DACdb Login         Home         My Rotary         RI Zones 33-34         Public Image Resources

1400000
MEMBERS


MAKE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

With our growing community of 1.4 million members,
located around the world.

47000000
VOLUNTEER HOURS


WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

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

$333000000
DOLLARS INVESTED


WE FUND SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

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


Join Us


President's Message

By
Share:PermalinkEmail this Page

Dear Rotarians and Guests:

The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale, known as the "Downtown Rotary," was founded in 1922, 95 years ago. With 160 members, it is the oldest service organization in Broward County and largest club in our Rotary District. The original 13 charter members of the club believed service did not only apply to better business and professional conduct but to service for the betterment of humanity and fellowship in the everyday affairs of life.
 

It is a great honor to serve as the 95th President of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale, the largest club in our District 6990 - which covers Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties and the Grand Bahama Islands. The dynamic Rotarians of our club consistently "Make a Difference" and are considered to be Fort Lauderdale's backbone of civic service and leadership. Throughout its long history the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale has - and continues to make - a substantial impact in our community through service projects, vocational assistance and local charities. Internationally, we are focused on eradicating Polio along with many other humanitarian efforts such as distributing wheelchairs to those in need around the world and assisting the less fortunate with education and potable water.

Please join us at the Global Events Center in Downtown Fort Lauderdale for a Wednesday lunch meeting, or the evening social on the last Wednesday of every month. You will find engaging speakers, fellowship and learn about the passion for service that is shared among 1.2 million Rotarians in 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries who come together to create positive, lasting change in communities and around the world.

Jonathan Keith
2017 - 2018 President
Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale

Back to Stories List


JOIN US FOR LUNCH

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

JOIN US FOR LUNCH

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


JOIN US FOR LUNCH
Back To Top