Despite the challenge of social distancing, there is a year-long celebration going on. The Rotary Club of Frederick turned 100 years old this year, and even a pandemic won't stop this party nor keep the Rotary Club of Frederick's members from continuing their heart of service.
Sometimes all it takes to have an impact on the world is to do something. According to Rotary.org, it all began because Paul Harris had a vision, and he did something. He purposed to gather a diverse group of men together to exchange ideas and learn from one another with the hopes of developing meaningful, lifelong friendships. This small group of men, who first met together in 1905, sparked a Rotarian generosity movement with 'doing good' at the core.
Rotary International is the world's oldest and largest service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide states Rotary.org. However, for many, Rotary has been more than a service organization.
"Rotary has had a profound influence in my life," says Justin Saltzman, President-Elect. "I was part of the Interact Club, which is a Rotary Club for high schoolers. Through this group, I met my mentor, Tony Checchia. Tony was our Rotary liaison, who made a point to stop by our clothing drive. While there, he took the time to get to know a bit about me and invited me to play soccer with his league. That really changed my life, and because he reached back to bring me along, I am a part of the Rotary Club of Frederick."
The Rotary motto is "Service Above Self," which is exemplified in the many ways that Rotarians work together to give back to the community.
Justin says, "The Rotary of Frederick is known for our signature event, Leprechaun Luau, which is when we raise money to give to the community in the way of grants. We also volunteer to ring bells for the Salvation Army, donate blood, participate in cleaning up Memorial Park, among the many other opportunities to serve. I am so thankful for the Rotary Club of Frederick and what it's meant to me. It's been a great year of celebrating service."
