Daybreak Rotary won't meet at CRCC this week. While we each take this time for personal reflection on our gratitude and blessings, let's also reflect on the opportunities provided by our own membership in Daybreak Rotary.  

This holiday season, let's pause and reflect on the opportunities provided to each of us through Daybreak Rotary:

 

We are thankful for a worldwide influence.

While our meetings are filled with energy, laughter and lighthearted discussion, we are very aware of our international influence. We have helped Rotary International combat polio and the eradication of this disease is within our reach.  Our club supports children in El Salvador who have the opportunity of an education in a fresh, safe new learning center. Our club helped build a medical facility in Lebanon to ensure access to proper medical care. We are the largest giver per capita to Rotary Foundation in our district, and recognize the strength and power in financially supporting this international organization.

We are thankful for the opportunity to support learning.

Our club's legacy started in the former Polk elementary building and it continues today. We have stepped up for decades to support children in our local community and help provide a safe place for after school programs, a warm meal an opportunity for assistance with homework, a fun activity center and more. You'll see Daybreakers spending their lunch hours reading to a child or setting up the chairs for a holiday dinner for Youthport- because we know the importance of providing structure to these most vulnerable young people.

We are thankful for our impact.

The members of Daybreak Rotary are relentless fundraisers, not just because we enjoy the work, but because we value the impact. Our Great Eastern Iowa Duck Race gives our club the unique ability to support programs that make a difference in the lives of children and families in our local and international communities. We foster friendships while building our legacy, and have so much fun along the way.

We are thankful for each other.

We gather in the morning each Friday (and sometimes in the evenings) for our 7am happy hour, hear a speaker, network and enjoy the fellowship of Rotarians. We have made new friends, exchanged business connections and celebrated our shared focus on a mission larger than our own. When we leave our meetings by stating the 4-way test, "Is it the truth?" "Is it fair to all concerned?" "Will it build goodwill and better friendships?" "Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" and feel the power of Rotary as we start our day.

 

We are thankful for the powerful connections through Daybreak Rotary, and so grateful for the opportunity to be connected to positive change around the world. This week and always, Happy Thanksgiving.