District 5030 recently held its Year-End Celebration, an event that brought together over 385 esteemed Rotarians, honored guests, and friends of Rotary for an evening of recognition, reflection, and inspiration. Master of Ceremonies Tim Leahy led the night’s proceedings with poise and enthusiasm, ensuring a memorable experience for all in attendance.
The celebration began with a warm welcome from Leahy, who highlighted the night’s agenda: celebrating achievements, recognizing outstanding members, and listening to inspiring speeches.
Keynote Address by Doug Baldwin
The evening kicked off with an inspiring keynote address by Doug Baldwin, Super Bowl champion and former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver. Beyond his athletic achievements, Baldwin is renowned for his community service and social justice advocacy. His speech resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the power of commitment and the impact of giving back to the community.
District Impact Report and Three-Year Plan
District Governor Kaj Pedersen presented the District Impact Report, showcasing the tremendous work and impact achieved over the past year. Pedersen also highlighted the district’s ambitious three-year plan, outlining strategic goals and initiatives designed to drive even greater impact both locally and globally. Our first year accomplished many achievements against the strategic goals set out by the three-year plan.
Recognizing Excellence: With our clubs, partners, and innovations
The celebration continued with the recognition of the top three clubs in the district across various strategic themes. These clubs, partners, and innovations were celebrated for their exceptional service and dedication:
- Expanding our Brand: [Duvall (Heart), Renton (partnership with Doug Baldwin), and Edmonds (Oktoberfest – Best in Seattle), and honorable mentions: HAH (Rotary Magazine), Woodinville (Bees), and Seattle Sunrise (Big Taste)]
- Engaging our Community through Donations to the TRF:
- TRF Recognition: [ Annual Fund per Capita – Mill Creek (1)/$1,103, Bellevue Eastside (2)/$724, and Lake Forest Park (3)/$542]
- Community Recognition: [Big Taste/Seattle Sunrise, Oktoberfest/Edmonds, Des Moines and Normandy/Blues and Brews, Bellevue Breakfast/All in for Autism 5K, and Bellevue Sunrise/Neighborhood Appliance Replacement Program]
- Wider Impact:
- Harvest Against Hunger – recognized as Nutrient Nurturers ($10,000 to $24,999) under their lifetime giving society
- Peace Fellowship District
- ShelterBox Hero Clubs: Seattle 4, Fremont, and Lake Forest Park!
- Engaging Membership: [Net Change – Duvall (1)/11, Lynwood (2)/9, and Kirkland (3)/8. The exciting news is that our retention rate has increased from 85.66% to 89.42% with emphasis on engagement.]
- Engaging Vocational Legacy: [Philanthropy in a Box, Community Benefit Business Network, and Rotarians Inspired to Succeed and Engage]
- Innovative Adaptations to Changing Circumstances: [Hunger Strike, Service Innovation, Club Builder (COL-25), and Website/Newsletter]
Each of our clubs, partners, and innovations were applauded for their significant contributions and the positive impact made in their communities and beyond.
Honoring Rotarians of the Year
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Rotarians of the Year, individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service. The honorees included:
- Chris Nakea: The new website experience, our district newsletter, the Community Benefit Business Network, Hunger Strike, and our promotion of Awakening to the Extraordinary Opportunity of Rotary have all been areas that Rotarian Chris Nakea from Vashon Island Club has either led or been involved with over 2023-24.
- Lisa Edwards: Identified an opportunity for our Rotarians to be Inspired to Succeed and Engage with District 5030’s own leadership program. This program develops emerging leaders, offers a culture of growth and fosters a peer support network with fellow Rotarians. Rotarian Lisa Edwards with University District was the inspiration for our RISE program, which has proven so successful that we took it from one cohort for 2023-24 to three cohorts.
- Andrea Saurez: One example of a service project that has caught the zeitgeist of the moment for taking pride in our community by focusing on being action-based, boots-on-the-ground movement that organizes trash cleanups in our public spaces and offers resources to those in need is We Heart Seattle. We Heart Seattle is responsible for clearing 1,243,600 pounds of trash from our parks and shared spaces. In the process they have also helped 216 people off the streets! All this has been accomplished since We Heart Seattle was founded in October of 2020! It is an amazing accomplishment that has come about with the support of Rotarian volunteers and the inspiring vision of one individual – Andrea Suarez, who is also a Rotarian with University Sunrise of Seattle.
These remarkable Rotarians were celebrated for exemplifying Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
Celebrating RISE Graduates
The event also honored the graduates of the RISE program, recognizing their exceptional leadership and commitment to Rotary’s ideals. The graduates received hearty congratulations from all in attendance.
District Match of the Paul Harris Foundation
A significant announcement of the evening was the District Match of the Paul Harris Foundation. This initiative will amplify contributions and enhance Rotary’s global impact, thanks to the generous participation and support from members.
Club Banner Handover
One of Rotary’s cherished traditions, the club banner handover, symbolized the transition of leadership. Outgoing District Governor Kaj Pedersen passed the banner to incoming District Governor Rachele Bouchand, marking a new chapter of continued dedication and service. DGE Rachele provided our audience with remarks on her personal Why? for engaging with Rotary and helped paint a picture for her vision in supporting our clubs in 2024-25.
Closing Remarks and Gratitude
Outgoing District Governor Kaj Pedersen delivered heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the support and collaboration over the past year. His closing remarks finished with the following sentiments: “None of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication and hard work of each and every one of you. It has been an absolute honor to serve the clubs and members of District 5030. Your commitment to “creating hope in the world” has truly been inspiring. As I
reflect on this year, I am filled with deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve as your district governor. The friendships forged, the lives touched, and the communities strengthened are testaments to the extraordinary power of Rotary.”
As the evening concluded, Master of Ceremonies Tim Leahy extended his deepest gratitude to all attendees for their dedication, hard work, and passion for Rotary. The night ended on a high note, with a collective sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable celebration. Here’s to another year of making a difference and living the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.”
