July-August 2023 District 7710 Newsletter

The 3 Cs: Message from District Governor Veronica Bent

District Governor Veronica Bent provides this message to all Rotarians in District 7710 as we begin our year with the Rotary International theme of Create Hope in the World. It's an excerpt from her speech given upon her installation during the June 28 District Leadership Installation Dinner at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary.Veronica is pictured with husband Winston Bent pinning her during her installation as sons Benjamin (left) and Daniel look on.

By Veronica Bent, District Governor

I feel so honored and humbled to be a Rotarian and to assume the position of District Governor.

I cannot think of a higher honor than leading and supporting thousands of people who serve in District 7710.

It is my hope that this year we will be able to do even more. This year we will also focus on mental health in addition to the 3C’s--Connection, Collaboration, and Community.

There are 48 clubs in our District that will help me lead this initiative. I want to shed light on mental health awareness!

It is equally important that we take care of ourselves as we take care of others both mentally and physically, so the mental health focus is welcomed and needed. People of action must refuel, regroup, and rededicate ourselves to the vision and mission of Rotary and must bring awareness to this rapidly growing issue.

I know we will have a greater impact in our communities by building stronger connections and collaborations between our clubs.

What is the meaning of the 3Cs?

Connections – for many of us Rotary is our family and a place where we build relationships and lifelong friendships. So, I want us to be intentional about welcoming members, guests, and fellow Rotarians into your clubs.

Collaborations – let's eliminate silos and foster collaborations among our clubs within the District and beyond. Let us share ideas, work on projects, and have real partnerships. In an organization like Rotary, we know there is power in numbers and the world benefits from our collaborations.

Community – we want to strengthen our Rotary community as well as the communities we serve. Be intentional about being diverse, inclusive, and having a presence in your local communities. We also want our clubs to be reflective of the people we serve. Ensure that you are upholding the Ideals of Rotary and are a light of Hope within these communities.

Hope starts out as a seed. You water it with kindness, love, and action. Together, we can grow this seed throughout our communities as we connect and collaborate with each other and throughout Rotary

Membership Moment: Register Now to Attend Aug. 19 Summit

We might be tempted to think of Membership goals as "just numbers'' but they are so much more important than that! Every service project depends on the collective energy of club members to get the work done, right? Same with the Rotary Foundation, Polio and grant projects.

We need more people/members so we can do more service, or to raise the necessary funds to support the project.

While attending the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia, in May, I often had goosebumps as I was reminded of the global scope and impact of Rotary all around the world. When clubs are growing in membership, they are also growing Rotary’s reach–from supporting our local communities to participating in and funding projects across the world.


Big picture: Our district–which spans central North Carolina from Apex to Zebulon and Oxford to Johnston County (and includes 48 distinct clubs)--has been one of the most successful in growth during the past year.

This is amazing news! We’ve continued to grow even during and past the challenges of COVID, and we're all proud of that! However, there are clubs in every District that are finding recruitment challenging, and many are looking for creative ways to modify (or re-invent) their clubs. (Note I avoided the word "change" so I wouldn't scare anyone off the page!)

Clubs want tools, encouragement and support–and we hear you! Your District 7710 Membership Team is working hard to plan an informative and fun Membership Summit on August 19, 2023, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, 1800 Glenwood Ave, in Raleigh.

During the Summit, incoming Rotary International Director Patrick Eakes will share his brainchild, the Membership Action Plan (MAP) and other leaders will guide you toward making your club irresistible in the coming year.

While each club's Membership Chair and committee members are expected to attend the Summit, any interested Rotarians are welcome to join in as well. Registration info is on the DACdb calendar. Email reminders are going out this month. Or register now

Questions/comments/suggestions? Contact me at Debra.DeCamillis@gmail.com

Upgrade to Every Rotarian Every Year 2023

Almost 20 years ago, in 2004, Rotary started the Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) program with a target to have every Rotarian donate $100 to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE fund, every year.

As you can imagine, inflation has had an impact on the value of $100. Today, it requires about $160 to equal the purchasing power of $100 in 2004. EREY 2023 addresses the impact of inflation by encouraging clubs to increase donations through club invoices to $40/quarter ($160/year).

As an individual, you can participate in EREY 2023 by enrolling in Rotary Direct at $40/quarter or $15/month to Annual Fund-SHARE. Enroll in Rotary direct by calling 1-866-976-8279

If EREY 2023 was adopted by every club, we would have more than $50,000 coming back to our district each year as District Designated Funds to support club projects through District Grants and international initiatives such as Global Scholarships, the Rotary Peace Centers, PolioPlus, and Global Grants.

An additional $50,000 would be returned to the World Fund to be used globally, where the needs are the greatest. Won't you upgrade to EREY 2023?

Our Multi-Million Dollar Journey

Our audacious goal to raise $5 million dollars for The Rotary Foundation

Donations to the Multi-Million Dollar Journey (MMDJ) will fund near-term projects as well as endowments that will support projects in perpetuity. Donors will have the satisfaction of Doing Good in the World and have an opportunity to attend a celebratory dinner in April 2024.

You may be surprised to know that you can participate in the Multi-Million Dollar Journey,
without writing a check! In addition to cash and other current assets,contributions to the Foundation are accepted as bequests in estate planning. You can join our MMDJ by:

• Naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or life insurance policy.
• Pledging to donate $10,000 or more over a 3-year period
• Creating a life-income agreement through the Foundation.

There are many other options. Contact PDG Marie Howard by email:2019dg@Rotary7710.org for more information. Or contact Major Gifts Officer Jon Teich Jon.Teich@rotary.org, 847-866-3034

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Cary-Kildaire Celebrates Rotarians 89th Birthday with Service Project

Turning 89 years old is something to celebrate and the Rotary Club of Cary-Kildaire did just that for long-time club member Manu Domadia, who they call Doc.

During the club's June Installation Banquet, they surprised Doc with a large community service project that night in honor of his birthday.

During the meeting they packed 89 birthday boxes for local food pantries.

A birthday box includes cake mix, a can of icing, birthday candles, can of Sprite (used in place of eggs/oil for cake baking), birthday card and a sticker all placed in a disposable aluminum cake pan.

When planning the Installation Banquet, Club President Tia Coppus discussed the project idea with Club Service Chair Becca Smith. Together they worked with club members to gather all the supplies that would be needed.

"This was such a special night for me as incoming president, but also for our club members and Doc," said President Coppus. "Just knowing we have done a simple gesture that will make a world of difference to 89 families in our community is a great way to start of the Rotary Year by Creating HOPE in the World."

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