So, have you ever wondered what Rotary is? As a member of Plano West Rotary, let me try and explain. I've only been a member for 4 years. I'm still a "newbie" in the club compared to some of our club members have been involved for 20, 30, 40 and even 50 years!! Amazing.

Rotary is the world's first service club organization with 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries. Members form a global network of service oriented leaders who volunteer their time and money to serve their local communities and worldwide. Our motto is, Service above Self.

Each club meets weekly and attendence is mandatory. If you miss a meeting, you are encouraged to make-up at another club or you can go online. As Program Chair for 2007-2008, it was my responsibility to find the speaker for each meeting. This was a challenge but a great job that allowed me to meet a variety of individuals throughout the Dallas area. The club is the cornerstone to Rotary and have 4 key responsibilites: 1) sustain or increase membership 2) participate in service projects that benefit our community and those in other countries 3) support the Rotary Foundation financially and through participation 4) develop leaders capable of serving in Rotary and beyond.

My club is very involved in the Plano Balloon Festival where we sell Funnell Cakes. It is a crowd favorite and we have lines up to 20-30 people. And all the money we raise go back into the community. The Plano Balloon Festival is next month and I can't wait. We also sell Texas Pecans each holiday season. The pecans are excellent and they pretty much sell themselves! Worldwide Rotary has been key is helping to eradicate polio. Now, Rotary has taken up the challenge of providing clean drinking water around the world. There are so many more projects and I've just begun to scratch the surface.

If Rotary sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to get involved. Our club would love to have you visit. Just contact me and I can get you started on a great journey.