Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Last year, our Rotary clubs throughout District 5030 came together in an extraordinary way to combat hunger in our communities. Through unwavering dedication and the incredible power of partnerships and collaboration, we raised enough funds to distribute over 4,000,000 servings of healthy food to children and families who were suffering from hunger and food insecurity. This remarkable achievement demonstrated the undeniable strength that arises when Rotary clubs and community partners unite to address a common cause.
This year, we are building upon the success of our Hunger Relief initiative with even greater enthusiasm. But what’s even more remarkable is that we are not alone in this endeavor. Rotary Clubs from across our great state of Washington, inspired by the collaborative spirit of District 5030, are joining forces with us in an event we proudly call “Hunger Strike.” This fundraising competition not only unites Rotary Clubs but also engages our communities and highlights the immense impact we can achieve when Rotarians, community organizations, and businesses combine their efforts.
The power of partnerships and collaboration is at the heart of Hunger Strike. Together, we amplify our ability to make a difference, reaching more families, providing more meals, and fostering a stronger sense of community. The unity of purpose that emerges from such collaborations is truly inspiring.
But it’s important to remember how this remarkable initiative began. Hunger Strike’s team fundraising competition started when a small group of students from the University of Washington approached Our Mayberry with the idea of creating a team fundraiser that might take advantage of some of the Our Mayberry features. This idea was shared with the Public Image Committee when trying to come up with a way to support Harvest Against Hunger and engage clubs throughout District 5030. From that one idea, Hunger Strike is growing from a few clubs in District 5030 to other Rotary Clubs throughout Washington and beyond. This is how Rotary works, showing how a simple concept can start and grow into an initiative that other Rotarians want to support.
In addition to our local efforts, District 5030 is proud to announce a collaboration with District 5000 in Hawaii to provide aid to the victims of the devastating Maui fires. This cross-district collaboration exemplifies the power of Rotary to transcend geographical boundaries and make a real difference in the lives of those in need. It showcases how the spirit of partnership can extend not only across our District but across our Rotary family.
Our District’s leadership has a clear vision: to provide a strong foundation that better supports and serves our clubs while inspiring and enabling greater communication and collaboration to enhance Rotary’s impact in our communities. Together, we aim to not only support one another but also extend our reach and impact across our District, State, and even our entire country.
I’d like to share a heartfelt quote from our District Governor, Kaj Pedersen, regarding Hunger Strike: “Rotary District 5030 is continually looking for opportunities to make a difference in the community, especially when we can leverage key partnerships and innovation to raise the visibility of food insecurity and the harm it does to our communities. By collaborating with Harvest Against Hunger, Our Mayberry, and our Rotary clubs, we are going to create hope for those impacted by food insecurity. Our goal is to go way beyond last year’s marvelous achievements where 4,000,000 meals were served! This is the power of partnerships and their ability to unite people of action in a common mission to make a difference in their communities and themselves.”
Let’s take this opportunity to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and make an even greater impact on the issues that matter most to our communities. Hunger Strike is a shining example of how the power of partnerships and collaboration can create a brighter future for those in need.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to Rotary, and I look forward to celebrating our collective achievements in the coming months.
