I have been so privileged to share with you this Rotary Year and for all the good you do!
With Many Thanks,
Trudie
Race For Philanthropy Update for Rotarians
As we get closer to Race For Philanthropy, a quick reminder that if you are attending, we are generally assuming you will also be helping with a volunteer role during the evening. It takes a lot of people doing small jobs well to make the event work, and Rotary involvement is a big part of that.
Rotarians are encouraged to invite their significant other to attend. If your significant other is coming, we also would encourage them to also invite at least one couple or two individuals who would genuinely enjoy the evening and appreciate the purpose behind it — people who value community, generosity, and the kind of work our Foundation supports. The goal is simply to continue building the right audience, because who's there matters.
Everyone attending must register in advance by typing raceforphilanthropy.com/rsvp into a web browser exactly as shown. Please do not add “www.” before the address.
A few registration notes:
Significant others and their guests should register as “Host’s Guest”
Every Rotarian is listed on the host list by first initial and full last name
Significant others and their guests should select your name as their host
One small note: the host list is pulled directly from our Rotary database, so if the first initial you commonly use differs from what appears in Rotary records, please let Ross know so guests can find you easily when registering.
This simply helps us keep registrations organized and tied to the right host as they come in.
Thank you for helping make this a thoughtful, well-shaped evening that does real good for our community.
Happy Bucks (3/25)
Courtesy of Alacia Tarplay
Berry gave for his wife making it here this morning which is tough for her, kids have had an opportunity to go to school in Italy, and glad to see Chris back today.
