I am looking forward to seeing over 200 of you at the District Conference on October 11. It will be a day filled with connections, insights, and inspiration.
One-quarter of the way through this Rotary year, we have a lot of momentum in the district – membership numbers are up, we have chartered a new Rotary club (the Left Hand Rotary Club), we have an active sponsorship committee that has attracted district sponsors, and the number of grant applications is higher than it was last year at this time.
I have visited 25 clubs in the district so far and attended numerous club anniversary celebrations, social events, and fundraisers. Energy and enthusiasm are high, and I feel inspired by seeing all of the good our members and clubs are doing in their communities. We truly are uniting for good in an impressive number of ways. Thank you to each and every one of you for all you do to bring good to the world.
World Polio Day is October 24, 2025. If you haven’t already planned an event for that day or for this month, I encourage you to consider doing so. Every dollar raised for Polio Plus is matched two to one by the Gates Foundation, which triples your donations.
Wishing you a colorful October.
Yours in Rotary, Cindy
REGISTER NOW - 2025 DISTRICT CONFERENCE
BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS | FUELING IMPACT
Saturday, October 11 | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
EPIC Campus, 190 E. Littleton Blvd, Littleton 80121
REGISTER NOW- only $50 per person/$10 Rotaract & Interact
Don't Miss Out! Join over 225 Rotarians for the District conference. Registration will close at midnight October 5th!
THE DISTRICT IS HERE FOR YOU
DG 2028-2029 NOMINATIONS - Who will be the next in line to serve as District Governor for 2028-2029? Could it be a member of your club? The District needs your assistance in identifying potential candidates.Click Here for the application process.
From Showing Up to Stepping Up Rotary thrives when members move from showing up to stepping up. Engagement is the first step—it builds connection and belonging. But empowerment is where the magic happens. Empowered members bring creativity, leadership, and passion that multiply our impact.
When members feel included and heard, they invest not just their time, but their talents and ideas. An engaged Rotarian shows up. An empowered Rotarian steps up. And that difference changes everything—for our clubs, our communities, and our future.
This month, ask your club: How can we help one more member cross the bridge from engagement to empowerment?
The keynote speakers include award winning author Charles Fishman, Gates Foundation Deputy director Najib Bateganya, Peter Gleick from the Pacific Institute, and entertainment from United Nations Leader AY Young. This is complemented by a strong group of speakers for the four breakout sessions. This Rotary event is an opportunity to learn about WASH systems and projects while connecting with internationally recognized WASH leaders.
GIRLS WITH BOOKS recognized Rotary District 5450 at their September event - the organization educates South Sudanese girls and young women to become peacebuilders and positive change-makers in South Sudan. DG Cindy Rold accepted the award on behalf of the District - others in attendance were PDG Tamie Fennell, DGE Cindy Chase, and Ray Stranske, GWB board chair and Denver Metro South Rotary member.
OUTBOUND YOUTH EXCHANGE SUTDENTS WANTED!All clubs are encouraged to recruit high school applicants to become Rotary International Exchange Students. This opportunity is open to ALL clubs and any qualified student in our District - Rotary relatives and general public. CLICK HERE to read more.
MARKETING IN A BOX - the District has FREE marketing materials that your club can use at your next event to educate the public about Rotary, including a pop-up tent, printed brochures, a table banner and more! CLICK HERE for more information!
FOLLOW THE DISTRICT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!
Follow the District's Facebook page to get up-to-date news and information about interesting things happening in our District and in Rotary around the world. Please follow us:https://www.facebook.com/District5450Rotary/
CLUB CONNECTIONS
Highlands Ranch members PDG Tamie Fennell, Shrin Murthy and Debby Doig met with the second fellow of the Rotary Club of Colorado Endowed Fellowship for Pediatric Mental Health at Children's Hospital of Colorado. Dr. Carly Kawanishi is another incredible human being. Her research focus is on teaching self-care, both for adolescents and care givers in the medical profession like herself. Click Here to read the full story and an update on the Fellowship.
Make sure to check out the CLUB EVENTS page and see all of the events happening around the District.
Post your story on your club's website or Facebook page and then send the link to office@rotary5450.org.Doing so will give your club more exposure - readers will see the story on your club's site, which will let them know more about your club and members.
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
FOUNDATION CLUB AWARDS
Boulder Flatirons Rotary Club – Certified as a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club effective August 21, 2025! Every member of Boulder Flatirons has become a Paul Harris Fellow — an incredible accomplishment and testament to their commitment to The Rotary Foundation.
Commerce City Rotary Club – The only club in District 5450 to have 100% participation in the PolioPlus Society! Each member has contributed at least $100 to help eradicate polio. We deeply appreciate their dedication and focus in supporting Rotary’s promise to end this terrible disease.
District Conference – October 11, 2025 - The District Foundation and Polio Committee will host two tables in the House of Friendship at our upcoming District Conference. Please stop by to say hello and bring any questions you may have about The Rotary Foundation. The conference will feature great speakers and many of our district leaders — we look forward to seeing you there!
ROTARY SCHOLARS - We’re excited to welcome Lynn Johnson from the Boulder Rotary Club as our new Rotary Scholars Chair! Lynn is currently accepting applications for this year’s Rotary Scholars.
Interviews: Now through the end of 2025
Award Announcement: January 2026
The Rotary Foundation and our clubs invest in future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships at the secondary, undergraduate, or graduate level — locally or abroad.
Scholarships can range from a six-week language program to a year or more of university study and should align with one or more of Rotary’s Areas of Focus:
Our District Grants and Global Grants are off to a great start this year! Funds are available now, so submit your project applications early to secure support. If your club hasn’t led a District Grant before, this is a wonderful opportunity to get started. District Grants:
Support community-based projects
Engage your members in hands-on service
Create opportunities to involve non-members and showcase Rotary’s impact
Plan Now for World Polio Day
If you haven’t already, now is the time to begin planning for World Polio Day. Consider ways your club can:
- Educate your community about polio and Rotary’s efforts to End Polio. - Advocate for polio survivors. - Fundraise for PolioPlus.
