Energy is high in our district! We had the highest turnout since the pandemic for the District Conference, the highest turnout ever for the WASH Symposium, and the highest number of D5450 Rotarians attending the Big West Zone Institute. We are truly carrying out the RI President’s message of Unite for Good! Each event provided an opportunity for fellowship, connection, and inspiration. People returned energized and inspired to fuel even more impact.
Our members and clubs do extraordinary things all the time, but there are two stories to highlight this month that show Rotary in action and responding very quickly to the needs of others.
When the Northglenn/Thornton Club heard that SNAP benefits were not going to be available on November 1, they talked to the food banks they work with regularly and asked about their needs. All said they could use cash, which would amplify their buying power. In less than one week, the club committed $8,000, $2,000 to each of 4 food banks in their area and presented the checks at a club meeting. The recipients were extremely grateful and shared the stories of hunger happening in their communities.
When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch realized that solar chargers would be needed. The club already provides pocket-sized cell phone chargers to Ukraine. The club quickly pivoted its efforts to Jamaica and got in touch with Rotarians there to distribute the chargers.
These stories, and many others like them that happen around the world every day, fill my heart as I feel the impact we Rotarians have on people’s lives, whether it’s our neighbors or people across the globe who we may never meet. This is Rotary in action.
Later in the newsletter, you can read about the 2024-2025 District awards presented at the District Conference, more examples of the outstanding efforts of individuals and clubs in our district.
You can also read about Foundation month and the ways you can amplify our efforts even more in the month of November.
Yours in Rotary Friendship and Service, DG Cindy Rold
2025 DISTRICT CONFERENCE
BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS | FUELING IMPACT
Thank you to all the Rotarians, speakers, and the incredible planning committee who helped make the District 5450 Conference such a meaningful and energizing day. Your enthusiasm, collaboration, and service-centered spirit were truly the heart of the event. Past Rotarians were honored during the Celebration of Life and current Rotarians were recognized during the 2024-2025 Awards Ceremony.
As we carry that momentum forward, have you reached out to someone you met, continued a conversation that inspired you, or taken a next step on an idea sparked that day? Let’s keep building those connections — that’s where the real impact begins.
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.
2024-2025 Awards- During the District conference, PDG Tamie Fennell presented awards for the 2024-2025 Rotary year. Rotarian of the Year went to Co-Membership Chairs Jolene McKenna & Debbie Setlock, and Paul Harris Club of the Year went to Broomfield Crossing. Click here to see the full list of award winners including District Governor Awards, District Awards and Club Awards.
WHEELS & SPARKS - check out the final three sessions for 2025! These sessions are for anyone who wants to engage in interactive discussions about the various topics: Rotary 101- for new members, those thinking about joining Rotary, and those just wanting to know more! Why Change to ClubRunner Nova?- learn from ClubRunner staff why your club should consider making the change to Nova now. Intraclub Communications- is your club going through some personality or growth challenges? Learn how to deal with your internal club issues.
On October 20, 2025, we lost an extraordinary champion of youth leadership, Lori Burke. Lori dedicated countless years to running Summit County Rotary's Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, transforming the lives of thousands of young people through her passionate commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Lori understood that leadership isn't about titles—it's about inspiring others, solving problems creatively, and making a difference in your community. More information about Lori’s legacy can be found here.
ROTARY PEAK IS NOW ON GOOGLE MAPS! We are thrilled to see this meaningful piece of District 5450 history recognized and discoverable to all. To help ensure Rotary Peak remains verified and visible, we’re asking Rotarians who have hiked it — whether this year or years ago — to share their experiences on Google Maps. Click here to learn how.
The Ripple Effect
When you invite someone to Rotary, you’re not just adding one member—you’re expanding an entire circle of influence. Every new member brings a web of relationships that can multiply our impact in ways we can’t yet see. Be grateful for every new member.
SPARE CHANGE FOR POLIO! Do you have foreign change leftover from a past trip? DGE Cindy Chase is collecting foreign coins and bills to take with her to the International Assembly in January to be donated to Polio Plus. Set up a collection and ASK your club members and friends to search their drawers - then contact DGE Cindy to arrange a pickup before January 8, 2026.
DISTRICT 5450 RECOGNIZED AT BIG WEST ZONE INSTITUTE | Our District is one of seventeen Districts that make up Zone 26. Our District was recognized with six awards thanks to the dedication of our members:
3rd place for Polio Plus Giving - $171,882
1st place for Paul Harris Society Members - 311
1st place for Bequest Society Member Gain - +7
2nd place for Rotary Direct Members - 352
Zone 26 COMMUNITY IMPACT EXCELLENCE Recognition - Rotary Club of Summit County | Summit County Meal Program
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 APPEAL FOR DISASTER RELIEF DONATIONS to send pocket-sized cell phone chargers (charging up to 3 devices concurrently) that also include a flashlight and a solar rechargeable battery. The club is familiar with sending transportable solar charges to Ukraine and is now shifting their efforts to help those in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. CLICK HERE to read how you can donate now.
FREE FURNITURE FOR NON-PROFITS! Drew Roberts (Breckenridge RC) shared that lamps and queen sleeper sofas are available to non-profits willing to pick them up in Breckenridge. Contact Drew for more information.
BOULDER & FAIRVIEW INTERACT Give Away Gun Safes to save lives - 510 home and car gun safes and 150 cable locks for long guns were given out directly into the hands of gun owners. Providing safes and locks is a simple step that can prevent tragedies while respecting the rights of responsible owners. Click here to read the full story.
CASTLE PINES SATELLITE has partnered with Douglas County Lions Club on several projects - the Interact Club helped the Lions sort donated reading glasses, and then Lions provided 100 of these glasses for our club to distribute. 50 went to our Navajo project in Chinle, AZ, and 50 went to Kenya to our Maasai friends with whom we have worked for many years.
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.
Happy November to our vibrant District 5450 family. As the autumn leaves turn, we shift our focus to one of the key pillars of our work: the Foundation of Rotary. This month we spotlight the extraordinary global and local impact of the Rotary Foundation as we honor Foundation Month for Rotary International.
Why Foundation Month matters
The Foundation is not just a fund—it is a catalyst for lasting change. Through our collective giving and stewardship, clubs in District 5450 support meaningful projects that align with the seven Areas of Focus—from peacebuilding to clean water, maternal & child health to literacy.
As Rotarians, our membership and service thrive when we link our everyday club work to the larger story of the Foundation. Foundation Month gives us the opportunity to:
Raise awareness of giving options (Annual Fund, Endowment, Paul Harris Society)
Inspire members/new members with the breadth of what Rotary accomplishes worldwide
Encourage clubs to engage the next generation of Rotarians by showing them the “why” behind the funding
Spotlight: District 5450 in action
Here are some tangible ways we are making a difference together:
District Grants: Clubs may apply for funding for local and international projects, matched $1 for $1 with District Designated Funds. In 2025-26 the DDF pool for District Grants is $116,000
Foundation Structure: Our Foundation Committee supports Polio Eradication, Fundraising, Grants, Stewardship, and World Peace Fellowships
Celebrate & Engage
Here are some ideas your club can use in November to lean into Foundation Month:
Host a "Rotary Foundation 101" breakfast or lunch: invite a guest speaker or show a short video that explains how your club’s giving supports global impact.
Feature a “Member Spotlight” in your club’s bulletin: ask a long-standing member why they give to the Foundation or highlight a member who became a Paul Harris Society donor.
Promote future service-grant opportunities: remind club members and chairs about upcoming grant deadlines and how to craft high-impact projects.
Use social media: Post an “Impact Story” this month—perhaps how a Global Grant touched lives, or how our district scholarship recipient is making a difference abroad.
Encourage giving: Consider setting a club goal for Annual Fund contributions or Endowment gifts for this year. Tie it into your club’s strategic planning.
Have one of our District Rotary chairs present to your club!
Looking ahead
As we move toward the end of the calendar year, let’s keep our momentum strong. After Foundation Month, we have a number of meaningful events coming up in District 5450—from membership huddles to leadership trainings — so clubs that use this month to strengthen their Foundation narrative will be primed for success.
Let’s remind ourselves: when we invest in the Foundation, we invest in people and communities and not just programs. The ripple effect of one club’s gift can extend across continents.
Thank you for all you do. Your service, your generosity, and your leadership make District 5450 one of the most vibrant Rotary districts in Colorado and beyond. On behalf of the District 5450 Foundation Committee,
