“Times are Changing”

June 30, 2009: Today President, Andy Brack led his final meeting as president of our fine club: he thanked his board, his fellow Rotarians and turned over his gavel to Kyra Morris. Andy took time to review a job well done! Over the last twelve months the Rotary Club of Charleston has accomplished great things , here are some highlights below.

– Local Projects included:Day of Caring, bell ringing with the Salvation Army, Rotary Readers, holiday gifts to seniors, multiple Adopt-A-Highway days, honoring Chas. County teachers of the year, Rotary Club of Charleston Foundation Grants and more.

– Big projects completed were our fundraiser Rotary Wheels, where we raised $23,000 to help fund our commitment to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Launched our new international service project with Water Missions International and “parlayed $50,000” that was sent to South America to work towards clean water for all. Additionally, we funded our first World Peace Scholar, Kelly Robinson, and gave $10,125 to Ending Polio Now (goal was $7800).

– Internally, we ended the “blue” donation buckets, transformed the Wellness Committee, worked to integrate new members with a new video, contract, and strategic plan focused on members. We had three wonderful socials events, including one with a beard contest. Lastly, the leadership restructured the committees to better serve the members, and created a new relationship with the Coastal Community Foundation (which was started by this club years ago).

After President Andy presented his board members with their very own golden shovels, our Assistant District Governor, Gene Pardee, swore in the new board and the new president, Kyra Morris, who took a few minutes to tell us where we’re going. The 2009-2010 year will echo the Rotary International theme of “The Future is in our hands”, our local goal being to “stir the pot” harvest the talents of our members and utilize them to serve others above ourselves!

Submitted by Elizabeth Wooten Burwell, Keyway Committee Chair