What happens when people start moving toward something they believe in?
I've been thinking about that word lately — movement.
Movement is how we get from where we are to where we want to be. And when enough people begin moving in the same direction, something else happens.
We create momentum.
Forty-one years ago, Rotary made an extraordinary promise: to protect the children of the world from polio. It was an enormous idea. Some probably wondered if it was even possible.
But Rotarians started moving.
They raised money. They built partnerships. They traveled to communities around the world. They rolled up their sleeves. They administered vaccines. They advocated with governments. And they kept going.
One person became thousands. Thousands became millions.
And a movement gained momentum.
Since Rotary launched PolioPlus in 1985, Rotary has helped immunize 3 billion children against polio. Working alongside our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the incidence of polio worldwide has been reduced by more than 99.9 percent.
Think about what those numbers really mean.
Behind them are children who were given the opportunity to move — to run, play, dance, go to school, work, raise families and live without the paralysis that polio can cause.
Perhaps that is one of Rotary's greatest legacies.
But there is another legacy we don't talk about quite as often.
The infrastructure built to fight polio — trained health workers, laboratories, disease surveillance, vaccination networks and even systems that test wastewater for signs of poliovirus — has strengthened the world's ability to identify and respond to other diseases as well. Our movement created momentum far beyond polio.
And now it's our turn to keep it moving.
On World Polio Day, Saturday, October 24, our District Polio Committee is hosting a Cornhole Tournament, and I'm issuing a challenge to every club in District 5450:
Show up in some way.
Grab some teammates and claim one of the 16 team spots.
Come cheer on another club — perhaps with a little friendly Rotary rivalry!
Can't play? Come for the fellowship.
Can't attend? Make a donation to PolioPlus.
The point isn't really cornhole.
The point is that 41 years ago, Rotarians decided to start moving toward something that seemed almost impossible.
They didn't stop.
Neither should we.
Let's keep the momentum going — together.
I'll see you at the cornhole boards!
With gratitude,
Cindy Chase District Governor 2026–2027 Rotary District 5450
2026 DISTRICT CONFERENCE
STARSHIP 5450 | REACH FOR THE STARS
Saturday, December 5 | 8:30 am to 5:00 pm 2026 District Conference - REGISTER NOW! Colorado School of Mines Green Center, Golden CO
Bigger Vision → Greater Impact → Together
Keynote Speaker: PR expert Erich Kirshner, Media Specialist at Colorado School of Mines, explores how public relations, social media and AI can help Rotary clubs tell their stories, reach new audiences and grow.
THE DISTRICT IS HERE FOR YOU
MEET YOUR FELLOW CLUB MEMBERSHIP LEADERSat the in-person Huddle Up! Members Caring for Members
Saturday, October 10 - 8:30 to Noon Front Range Community College, Westminster, CO
Discover ideas, tools & approaches that make membership & club experience stronger. Practice new approaches, share what's working & learn from fellow leaders. Take it back to the club - leave with something you can actually use. REGISTER NOW!
Help Us Share the Impact of District 5450! Join the District Marketing, PR, Promotions and Public Image Committee and help shine a light on the incredible people and projects throughout our district. This is a fun, low-time-commitment opportunity to use your ideas or skills to make a meaningful impact. And we invite you to contribute in the ways that work best for you. For more information, please contact Mindy Hanson. RotaryMindy@Rotary5450.org or 303-870-1321
The keynote speakers include award winning author Seth Seigal, Jean-Philippe Debus, Global Lead of WASH and Environment, Catholic Relief Services, Jane Mulumba, Country Director , IRC-Uganda, and Erica Gwynn, WASH Area of Focus with Rotary International. 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. Early registration lasts until October 6th. Click here for the event flyer.
DISTRICT 5450 RECOGNITION AT THE 2026 ZONE INSTITUTE
Congratulations to our district and all of our members for being recognized as #1 in Zone 26 for the number of Paul Harris Society members and #3 in Zone 26 for Polio Plus Giving for the 2025-2026 Rotary year.
JOIN OUR FIRST ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE TO SLOVENIA | May 30 – June 6, 2027 ** Space for 6 District 5450 Rotarians (family members welcome) Click Here for full details.
District 5450 is heading to Slovenia! Our first Rotary Friendship Exchange with our Intercountry Committee (ICC) partner country will develop lasting friendship with Slovenian Rotarians in District 1912 with homestays, planned project discussions, and sightseeing in beautiful Slovenia.
ROTARY CONVENTION JUNE 26-30, 2027: BARCELONA, SPAIN at the Fira de Barcelona | Registration is now open. Additional convention information can be found on the Rotary Convention website. You might consider looking at hotel rooms/Airbnb's now before rates go up!
CLUB CONNECTIONS
JIM BROOK TIRELESS ROTARIAN AWARD (Sponsored by the Summit County Rotary Club) It is with great pleasure that the Summit County Rotary Club announces the winner of the annual Jim Brook Tireless Rotarian Award: Steve Werner, Denver Southeast Rotary Club. Steve’s tireless work, his support of his fellow club members, his many contributions to District 5450, as well as his dedication to our shared mission of Service Above Self, continue to make Rotary stronger every day. Congratulations Steve!
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
The Rotary Foundation — Every Club & Every Gift Matters
The chart below shows District 5450 Foundation giving results through September and our goals for the 2026–27 Rotary year.
We have made a good start, but we have some work to do. Through September, District 5450 Rotarians have contributed $117,511 to the Annual Fund, representing 29.2% of our $402,950 annual goal. We currently have 10 clubs that have not yet contributed to the Annual Fund.
Our PolioPlus giving is ahead of the Annual Fund pace, with $73,846 raised toward our $137,650 goal — 53.6% of goal. However, 18 clubs have not yet made a PolioPlus contribution this Rotary year.
We would love to see every District 5450 club participate. If your club has not yet made its Annual Fund or PolioPlus contribution, please consider doing so. Every gift, regardless of size, helps Rotary continue doing good in our communities and around the world.
We also have opportunities to grow our participation in Benefactor and Bequest Society giving. Planned and legacy gifts are an important way Rotarians can help ensure that The Rotary Foundation's work continues for generations to come.
Thank you to every Rotarian and every club that has already contributed. Together, we can reach our goals and continue to increase District 5450's impact.
Our Rotary Scholar Philip Postek Is Off to Barcelona!
We are excited to share an update from Rotary Scholar Philip Postek as he begins his studies and Rotary experience in Spain.
Philip recently received his student visa and is headed to Barcelona, where he will begin classes shortly after his arrival.
Rotary is already making Philip feel welcome. Felipe Rodriguez, a member of Philip's host Rotary Club, has offered to meet him at the airport. Philip also plans to attend a meeting of his host Rotary Club soon after settling in.
Philip's experience is a wonderful example of what The Rotary Foundation makes possible. Our scholars have the opportunity not only to further their education, but also to build international friendships, experience other cultures, and serve as ambassadors for Rotary and our District.
Safe travels, Philip! We look forward to following your journey and sharing updates throughout the year.
Rotary Night at the Opera!
Looking for another great opportunity to enjoy fellowship with Rotarians from across the District? Join us for a very special Rotary Night at the Opera featuring Opera Colorado's presentation ofVerdi's Macbeth.
Friday, November 13, 2026 — 7:30 p.m. Ellie Caulkins Opera House 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO
This is more than a night at the opera. Ten percent of ticket sales will go to The Rotary Foundation, helping support Rotary's humanitarian work around the world.
Rotarians are invited to arrive an hour before the performance for fellowship or attend the 6:30 p.m. pre-performance lecture. A complimentary champagne toast will also be available in the Opera Colorado donor lounge during intermission.
Invite your spouse, family, friends, and fellow Rotarians and make it a memorable evening of Opera • Fellowship • Service. Register Now
SAVE THE DATE: District 5450 Foundation Dinner
Saturday, February 6, 2027
It's not too early to mark your calendar!
Please plan to join Rotarians from throughout District 5450 for our annual Foundation Dinner on Saturday, February 6.
This will be a special evening celebrating The Rotary Foundation, the accomplishments of our clubs, and the tremendous impact Rotarians are making both here at home and around the world.More information coming soon!
Together, We Make a Difference
Whether we are welcoming a Rotary Scholar halfway around the world, tossing a corn hole bag to help eradicate polio, gathering for fellowship at the opera, or supporting The Rotary Foundation through our individual and club giving, every Rotarian plays a part.
Thank you for everything you do for Rotary and for your continued commitment to Service Above Self.
