January 2006

My husband was a Rotarian for 3 years before he proposed me for membership. Each month I would wait for The Rotarian and read every word. I would comment to Ken that this was a ¡§neat¡¨ organization he belonged to. He finally decided that maybe I had a place in Rotary. He has possibly regretted that decision because my love of Rotary now knows no bounds.

I am a Rotarian because I am totally committed to the work of Rotary ¡V the power of Rotary and its 1.2 million members (or 2.4 million ¡§hands¡¨) ¡V and the work of the Rotary Foundation. Compound that with the fellowship of Rotary and the opportunity to serve my club and community ¡V and I feel truly blessed to have been introduced to this wonderful network of comrades dedicated to ¡§Service Above Self.¡¨

I am not a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation ¡V yet. But I am a major donor to the cause of Rotary. The joy of sharing my passion for Rotary with our club¡¦s new members, with our Interact Club, with our district up and comers and with those who know nothing about Rotary is part of my life. I know that everything I do in Rotary, no matter how small, benefits my club, my community, my professional expertise and my world. I know that every dollar I contribute (or get others to contribute) to the Rotary Foundation goes to a noble cause ¡V and is administered with the highest of standards. I know that my small place on this earth counts ¡V and is multiplied through the power of Rotary and it¡¦s many ¡§hands.¡¨ The programs of Rotary and its foundation are at our fingertips ¡V if we will only use them. We benefit more than those we are serving ¡V and that brings great joy and satisfaction. The friends I have made during my 15 years of Rotary membership are priceless and irreplaceable ¡V and would not have been possible were it not for Rotary being part of my life. I am a better person because of Rotary. I hope our world is better because I am a Rotarian.

Geri A. Appel
Past District Governor 2002-03
Wichita (Downtown) #30 District 5690