Confucius, the Ancient Chinese philosopher is noted to have said “ It is
better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness.
That line sums up the way we in Rotary approach the problems of the
world. There is so much difficulty and suffering in the world, but if we
each were to do our fair share – to light OUR own candle, we can do so
much more. If I light one candle, you light one candle and the other 1.2
million Rotarians around the world light a candle, we can truly make a
difference and “Light Up Rotary”!
This year, I ask you to Light The Candles in your community, as we
strive to be of service to our fellow man. I hope that you will Light Up
Rotary as you engage your club in a Rotary Day that demonstrates to
your community how our philosophy of service is put into action. I
hope that you will Light Up Rotary by learning more about a dreaded
disease facing at least 5 millions of Americans – dementia and
Alzheimers. I hope that you will Light Up Rotary as you sponsor a
fund raiser for a charity where 100% of the donations go to research
– our own CART fund. I ask you to Light Up Rotary by redoubling your
commitment to eradicate Polio. I ask you to Light Up Rotary by inviting
at least one person to join Rotary this year. I ask you to Light Up Rotary
by continuing to support our charity – The Rotary Foundation.
Finally, I ask for your support. Because of the trust placed in me this
year by this district, I am challenged to preserve and protect what
Rotary holds dear. I humbly ask that you “Advise me when I go astray
and follow me when I lead”. Thank you for your support of Rotary
International, District 7770 and all of humanity!