It’s an incredible honor to serve as your District Governor for 2025–26. This isn’t “my” year—it’s our year, and I’m excited to build on the amazing work already happening across our district. Rotary has been focusing more on continuity, and I’m proud that our district has been ahead of the curve on that for a while now.
Over 100 of us just returned from the Rotary International Convention in Calgary—what an experience! From hearing inspiring stories (like from former Peace Fellow David LaMotte) to celebrating new milestones (like Rotary’s newest Peace Center in India and our Foundation’s $2.025 billion endowment), it was unforgettable. A special moment was seeing our own Tamie Fennell, Immediate Past District Governor, be a flag bearer in the Opening Ceremony—where we were reminded that Rotary has more flags than the United Nations.
Even with all the international excitement, what hit home most for me is this: Rotary starts with one person. One idea. One spark. Think about ShelterBox—it started as a small club project and now it’s a global force. That could be your idea next.
So, what matters most to you? What lights your fire? A year from now, what will you be proud to say you did through Rotary?
For me, peace and connection are two passions. That’s why I’d love to see even more Peace Poles throughout our district and why this year’s theme, Unite for Good, feels so meaningful. Our fall District Conference, Building Stronger Connections | Fueling Impact, will celebrate just that.
Please connect with me—email, phone, social media—whatever works for you. I’d love to hear your ideas and unite to create even more good in our district and in the world.
Here’s to Uniting for Good!
Yours in Rotary Friendship & Service,
DG Cindy Rold
SAVE THE DATE - 2025 DISTRICT CONFERENCE
BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS | FUELING IMPACT
The 2025 District Conference will be heldSaturday, October 11 at the Epic Campus, 190 E. Littleton Blvd, Littleton 80121 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The conference is designed to help attendees Unite for Good as they connect and form relationships with members across the district. This will be a high-energy event with two amazing keynote speakers, breakout sessions designed to expose you to new ideas, the House of Friendship featuring club projects as well as Rotarian-owned businesses, breakfast, lunch, and a mocktail reception. We are also bringing back the flag ceremony with our inbound Youth Exchange students and District Awards.
THE DISTRICT IS HERE FOR YOU
DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATIONS UPDATE: The new District Grant application process is now ready for clubs to use! Instructions can be found on the District Grants webpage, including a PDF with screen shots and simple directions. If your club was unable to attend the in-person Grants training, theonline Qualification Trainingis now available. If you do not remember your ClubRunner login, contact Bev Mendel.
ROSE BOWL PARADE 2026 - Registration is open (https://www.ebsports.com/rotary2026/) to attend the 2026 Rose Bowl Parade with other members of District 5450 for an unforgettable experience. Seeing the floats being decorated prior to the parade, attending the parade from Grandstand seats, and then viewing the floats up close after the parade are magical. There are two options - 4 nights and 5 nights and activity options to choose from on different days. Everyone will attend the parade, the highlight of the trip! If you have any questions, call or text Karlyn McCrumb, Littleton Rotary Club, at (303) 250-3620.
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/
WANTED: THE DISTRICT NEEDS YOUR HELP!
If you’re interested in any of these positions, email DG Cindy Rold:
Public Relations/Marketing Committee
Seeking individuals to help in all aspects of public relations for the district. If you have an interest in public relations or marketing, this committee is for you. There are many ways to be involved, including supporting clubs in their PR efforts, placing stories in the media, creating content for the District Facebook page, taking photographs and writing stories for district events and club events, designing fliers for District events.
District Secretary
Be a part of the district leadership team and learn more about what is happening at the district level. Specific responsibilities are taking meeting minutes (using AI notes from the Zoom meetings), updating the District speakers list, updating the District Directory, and being engaged with the Operations Manager and District Governor in other ways as needed. This is a newly re-established position, so there is room to create it to work with an individual’s strengths and interests.
Service Committee
This newly created committee is seeking people to help promote service opportunities throughout the district. This could involve helping clubs identify service projects, assisting clubs in uniting for good in doing projects together, or in publicizing service projects that are happening.
CLUB CONNECTIONS
The Castle Rock High Noon Rotary Club had its last meeting in June. They are transitioning to become the Rotary Satellite Club of Castle Pines.As a last unified step, EVERY MEMBER of the Club has become a Paul Harris member, one of only 3 Clubs in our District to have every member as a Paul Harris member.Here is to our new union with Rotary Club of Castle Pines!
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 Update – July 2025
July marks the beginning of a brand-new Rotary year, and with it, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through our Foundation. Whether you’re new to Rotary or a long-time member, your support of The Rotary Foundation turns vision into action—locally and globally.
This year, we’re placing a special emphasis on:
🔹Paul Harris Society Growth – Sustained giving ($1,000/year) is one of the most powerful ways to ensure ongoing support for causes that matter. If you’re already a Paul Harris Society member—thank you. If not, consider joining this committed group of changemakers. If you do sign up please send me the form, email below.
🔹District Grants in Action – We have over $115,000 for District grants this year.Clubs attended training on May 31, 2025, and we had over 110 attendees.Please stay tuned for upcoming success stories—and if your club is planning a project, now’s the time to submit or begin planning for your next Grant.
🔹Global Grants & Impact – Have a big idea? Let’s talk. We’re here to help guide your club in accessing Global Grant funds for sustainable, high-impact international projects.
🔹Foundation Education – We'll be offering fresh Foundation-focused training this fall, with a number of great speakers who are willing and able to come speak to your members! If you’d like a club presentation or have questions about PHFs, Major Donors, Endowment, Polio, or your club’s giving, just reach out.
Together, we’ll continue building a district known for generosity, vision, and results.
