My official visits are complete ... Wow, what an amazing experience! I so enjoyed getting to visit each club and see how you each have your own distinctive club culture. I have most enjoyed getting to connect with you on a personal level and join in service with you through the district-wide Backpack Friends food packing project, that accompanied my official visits. 
It was incredible to discover that over half of our district members participated in the hands-on service project. In a year where our focus is on connections, relationship building,  and fun, you (our community) inspired me with your willingness to participate and the fun you brought to this project. Rotarians truly like to have fun!
 
During my visits, I met with your boards and asked for feedback on what we as a District can do better and how we can better bring District to the Clubs.  Thanks to the tremendous amount of feedback, we are working to see how this information can help us to enable you to be an even better and more effective club.
 
Foundation Gala registration is now open, and space is limited, so make sure to get registered.  Clubs can reserve a table with at least 5 members registered and once the table of 10 is filled, can reserve the next one with another 5 registrations. I am excited to celebrate with you. The General Reception begins at 6 pm to kick off the night with a cocktail hour.  The theme of the Gala is Black & White and although not required, feel free to pull out your favorite Black & White Cocktail Attire for a fun evening. Click here to be taken to the District Foundation Gala registration page.
 
Please note, that if you are a Major Donor, you will not register through this link. You will receive an invitation next week by mail with ability to register via a different link. If you are a Major Donor and want to register to help your club reserve a table, click the following link and I will send you the link: shannoncolemanrotary@gmail.com?subject=Major Donor registration link
 
If you haven't already make sure to get your contributions to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund as soon as possible in order for them to count toward your 2022 tax deductible contributions for taxes. The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund is how we continue good in our communities, district and world and great projects like our most recent district-wide food packing project that is feeding school age children in our district that suffer from weekend hunger. Thank you so much for your continued support.
 
I want to wish you a wonderful holiday season and thank you for such a successful first half of the year. Enjoy time with your families and friends and I will see you in 2023!
 
Happy Holidays!
DG Shannon Coleman