As we step into a new year, I invite you to pause and reflect on the incredible journey of the past twelve months. Rotarians, you have made a difference—through your service, the lives you’ve touched, and the love you’ve shared. Take pride in all you’ve accomplished, both as individuals and as club members.
But as much as reflection is important, so is looking ahead with purpose. This year, I’m inspired to dream boldly and set ambitious goals—not as fleeting resolutions, but as meaningful milestones that bring new opportunities to serve and grow. I envision a future filled with experiences that challenge me to live the Rotary mission more deeply. Although not attainable in a single year, here’s what I’m striving for:
Advocating for peace by engaging with Rotary’s peacebuilding efforts and becoming a Rotary Peace Activator.
Supporting polio eradication and traveling to India to take part in a National Immunization Day—an experience of hope and determination.
Amplifying the voices of individuals and families living with mental illness through advocacy and action.
Leading a WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) project to bring life-changing resources to rural communities in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Traveling with Crutches for Africa to deliver mobility and share hope with those in need.
As we turn the page on 2024 and embrace 2025, I encourage you to reflect on your own impact. Celebrate the lives you’ve changed and the legacy you’re building. Then, look ahead with courage and purpose. What dreams will you pursue? What difference will you make?
If connecting with a Rotary International President is on your list, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1st, and join us at Wings Over the Rockies for the District 5450 Foundation Dinner. Let’s come together to celebrate Rotary, share fellowship, and inspire one another to continue our mission of service and love.
Here’s to a new year filled with joy, health, laughter, and the boundless opportunities to make the world a better place. Let’s dream big, serve boldly, and create a brighter future together.
Tamie
2025 FOUNDATION DINNER
2025 FOUNDATION DINNER
Featuring RI President Stephanie Urchick
Saturday, February 1 | Wings Over the Rockies Air Museum
5:00 pm Cash Bars Open | 6:30 pm dinner service begins | $85 per person
THE DISTRICT IS HERE FOR YOU
RISE: FUNDAMENTALS - SERVANT LEADERSHIP TRAINING
REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN for the spring 2025 session of RISE: Fundamentals beginning Feb. 22 - developing the Servant Leader, the foundational skill necessary to lead volunteer members.
This training occurs over 6 sessions. Attendance at all sessions is expected - the first and last sessions are in-person at Front Range Community College in Westminster and the other four are via Zoom. Click Here to learn more!
HELP NEEDED! Looking for a volunteer to join the District Financial Review Committee and assist in conducting the annual assessment of the District's financial statements. Time commitments is about four hours once per year, usually in January or February. Those interested should have at least a basic understanding of accounting. Email Bev if you are interested.
MELLY KINNARD MENTAL HEALTH FUNDS: Melly Kinnard from the Denver Rotary club has generously donated $5,000 to encourage and support 2024-2025 Club mental health projects up to $1,000 each. These matching funds have supported over 20 club projects since inception in 2020. Clubs must define their projects and submit their application, once approved a check from Denver Rotary Foundation to match club contributions up to $1,000 will be requested, and a final project summary report must be submitted. Click Here for the Application and contact information.
MLK MARADE: The 2025 MLK Marade festivities will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, which is a federal and state holiday commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Members of all Rotary clubs in District 5450 are invited to participate in the Marade and there will be a 4’X8’ banner in front of the group. All Rotarians are encouraged to wear a Rotary cap or baseball-type hat and to invite family members to come along.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2025 RI CONVENTION
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | June 21-25, 2025
Registration is now open for next year’s Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada! Share ideas and inspire people at the 2025 Rotary International Convention! Do you have an idea or a project that you want to tell the wider Rotary community about? Breakout sessions at the Rotary International Convention can inspire participants, help them polish their leadership skills, and give them new ideas for projects, fundraising, strengthening membership, and more.
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
The Colorado Early Colleges Castle Rock Young Rotarians (Interact) along with Castle Rock High Noon Rotary Club organized a toy drive at the school. Dozens of toys, markers and stuffed animals made their way to Shiloh House, a Colorado non-profit with a mission to end childhood trauma and help Colorado families flourish!
Imagine a five-year-old who has suffered family trauma, or who has been bounced to multiple fosters homes and has no sense of permanence or security. Maybe the child will go to sleep soon with this cute little stuffed pet cuddled by her side and have it as her own wherever she goes!
Parker Cherry Creek Valley's "Santa Giving"with residents at Morning Star Assisted Living was highlighted on CBS Channel 4 news - click here to read the story and view more photos!
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.
Only 3 weeks left to register for a Memorable Evening with Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick!
District 5450 Mid-Year Foundation Update - As we start the new year, I am continually amazed by the dedication and generosity of our District 5450 Rotarians. Your contributions and engagement in raising funds for the Rotary Foundation have created a remarkable impact on communities locally, nationally, and internationally. Here’s a mid-year snapshot of our accomplishments and ongoing efforts:
Polio Plus - Marnie Eulberg and the Polio Plus Committee have raised an impressive $73,000 this year. However, as polio continues to resurface in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Gaza—regions facing logistical and geopolitical challenges—additional support is crucial. Thank you, Marnie and your team, for your tireless commitment to eradicating polio!
Annual Fund and Paul Harris Society - Under Robert Mintz’s leadership, the Annual Fund is on track, with strong participation in Paul Harris Fellowships. The Paul Harris Society has grown by 15 new members, bringing us to an outstanding total of 315 members.
A special thanks to Elaine Love and Mindy Klingbiel for their unwavering dedication to expanding the Paul Harris Society which is a vital program. Contributions to the annual fund return to our district as district designated funds (DDF), which support our district and global grant projects.
District Grants - Marty Waters and Bonnie Thomas have been instrumental in guiding clubs through the grant process. This year, 26 district grants have been approved, with $61,000 distributed and $48,000 still available. If your club hasn’t submitted a grant application yet, there’s still time to access these funds and bring your community projects to life.
Global Grants - We’ve approved six global grants this year, with:
$175,000 funded through district designated funds,
$185,000 raised in cash by our clubs, and
$129,000 provided by Rotary International.
The total impact of these efforts amounts to $489,000, with $60,000 still available from district designated funds for future projects. Bob Kemp and his dedicated team have done an outstanding job managing these longer-term, larger-scale initiatives.
Rotary Scholars - We’re proud to support two scholars this year:
Rotary Scholar Charlotte Basiska, studying disease prevention at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Peace Scholar Alexis Romero, who will attend one of the seven Peace Scholarship Universities. She will be attending the one in Japan to study peace and conflict resolution.
Thank you to the Cherry Creek Rotary Club and Jim Halderman, Peace Scholar Chair, for helping sponsor Alexis. Peace Scholars are unique, and finding the perfect candidates is no small task. These scholars exemplify Rotary’s mission, and we’ll share updates on their progress throughout the year.
Endowment and Benefactor Giving - Thanks to Curt Harris (PDG) and Amy Richardson for their leadership in Rotary Endowments. Our endowment bequest and benefactor giving has increased by over 100% this year! Curt and Amy are available to present at clubs and assist members in creating a legacy through Rotary International.
Points Assistance - Gail Lehrman continues to provide exceptional support to club presidents and foundation chairs, helping to utilize points to promote fundraising toward Paul Harris levels. Gail is an invaluable resource for club programs—thank you for your expertise and dedication!
Recognition and Thanks - A heartfelt thank you to Dave Willman, Past Foundation Chair, for his ongoing guidance, updates, and presentations. Your institutional knowledge is an asset to our district.
Thank you, District 5450 Rotarians, for your incredible efforts and achievements so far. Your passion and dedication inspire us all to do even more to serve our communities and beyond. Let’s continue this momentum into the second half of the Rotary year!
Warm regards, Mike Klingbiel
Foundation Chair, District 5450
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