From My Heart:
Thank You for an Extraordinary Year of Services, Friendship & Impact!
As we begin the final month of the 2025–2026 Rotary year, I find myself filled with gratitude.
Throughout this year, I have been continually inspired by the service, leadership, and generosity of our clubs. During my “Thank You Tour,” I have visited 23 clubs and will visit several more in June. Spending time with you, seeing your impact firsthand, and experiencing your hospitality has been one of the greatest privileges of serving as your District Governor. Thank you.
As we celebrate Rotary Fellowship Month, let’s finish the year strong while preparing for an exciting new year under incoming District Governor Michelle Sink.
🌍 World Cup & Rotary Opportunities
Districts 5710 and 6040 (Missouri) are partnering to welcome Rotarians from Argentina during the World Cup while also supporting anti-human trafficking awareness efforts. I encourage you to participate in these special opportunities:
- Welcome to Kansas City & the World Cup BBQ | June 15; 12:30 – 1:45 pm
Meet visiting Rotarians from Argentina and neighboring District 6040. This is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Leawood and the Rotary Club of Overland Park at Rotarian Stu Sharps farm: 13101 Mission Road in southern Leawood.
Please RSVP to Overland Park Rotarian Dan Craig (dcraigandco@gmail.com) before June 13. Space is limited to 100.
- Rotary Friendship Exchange Service Project at Heart-to-Heart | June 15; 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Volunteer alongside our Argentinian visitors & other Rotarians packing hygiene kits
To register – please email Darren Lippe at TexicanKC@gmail.com
- Step Up to the Plate to End Polio! | June 19, Tailgate begins at 4 PM; first pitch at 6:30 PM.
Join Rotarians, family, and friends at the supporting PolioPlus.
To get your tickets, click here. Then enter the code Rotary in the Promo Codes box; select Find Tickets; choose Section 106
- Rotary - Create Lasting Impact | July 1, 6:00-8:00 pm at Rockhurst University, Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Hall; 5351 Forest Avenue; Kansas City, Missouri.
This will feature Larry Lunsford, Rotary International President Elect and Peace Fellow Alum Jennifer Montgomery speaking on victim-centered approaches to solving human trafficking. Register at this link.
- Human Trafficking Candlelight Vigil | Sunday, July 5, 8:00-9:00 pm at Loose Park, Kansas City, Missouri Facilitated by anti-human trafficking teams from Districts 5710 & 6040. No need to register.
📊 District Progress: July 2025 – May 2026
Membership Goal: 1829, Progress: 1886 (90% retention)
Engagement Goal: 65% members, Progress: 38% (understated, clubs need to update)
Annual Fund Goal: $250K, Progress: $237,547 (95% pf goal, 7 non-giving clubs)
PolioPlus Goal: $120K, Progress: $101,950 (85% of goal - 9 non-giving clubs)
New Benefactors Goal: 10, Progress: 12 (120% of goal - Congrats!)
Club Action Planning Goal: 21 clubs, Progress: 17
Public Image
Media Stories - clubs: Goal - 24, Progress: 12
Web & Soc. Media Updates Goal: 28, Progress: 21
Overall, our district is showing good progress. Two reminders as we close the year:
- Be alert for “June Gloom.” Membership often declines because records are updated at year-end. Stay connected with members who may be disengaging.
- Please update service participation and other Rotary Club Central goals. Clubs that track goals tend to grow stronger and increase their impact.
🏆 Rotary International Club Excellence Award
Congratulations to Our clubs who have earned the Rotary International Club Excellence Award. Eleven clubs have already achieved this award by completing at least 13 goals. Nine additional clubs are within one or two goals of qualifying.
Suggestions for Clubs to Celebrate Rotary Fellowship Month
Fellowship is one of Rotary’s greatest strengths and one of our best tools for member engagement and retention.
Consider:
- Hosting a social event or happy hour.
- Combining fellowship with a service project.
- Showcasing members’ hobbies and passions.
- Encouraging participation in Rotary’s many international fellowships.
Engaged members stay involved and help clubs thrive.
🔜 Looking Ahead - July 2026 – Happy New Rotary Year 2026-2027 & Maternal & Childcare Month
BIG Thank You’s & Thoughts Rotary Year 2025-2026
As I reflect on this year, there are many people to thank for all you are doing to strengthen your clubs, serve your communities, and advance Rotary’s mission. There is so much that I owe to so many of you for all your support to make this Rotary year outstanding.
- Thank you to our 40 club presidents and leadership teams. The most important work in Rotary happens at the club level, and your leadership has made a difference.
- Our district leadership team - I knew that I could depend on you all to continue to support our clubs. And you have – for this I am grateful. Thank you!
- Our District Governor line: PDG Tamara Sevcik, DGE Michelle Sink, DGN Paula Landoll Smith, and DGND Jennifer Berquist for your guidance and support.
- And a special thank you to Mandy Sheldon, whose dedication and assistance throughout the year has been very invaluable.
I am especially excited for Michelle Sink as she prepares to lead our district. Her energy, vision, and commitment will help our clubs continue to grow, serve, and have fun doing it.
Serving as your 87th District Governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for this privilege as well as your support, friendship, and commitment to service above self.
Let’s finish this Rotary year strong—growing membership, increasing engagement, expanding service, and strengthening our Foundation.
Together, let us Unite for Good to Create Lasting Impact!
Rotary Night with the Monarchs – June 19!
