What is Rotary? That’s the most-often-asked question I get from the quizzical faces of fellow community members when I mention the club.
The short answer is this: Broomfield Rotary Club is a group of individuals who are dedicated to Service Above Self. If you can remember that, then you’ve got the gist.
Great! you might say. Sounds altruistic yet vague. But what exactly does Rotary do?
That’s a great question. We meet once a week at a local venue. The meetings start with a few minutes of casual networking and conversation, and then we get into club business, which involves reviewing service projects and discussing fundraising ideas and initiatives. Most meetings have a keynote speaker, such as a community leader, non-profit, or local business owner, who shares a short presentation about what they do and how they serve the community.
We are leaders. We are volunteers. We seek out people and organizations who need help and do what needs to be done. We raise money. We take care of each other — we’re a family.
We are DOERS.
You’re welcome to visit and see for yourself, but for this segment of Broomfield Lifestyle, I’m honored to introduce a few of our members who have chosen to invest in your community. They were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedules to share their story and their “why” with you. I’m pleased to introduce Rashid Ouedraogo, Paul Derda, Lauren Robydek, Dotti Moyer, Kevin Godin, and Captain Miguel Morales. Enjoy!
Rachid Ouedraogo
MERRILL LYNCH WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor
Rachid Ouedraogo, a newer member of the Broomfield Rotary Club, is passionate about supporting local heroes and investing in future generations. He is especially committed to honoring police officers and firefighters for their dedication to keeping the community safe. He also values the club’s involvement with the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children ages 0-5, fostering early literacy and a love of learning.
His admiration for Rotary started with its global impact, particularly its role in eradicating polio in his home country, Burkina Faso. Seeing firsthand how Rotary changes lives, he felt inspired to give back and became actively involved with the Broomfield club.
One of his favorite Rotary memories was during Broomfield Days, where members set up a booth to promote the Imagination Library. The event was filled with community spirit, laughter, music, and meaningful conversations with local families.
Rachid first learned about the Broomfield Rotary Club through its strong community presence and impactful projects. The things he loves most about meetings are the positive atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the engaging guest speakers who address important societal issues.
When inviting a friend to a meeting, he keeps it simple: “Come and have fun!” He sees Rotary as more than just a service organization—it’s a network of dedicated individuals working to improve Broomfield. Rotary is the perfect place to start for those looking to make friends and get involved.
Being part of the club has been incredibly rewarding for Rachid, both personally and professionally. It has helped him build relationships, expand his network, and gain leadership experience. He hopes to encourage young professionals to explore Rotary, seeing it as a place for mentorship, career growth, and meaningful service. His message is clear: “Take the leap!”
Paul Derda
CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD
Former Director of Parks and Recreation
Paul has been a cornerstone of the Broomfield community for decades, dedicating his time and energy to making a lasting impact. His deep involvement with the Broomfield Rotary Club reflects his commitment to service and leadership. He sees Rotary continuing to play a crucial role in the community’s future, especially in supporting youth programs and meeting the needs of Broomfield’s growing senior population.
For Paul, Rotary has always been at the heart of Broomfield, bringing people together and fostering a strong sense of community. He was drawn to the club because of its members—community leaders who shared his passion for service. Over the years, he has found deep fulfillment in the friendships and projects he has been a part of, emphasizing the camaraderie that makes Rotary meetings so special.
One of his favorite memories is helping build shelters at Outlook Park, a project that exemplifies Rotary’s dedication to improving public spaces. His involvement in Rotary has enhanced his life through meaningful service, and he hopes to inspire more young professionals to join and carry on this tradition. When inviting others to a meeting, he proudly tells them they’ll be surrounded by some of Broomfield’s most dedicated leaders.
After 45 years with the club, Paul remains as passionate as ever about its mission. He believes in the power of Rotary to shape the future of Broomfield, and he hopes that by sharing his story, more people will be encouraged to get involved with this outstanding organization.
Lauren Robydek
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES, Westminster & Wheat Ridge
Owner
Lauren Robydek, a local business owner, has seen how Rotary fosters connections between businesses and community service. While her primary motivation for joining was giving back, she also values the club as a powerful networking platform where business leaders unite. One example of this synergy was a fundraiser at her bakery’s birthday celebration, where 20% of proceeds were donated to Broomfield Rotary, benefiting nonprofits like Bal Swan, Broomfield FISH, A Precious Child, and FRIENDS of Broomfield.
Having been a Rotary member in Nevada before moving to Colorado, Lauren was drawn to Broomfield Rotary for its warmth, energy, and active community involvement. She felt at home immediately.
One of her most touching experiences was participating in the Santa Cops project with her five-year-old daughter, shopping for and distributing gifts to underprivileged children. It was a meaningful moment that reinforced the importance of service.
Lauren first discovered Broomfield Rotary online. She loves the lively, jovial atmosphere of the meetings—and jokingly adds that wine doesn’t hurt! When inviting a friend, she describes it as a service club that meets weekly for dinner, offering a great way to give back, make connections, and have fun.
A key initiative of the club is bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Broomfield. The program provides free books monthly to children from birth to age five, promoting literacy. So far, the club has enrolled around 700 children and hopes to expand further.
Though juggling two businesses and two children keeps her busy, Lauren remains committed to Rotary, appreciating its flexibility. She hopes to inspire others to join and raise awareness about the Imagination Library, helping even more children develop a love for reading.
Dotti Moyer
WOMEN'S GATHERING/TOOLS FOR GROWTH
Founder and Coordinator
Dotti Moyer and her family moved to Broomfield in 1964 when the town had just 4,000 residents. From the beginning, she saw Rotary as a vital part of the community, helping start ambulance services, supporting local sports, and shaping Broomfield’s growth.
Inspired by Rotary’s long-standing commitment to service, Dotti found joy, love, and giving at the heart of the organization. She grew up with Rotary influence—her father was a Rotarian in Rochester, NY, where the club organized musical fundraisers and visited veteran hospitals.
What Dotti loves most about Rotary meetings is the camaraderie and volunteer spirit. Members set aside work, come together with open hearts, and focus on helping others. She also values the club’s traditions, like opening with a prayer and pledge of allegiance.
To Dotti, the Broomfield Rotary Club represents grace—built on integrity, acceptance, and inclusion, with politics set aside for the greater good. The club supports both local and global causes, from providing stoves and gardening tools for the Lakota Sioux to volunteering for organizations like Broomfield FISH, Bal Swan Children’s Center, and Broomfield Senior Resources.
As the first woman to join the club in the early 90s, Dotti broke barriers and was welcomed by progressive members who valued teamwork. The friendships she has formed in Rotary have become an essential part of her life, with members supporting each other in both personal and community matters.
By sharing her story, Dotti hopes to inspire a new generation to join Rotary. She believes that in a world longing for connection, Rotary offers an invaluable opportunity to serve and make a lasting impact.
Kevin Godin
REDEEMER CHURCH COLORADO
Lead Pastor
Kevin Godin joined the Broomfield Rotary Club in search of meaningful service opportunities after moving to the area in October 2022. From the moment he started attending meetings, he was welcomed with open arms, quickly forming friendships with like-minded individuals united by a shared passion for serving the community.
Before Rotary, Kevin struggled to find service opportunities that fit his skills and availability. A friend suggested checking out Rotary, and it turned out to be the perfect match. He enjoys the camaraderie, the opportunity to hear from local leaders, and the lighthearted banter among members.
One of Kevin’s favorite moments was at a Rotary social when he realized he had forgotten his wallet. Ready to leave quietly, a fellow Rotarian immediately insisted on covering his meal—an act of generosity that deeply touched him. It was a small but powerful example of the strong bonds and kindness within the club.
Kevin describes Rotary as a place where people genuinely want to make an impact. Whether someone is passionate about community service, networking, or simply finding a great group of people to connect with, Rotary offers a variety of ways to get involved. He especially appreciates how the club helps him better understand the needs of Broomfield while providing a platform for meaningful action.
As a pastor starting a new church (Redeemer Church Colorado), Kevin values how Rotary allows him to engage with the community more deeply. He sees Rotary as a place where “people impact people,” ultimately changing lives. Through this interview, he hopes to inspire others who are “on the fence” about getting involved—because when more people step up, the entire community benefits.
Captain Miguel Morales
THE SALVATION ARMY
Corps Officer
Captain Miguel Morales, an employee of a local nonprofit, has witnessed firsthand how Broomfield Rotary strengthens community organizations by fostering collaboration. A key example is the partnership between The Salvation Army Broomfield Corps and Broomfield FISH, where a shared 7,000-square-foot garden provides fresh vegetables for the community pantry. This interconnection embodies the Rotary logo’s symbolism—a gear representing the power of teamwork in addressing community needs.
Miguel’s Rotary journey began in 2016 when he saw the strong relationship between Rotary and nonprofits. In Santa Cruz, CA, he officially joined the Rotary, inspired by the idea that a machine with more gears functions more efficiently—just as organizations working together can maximize their impact. Upon moving to Broomfield, he immediately sought out the local Rotary club, eager to continue this work.
One of Miguel’s favorite aspects of Rotary is the camaraderie—whether sharing laughter or supporting one another in difficult times, the club fosters deep friendships. He also values the meetings, where guest speakers provide insight into community programs and services that benefit all ages, from youth to seniors.
Miguel is particularly inspired by the Rotary logo, which visually represents the club’s mission of collaboration. He encourages anyone interested in service to visit a meeting, connect with members, and see how they can contribute.
Being part of Rotary has reinforced Miguel’s belief that working together leads to better outcomes and a stronger community. Through this interview, he hopes to inspire others to get involved, emphasizing that Rotary is not just about volunteering—it’s about meaningful partnerships that create lasting change.