Dear Rotarians,

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."- Mahatma Gandhi 

This quote from Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as Mahatma (meaning a person regarded with reverence or loving respect) was a humanitarian who is revered the world over for his ethical and nonviolent philosophy of passive resistance and the promotion of civil rights and freedom.

Mahatma Gandhi’s words have been adopted by Rotary International to promote our mission of service above self. 

This past weekend I had the sincerest pleasure to see this beautiful belief put into action at Cigars, Bourbon and Benefactors (CBB), created, organized and hosted by our own President Elect Ross Bulla. This spectacular charitable event was founded to support the Lincoln County Child Advocacy Center, which assists children who have endured abuse to heal, be kids again and walk toward the beautiful life they so inherently deserve. 

This year Ross, Sherry Reinhardt and the selfless and loving LCCAC team and the CBB crew, sponsors, volunteers and our community and Rotary members who came out to support this event achieved the million-dollar mark of charitable funds raised since CBB’s establishment. It was truly a touching, heartening, and uplifting evening full of love, hope and dedication to the well-being of our wider community and that of our most vulnerable citizens, our children. 

Every action this weekend, from generous donations made to the thousands of simple selfless acts it took to set up and make such an inspiring and successful event happen so seamlessly, left me truly grateful to be in the presence of such care and dedication. 

It really was an evening where service and dedication to others was the highest and most beautiful purpose.

All this culminated on the very first day of November, a month of gratitude and giving. I am excited for what lies ahead. Many, many thanks to you Ross, Sherry, and all of you - our kind, selfless and giving Rotarians. 

Thank you,

Trudie