We are 22 days away from our next opportunity to connect in person!  This Rotary year has continued to be one of adapting to the uncertainty of what's next with the pandemic.  What has not changed, what is certain is our vision that together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.  While I love that technology has allowed us to stay connected and be flexible to meet differing needs, I truly look forward to our Jolly Holiday - celebrating our progress, exchanging ideas, having fun and fellowship with you in person! Conference co-chairs PDG Court and PAG Stephanie have created a “practically perfect” event of learning, sharing, recognition and fun.  Read all about the Conference below and be sure to register!

As we get ready to meet in Sandestin, there's work to do and a lot to celebrate:

• In the spirit of Rotary International's April focus on Maternal and Child Health, we continue to support relief efforts for families from Ukraine - providing equipment and supplies through FODAC and Buckhead Rotary's personal connection to Moldovan and Romanian Rotarians, dollars we are collecting as dollars to send to Ukraine and the countries supporting refugees, support for Shelter Box and contributions to the Rotary Foundation. 
• We are also encouraging contributions to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund and to the Polio Plus campaign. In mid-March, 56 clubs had contributed $486,000 to the Annual Fund and 35 clubs had contributed $112,000 to End Polio Now. This is below our annual norms, but we still have a few months to make up the difference. This is important because 50% of the contributions to the Annual Fund come back to the District in three years to support the good work we do, and because ending Polio is Rotary's #1 goal.
• When I look at service in Rotary Club Central, we're doing a lot - and I'm sure there is lots more to be seen. As of mid-March, only 18 of our 68 clubs have reported completed Service Projects in Rotary Club Central that accounted for 3,755 volunteers, 20,217 hours of service and $463,476 in investments.  Please report your service activities as this is one way we can show our impact.  
• We are expanding our reach!  We have grown by 47 members as of April 1, and 38 clubs have more members now than at July 1.  Thanks for being intentional about expanding our reach – grow more to do more!  See the report "What the Numbers Show" later in the newsletter for more detail.

 I look forward to seeing how the rest of our year unfolds. Continue to work on membership, Foundation giving and service that makes a difference - and let us know what you're doing. See you in Sandestin!