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Rotarians invest approximately 47 million volunteer hours every year, into improving the lives of those around them

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Rotary awarded $333 million to global service initiatives throughout the 2020 pandemic


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Club President Letter 2022-23

Dear Rotarians and Friends of Rotary:

It is tremendous honor to be the 100th President of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale in our centennial year.  What a milestone! I am humbled to continue the legacy of those who came before me these past 100 years, and I am inspired by the over 1.5 million Rotary members worldwide we strive together with to uphold our mission of “Service Above Self.”

Last year’s International Rotary motto was “Serve to Change Lives.” It perfectly describes what we, as Rotarians, do every single day. This year’s theme is equally powerful: “Imagine Rotary.” Rotary International President Jennifer Jones – the first female rotary president ever – challenged members to “imagine the possibilities for change they can make to transform the world. Imagine a world where we get up each day knowing we can make a difference.” 
That’s a BIG challenge.  But by being a part of Rotary, you ARE transforming the world and making a difference. Through the community and international projects our club supports, we impact thousands of lives. And this year – our 100th – together we will continue to make a difference with …
  • Our Fundraising, which has awarded more than $3million in college and vocational scholarships to deserving area students
  • Our Generosity, which has enhanced the lives of thousands of children and families in our community through our Holiday Toy Drive, Little Library book donations, Thanksgiving Basket distribution, and donation drives for people experiencing homelessness or in need of food and other life essentials
  • Our “Rotary Cares” Projects, where we have painted, planted, rebuilt, and refurbished dozens of homes, non-profit facilities, and public spaces
  • Our Global Contributions, which provide wheelchairs, clean water, education, and emergency supplies around the world, and
  • Our Stop Polio Now support of Rotary International’s pledge to eradicate polio from the planet
At the end of the day, it’s the people that make a great club. YOU are all exceptional people of action. Working together, we CAN make the unimaginable happen. It may be …
  • One scholarship student at a time
  • One person who got the gift of mobility thanks to our wheelchair donations
  • One street or waterway at a time when we do neighborhood or beach clean ups
  • Or one child at a time when they get a hot meal or gift for the holiday
It ALL makes a difference, and all of YOU make it happen. I look forward to serving to change lives and to Imagine Rotary, together, as we begin our next 100 years.  

Jaye Abbate, Club President 2022-23
Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
 

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Dan Rizzi

2024-2025 Club President


Club President Letter 2024-25

Dear Rotarians and Friends of Rotary:

 

I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the role of your 102nd President for the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale. As we embark on this new year, I stand humbled by the legacy of our esteemed past presidents who, for over a century, have leveraged their knowledge and dedication to build a remarkable organization committed to service.

 

Rotary International’s Theme: The Magic of Rotary

 

This year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary,” compels us to consider the transformative power of our collective efforts. Imagine a world free from polio, with communities empowered to secure clean water, cultivate their own food, and connect via bridges that bring families and education closer. This, my fellow Rotarians, is the magic we create when we unite in service.

 

The Enduring Impact of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale

 

Locally, the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale has consistently embodied this spirit. Our enduring impact is evident in a multitude of initiatives, including:

 

  • Partnering with Challenge Air to provide transformative flight experiences for 84 children facing physical and mental challenges, with the invaluable support of 19 pilots, 160 volunteers, and generous sponsors.
  • Annually distributing hundreds of toys and gifts to brighten the holidays for underprivileged children and seniors.
  • Awarding over $3 million in scholarships to deserving students within the Fort Lauderdale school district.
  • Supporting the Wheelchair Foundation, fostering mobility for those in need.

 

Beyond Service, Building Community

 

We foster strong bonds within our club through:

 

  • Engaging monthly socials and happy hours, fostering connections and camaraderie.
  • Annual events like Thanksgiving baskets, Salvation Army bell ringing, and festive holiday and fall picnics that celebrate the joy of giving and shared experiences.
  • Disaster relief efforts whenever communities face hardship.

 

A Look Forward

 

While we celebrate our past achievements, we also embrace new initiatives designed to elevate our service and engagement. These include:

 

  • Weekly member introductions, fostering deeper connections within the club.
  • Inviting inspiring speakers from the business community to share their expertise.
  • Reintroducing the “Teacher of the Year” program, recognizing outstanding contributions within the educational sector.
  • Establishing a “Rotarians Honoring Rotarians” program, acknowledging the exceptional contributions of dedicated members throughout their years of service.

 

Invitation to Serve and Connect

 

The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale offers a unique space for individuals who seek to serve their community while forging meaningful connections. Our weekly meetings, held Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Global Event Center at First Baptist Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale, followed by a social gathering on the last Wednesday of the month at a local venue, provide the perfect opportunity to experience the magic firsthand.

 

We warmly invite you to join us as a guest. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Together, let’s continue to weave the magic of Rotary, one act of service at a time.

 

Sincerely,

 

Daniel Rizzi President 2024-2025
Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale

International Projects

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Volunteer With Us

As we begin our Rotary year, here is a quick reminder of the service projects we have on our schedule so far. We do not have exact dates for everything, but please keep these projects in mind and be on the lookout for more information. If you would like to help with any of these projects, please contact the chair directly. If you have ideas for new projects, please contact Kristin LaFleur or St. George Guardabassi.

  • Find Your Way Home – Jorg Hruschka – Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Holiday Toy Drive – Linda Cooke – October – December
  • Thanksgiving Baskets – Steve Botkin – November 23
  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing – Steve Botkin – December 7
  • Challenge Air – Dan Rizzi – January 2025

Rotarians In Action


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