









MAKE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
With our growing community of 1.2 million members,
located around the world.
WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES
Rotarians invest approximately 47 million volunteer hours every year, into improving the lives of those around them
WE FUND SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS
$291 million awarded for global service initiatives in 2023-24
Join Us
Rotary Weekly Meeting
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 12:15 p.m.
Arrive early. Connect. Be part of the conversation!
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Come early for fellowship and networking with fellow Rotarians before our 12:15 p.m. meeting.
RSVP

Speaker: Ron Shuali, M.Ed.
Transformational Speaker
Creator of YOGARATE® & Behavior Mastery Systems
Founder of UNprofessional Development
Join us at Noon; the meeting will begin at 12:15 pm.We meet at Cafe Vico, 1125 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.
Email rotaryftlaud@gmail.com with questions.
Click here on Wednesday anytime after 12:00 to participate in the Zoom meeting.
You can also dial in, but you will not see the PowerPoint or video feeds.
To dial in call: 646-558-8656 and use this Meeting ID: 954 424 0731
Password: 275406
Ron Shuali, M.Ed has spent over 15 years working and presenting in the education marketplace. He is a best selling author, top motivational speaker and presenter with expertise in the preschool through middle school arena. Ron presents keynote addresses, continuing professional development workshops and school assemblies in schools and conferences nationally and locally. His ability to awaken the minds of students and schools expands into the corporate world as well. All participants laugh, listen and learn to succeed.
Ron has been a student of many disciplines of martial arts starting at age 12. His journey began with five years of Tae Kwon Do before college.
While attending Rutgers University, he studied Wu Shu Kung Fu. After graduating, Ron earned his Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate and began studying the more internal martial art of Hung Gar Kung Fu. Finally, he added the study of Isshinryu Karate. At age 25 Ron began his journey in Yoga and enrolled in his first level one Reiki training. He realized that the common denominator in every art he studied was breathing; each style had its own way to "breathe". The combination of hard martial arts, like Kung Fu and Karate, blended with the soft martial arts of yoga and Reiki became Yogarate with Ron as the first Yensei (Yogi/Sensei).
Currently, Ron and his team teach Yogarate in over 50 schools within the tri-state area including the true future leaders of the planet at the preschool at the United Nations.
His vast knowledge of the inner working of the mind led to the creation of some of the most revolutionary, forward- thinking, and award-winning programs in existence today. Participants and organizations alike agree that his thought-provoking information, combined with his comical and entertaining presentations, always leave his audiences inspired. "Nobody watches the clock when Ron is on stage."
Ron's extensive experience in stand-up comedy, improvisational theater, and professional wrestling allow Yensei Ron to engage, excite and educate audiences using all of their senses. Ron doesn’t speak. He facilitates experiences. His ability to quickly engage his audiences with true life stories, while simultaneously introducing techniques and concepts, is exceptionally effective. His audiences learn through laughter and always walk away excited about the techniques that Ron shares.
FAU Bridge Project Fundraiser
Ken Wilson, President of the Fort Lauderdale South Sunset Satellite Club, joined us Wednesday to share the FAU Bridge Project Fundraiser—another great example of Rotary fellowship and Service Above Self!
Click to view the PDF flyer.

Rotary Weekly Meeting
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 12:15 p.m.
Arrive early. Connect. Be part of the conversation!
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Come early for fellowship and networking with fellow Rotarians before our 12:15 p.m. meeting.
RSVP
VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Guest Speaker: Terry Mularkey
Vice President of Institutional Advancement,
Chief Executive Officer of the Broward College Foundation.
Join us at Noon; the meeting will begin at 12:15 pm.We meet at Cafe Vico, 1125 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.
Email rotaryftlaud@gmail.com with questions.
Click here on Wednesday anytime after 12:00 to participate in the Zoom meeting.
You can also dial in, but you will not see the PowerPoint or video feeds.
To dial in call: 646-558-8656 and use this Meeting ID: 954 424 0731
Password: 275406
Terry Mularkey is our distinguished speaker! He currently serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and Chief Executive Officer of the Broward College Foundation. Terry has been a professional fundraiser for the past 25 years. His main areas of experience have been in higher education.
Mularkey served as a U.S. Army Officer on active duty for 21 years until retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served and managed staffs in the military including The Joint Staff in the Pentagon. His numerous assignments and deployments include leadership positions in Italy, Germany, Panama, Grenada, Turkey, and Iraq and awards of distinction including the Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Service Medal (3x), the Department of Defense (DOD) Humanitarian Service Medal (3x), the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, the U.S. Army Special Forces Tab, Master Parachutist Wings, and the U.S. Army Aviator Wings.
Terry is a native of Ft. Lauderdale. He is a graduate of Mercer University, where he was commissioned an officer of the United States Army. He holds a Master of Aeronautical Science (MAS) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is a graduate of The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as The Armed Forces Staff College. He holds the FAA commercial, multi-engine, instrument pilot ratings, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Terry and his wife, Nancy, reside in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and have three adult children.
Bobby Rodriguez Orchestra
Annual Toy Drive
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Once again, our Rotarians are coming together to help make the holidays brighter for children in need throughout our community.
Many of the children who will receive these gifts are living in extreme poverty or facing tremendous challenges, including cancer, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and disabilities. For some, the toy they receive through our Toy Drive may be the only gift they receive this holiday season.
Every toy we collect is more than just a present—it is a reminder to a child that someone cares and is thinking of them.
Together, through the generosity of our Rotary family, we can bring joy, hope, and a little holiday magic to children who need it most.
Please help us make this year’s Annual Toy Drive another wonderful success!
It's really easy! Just click the Amazon link below, select a toy, and it will be delivered.
Service Above Self — one child, one smile, one gift at a time.
Rotary Connection September Community Impact Report
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September was a remarkable month for Rotary Connection, and we are grateful to each of you for helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of our unhoused neighbors.
We completed our first full month operating our new bus, and I'm happy to report that it is performing beautifully! After the challenges we experienced with our previous vehicle, having dependable transportation means we can focus on what matters most: connecting our riders to essential services, opportunities, and pathways out of homelessness.
Behind every number is a person with a story. This month, I'd like to share one of those stories.
Meet David: One Bus Ride, a New Beginning
David's name has been changed to protect his privacy.
We first met David at one of our partner agencies. He boarded Rotary Connection, and as our onboard resource navigator engaged him in conversation, David shared something important: he had health insurance and wanted help entering treatment for a substance use disorder.
That conversation set several things in motion.
We immediately began working with a reputable treatment provider to secure a place for David in its program. But treatment arrangements take coordination, and David needed somewhere safe to stay in the meantime.
That's where the strength of our partnership with Fellowship Recovery Community Organization (FRCO), our parent nonprofit, made all the difference.
We coordinated a temporary bed for David at The Respite, FRCO's short-term supportive care program. Shortly after arriving, David experienced a medical issue that required attention. The Respite staff helped him get to the hospital so he could receive the care he needed.
Once medically stabilized, David entered and completed a 28-day residential treatment program.
And here's the best part.
David recently returned to Fellowship Recovery Community Organization, where he now lives in its transitional supported housing program. He is actively looking for employment so he can begin supporting himself while continuing his recovery.
Think about that journey. One conversation on a bus led to temporary shelter, medical attention, residential treatment, stable transitional housing, and a renewed opportunity for independence.
This is why we say Rotary Connection is more than just a ride.
Our Amazon Wish List — Small Items, Big Impact
Every week, our team distributes hundreds of essential items to riders who often have very little. These practical necessities, such as socks, snacks, and wipes, can make a real difference in someone's day.
We've created an Amazon Wish List to make it easy for our supporters to help. Purchasing even one item helps us provide comfort, dignity, and encouragement to the people we serve.
Please consider purchasing an item from our wish list today:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19MVLJAXPZEDM?ref_=wl_share
And please share the link with friends, family, coworkers, and anyone who might want to help. Every purchase makes a difference!
Come Ride Along With Us!
There's no better way to understand Rotary Connection than to experience it firsthand.
We invite our supporters, funders, and community partners to join us for a VIP ride-along on Monday mornings from 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
You'll meet our team, see how the route operates, visit partner agencies, and experience the everyday challenges our unhoused neighbors face in accessing services.
Most importantly, you'll see firsthand how a simple bus ride can open the door to life-changing opportunities.
Just reply to this email, and we'll be happy to arrange your visit.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on expanding access to services, helping more individuals enter treatment, and reconnecting people with family and other support systems through our Return Home reunification program.
September's 758 rides represent much more than transportation. They represent hundreds of opportunities for someone to take the next step toward stability, recovery, and independence.
Thank you for believing in Rotary Connection, for investing in our mission, and for helping us turn everyday encounters into extraordinary outcomes.
With gratitude,
Garry Smyth
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Support Rotary Connection
Rotary Connection continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Broward County. To help meet the ongoing needs of those who rely on the bus and its services, we are asking for your support.
If you would like to help, please consider purchasing an item from the Rotary Connection Amazon Wishlist. Every donation, large or small, helps provide essential items to those in need.
All donations will be shipped directly to Rick Riccardi at Fellowship Recovery. Whether you're able to give a little or a lot, every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
Your generosity helps us continue to make a difference—one person at a time.
[View the Amazon Wishlist]
To make a monetary donation, click here.
Rotary Foundation Month
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Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
Our mission
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
What impact can one donation have?
- For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
- $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
- $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH

Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. Our members promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions. Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Our members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
Make a Donation to the Rotary 1090 Foundation
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale 1090 Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Donations are used to fund college scholarships to local high school graduates and for other community projects such as the Rotary Connection, Thanksgiving meals, Have a Heart helping our hungry and homeless population, Challenge Air benefitting special needs children, neighborhood clean-up and restoration projects, youth leadership programs and more.
Click or scan below to make a tax-deductible donation.
Thank you for your support!
Registration Number CH 8789A copy of the registration and financial information may be obtained from the State of Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling 1-800-435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State of Florida.
Donate to Rotary 1090 Foundation
Click below to make a tax-deductible donation.
Donate to the Fort Lauderdale Rotary 1090 Foundation Inc.
Click here to Donate
Thank you!!
Pay Membership Dues
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Projects & Programs
Projects and Programs Supported by
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
The Rotary Motto is “SERVICE ABOVE SELF”
Rotarians are “PEOPLE OF ACTION”
The following alphabetical list includes the ways members of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale are serving others during the Rotary Year.
Adopt-a-Street: April and October: The Rotary Club has volunteered to clean a street in Fort Lauderdale for nearly a decade. Keeping our city streets clean is very important to Rotarians. Volunteers (members and non-members) who want to “get their hands dirty” should contact Jorg Hruschka at 954-709-3197. We do provide gloves, trash pickers, buckets, and bags.
Books for the Bahamas – September: Rotarians collect used text books from one or more local schools, pack them on pallets, and ship them to Rotarians in the Bahamas where the books get a second life.
Challenge Air –January: This program builds self-esteem in children/youth with special needs through the exhilaration of riding in a private aircraft. If able, the child can sit in the co-pilot seat. Annually, about 90 children/youth fly from Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Airport. Contact Terry Robinson at 954-494-8242.
Children’s Toy Drive - Rotarians provide hundreds of toys to children at the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health, Children's Diagnostic and Treatment Center, the Ann Stork Center, and Henderson Behavioral Health at Christmas. Contact Linda Cooke at 954-494-7779.
Direct Grant-in-aid – Grants from between $1,500 and $4,000 to fund local organizations including AMIKids Greater Fort Lauderdale, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Challenge Air, Power of One Hour, Early Literacy Project/Free Little Libraries, Henderson Behavioral Health, Hurricane Relief, Project Stable Foundation, Thanksgiving Meals, Turkeys Take Flight (Thanksgiving meals), and other qualified organizations approved by the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale and the 1090 Foundation Board.
Early Childhood Development – Global Grant: Our club provided $6,500, and other clubs in the United States contributed as well, to fund the education and training of a group of 16 ECD practitioners in Haenertsburg, South Africa. Upon completion of the training, these ladies will return to their homes in the bush and provide much needed education for parents and children before the child enters public school. Children who are in formal classes before Kindergarten have a much higher graduation rate from high school than those who don’t.
End Polio Now: Through The Rotary Foundation, our club supports an international project called Polio Plus. Rotarians, with the help of the World Health Organization, have almost eliminated Polio from the world. Work began in the late 70’s when there were 350,000 “wild” cases of polio annually and in 2018 there were only 33 reported “wild” cases in the world. The goal is to eliminate the disease and prevent it from ever returning.
Hurricane Relief – Following hurricanes, our club mobilizes very quickly to collect and distribute needed supplies to the affected areas. In the past, money and supplies have been sent to the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Florida’s Panhandle region, North Carolina, and Fort Myers.
Interact Clubs: Our Rotary Club sponsors and supports the Interact Club for students at Dillard High School. Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club that gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun and meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends. The basic principle of the Rotary Interact is to help others.
Power of One Hour – By cleaning and planting new landscaping, Rotarians improve the physical environment of public spaces throughout our community. We work with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Community Civic Volunteer Corps and the Broward Partnership for the Homeless.
Rotary Youth Exchange – The club supports inbound high school students from other countries who are selected through a competitive application process to study in the United States during a year of their high school career; in exchange, American students also spend a year abroad learning a new culture.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing – The club supports the Salvation Army with member’s individual contributions and 40 to 50 volunteers who ring the bell at “kettle locations” throughout Fort Lauderdale. We are very proud that our Rotary Club has consistently been the one organization that yields the highest dollar value in “kettle contributions”.
Sanitation Project: The club funds grant requests from A Spring of Hope to help with the cost of waterless toilets in South Africa. The schools who receive the waterless toilets are so grateful because they only had a latrine before. The waterless toilets help reduce illness caused by poor sanitation and hygiene. .Contact Gail Auguston-Koppen at 503-804-4844.
Senior Care – Rotarians provide gifts for seniors at Christmas and also fellowship with them. Contact Linda Cooke at 954-494-7779.
Scholarships for College and Vocational/Technical Schools – Distribute approximately $50,000 to eligible Broward County high school graduates pursuing higher education and vocational education. Over the past 50 years, over $2 million has been awarded in direct aid to very deserving students.
Thanksgiving Baskets: Provides full Thanksgiving dinners for needy families in Fort Lauderdale in collaboration with the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale. Volunteers are needed to deliver many of the meals to people who can’t come to the church to pick them up. Contact Sally Botkin at 954-651-1004.
Water Projects – The club gives grants to A Spring of Hope and Replenish, Inc. to fund the construction of potable water wells in South Africa and the purchase of water filtration systems in Kenya. These projects are located at schools which encourage the parents to send their children to school.
Weekly Wheelchairs – The club dedicates the delivery of a wheelchair to a person in need of hope and mobility somewhere in the world, in the name of the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale’s weekly club meeting.
Wheelchairs - Sponsors the delivery of wheelchairs from the Wheelchair Foundation to people around the world in need of mobility. Many times this is the first time the recipient has had any mobility in their lives.
All donations and in-kind gifts to the Fort Lauderdale Rotary 1090 Foundation, a Florida 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation, are tax-exempt to the extent permitted by law. There are no fees or overhead costs associated with the programs supported by our foundation as club volunteers undertake all our activities. Contributions may be made payable to the Fort Lauderdale Rotary 1090 Foundation, Inc. Our Federal EIN number is 23-7247846.
Rotary Connection Launch Day Update!
The Sun-Sentinel ran an article on August 8th.

New Broward bus loop helps get homeless to critical services
August 4, 2025
We had a fantastic event on Friday, August 1, 2025, to officially launch the Rotary Connection! This 14-seat bus will provide much-needed transportation for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them access essential services throughout Broward County. Thank you to everyone who came out to support this important initiative—we truly appreciate your presence and encouragement.

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Check out this coverage from Caplin News (FIU):
New Broward bus loop launches to connect unhoused residents with vital services.
Thank you to Rick Riccardi for the vision and Gwynne Beatty for making this happen. A special thank-you also goes to key supporters, including the Florida Blue Foundation, Changing Lives North Broward, and Go Therefore, as well as Henderson Behavioral Health, Fellowship Recovery Community Organization, LifeNet4Families, and the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale.
Pay for Guests / Rule of 85 Lunch
Donate Your Happy Dollars

Happy Dollars support special projects, club operations, and other important expenses. Feeling happy? Share the joy—make a contribution today!
Click here to Donate
Thank you!!
Meeting Location
New Meeting Venue Effective Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Café Vico Restaurant
1125 N. Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Map It
Please go to Club Events below for the date and location.
Annual Fund
ANNUAL FUND
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Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary and Rotaract clubs take action today to create positive change in communities close to home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment.
The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund includes SHARE, the World Fund, and our areas of focus funds. The Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative asks all members to donate to the Annual Fund each year and take part in at least one Foundation project or program each year.
Meeting Makeups
Need to make up a Rotary meeting that you missed?
Choose an option below:
Make Up On-Line Via the World Wide Web
Rotary Club Locator
https://www.rotary.org/en/search/club-finder
1090 Articles & Bylaws
These docments require that you be logged into DACdb (you will be prompted to login if you are not already logged in) and then you can download and open them.
Click here for the Articles of Incorporation for the 1090 Foundation.
Click here for the Bylaws of the 1090 Foundation.
The above were updated in May 2014.
Click here for 1090 History & Accounting as of October 2013.
Becoming a Member
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Rotarian. Rotary International is an association of individual clubs, with each club operating autonomously. Membership is extremely important to us, and we are always eager to hear from individuals interested in our mission and in joining a Rotary club. The RI universal premise is that the membership of each club constitutes an accurate representation of the business and professional population within the community served.
Membership in a Rotary club requires available business or professional classification opportunities as well as an invitation and sponsorship by a member of the club. Sometimes an individual cannot be invited or sponsored for membership.
Rotarians are business and professional leaders who take an active role in their communities while greatly enriching their personal and professional lives. A Rotary club contains a diverse group of professional leaders from the community that the club serves.
Membership in a Rotary club offers a number of benefits, including:
- effecting change within the community
- advancing business and professional contacts
- developing leadership skills
- gaining an understanding of — and having an impact on — international humanitarian issues
Through Rotary International's service programs, a Rotary club can have a significant effect on the quality of life in its community. Rotary Foundation programs offer opportunities to form international partnerships that help people in need worldwide. Some 1.2 million Rotarians in 30,000 clubs in more than 160 countries make significant contributions to the quality of life at home and around the globe.
Click here for the application form. Click here for The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale Brochure. Click here for our Membership Categories Brochure. Click here for photos and more information about the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale.
Object of Rotary - First formulated in 1910 and adapted through the years as Rotary’s mission expanded, the Object of Rotary provides a succinct definition of the organization’s purpose as well as the club member’s responsibilities. The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life; FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
Club Constitution & Bylaws
These docments require that you be logged into DACdb (you will be prompted to login if you are not already logged in) and then you can download/open them.
Click here for the Club Constitution as of July 2018.
Click here for the Bylaws as of Feb 2019.
Click here for the Dues and Fees as of July 2018.
Contact Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
Mail:
Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
1126 S. Federal Highway #171
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Email:
rotaryftlaud@gmail.com
Five Avenues of Service
The Object of Rotary is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.” Rotary is a service organization. Since 1910, the Rotary Motto has been “Service Above Self.”
Rotary strives to achieve it’s objective of “Service Above Self” through activities in five primary areas. These are often referred to as the Five Avenues of Service.
Club Service
This “Avenue” promotes the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service. It involves the activities necessary to make the Club function successfully and achieve its goals. Click here to find out more about Club Service at the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale.
Vocational Service
This area represents the opportunity that each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one’s vocation as an opportunity to serve society. Rotarians promote and foster high ethical standards in business and professions and promote the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations. Click here to find out more about Vocational Service at the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale.
Community Service
This “Avenue” relates to the activities that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. Particular emphasis is given to helping children, needy families, the aged, the handicapped, and those most in need of assistance. Rotarians strive to promote the ideal of service in their personal, business, and community lives. Click here to find out more about Community Service at the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale.
International Service
In this area, Rotarians strive for the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. International Service Projects are designed to meet the humanitarian needs of people in many lands, with particular emphasis on the most underprivileged children and families in developing countries. International Service at the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale: We partner with Replenish to provide Lifestraws in South Africa. We partner with A Spring of Hope to drill wells in South Africa and provide waterless toilets. We are working on a Rotary International Global Grant to provide education for teachers in Africa.
Youth Service
Youth Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities such as RYLA, Rotaract and Interact club service projects, and creating international understanding with Rotary Youth Exchange. Youth Service at the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale: We sponsor an Interact Club at Cardinal Gibbons High School, we sponsor an exchange student each year and serve as host families for visiting students.
Instructions for Club Documents
Once you have logged in, click on My Club and then click on Club Files,
Click on the Secure Files Tab (to the right of Public Files), and open the file you are looking for.
For example, if you want to look at a new member application, click on the New Member Application Folder and then click on the application name you want to open.
If you do not know your login, please email rotaryftlaud@gmail.com
Instructions for Login
Please click the Member login tab at the very top of this page, above the header.
If you are on a mobile device, click the box at the top right for the menu and select Member Login.
You will Login using your DACdb user name (email) and password.
If you do not know those, please email
rotaryftlaud@gmail.com
You will now have access to the other menu items under this tab while you are logged in for this session.
You will need to login again, the next time you use the system.
Instructions for Member Directory
You use the same login you use for the district site and our website. Once you have logged in, click on My Club and then Members and you will see a list of all our members, then click on the member you need contact information for and it will open up for you.
If you do not know your login, please email rotaryftlaud@gmail.com
To add a shortcut to your smart phone
If you are on an android phone, you can click the three dots near the top right to see options and then click Add to Home screen and you will have a button that you can put where you want on your phone and have easy access to the directory.
If you are on an iPhone, make sure you use Safari to go to m.dacdb.com and at the bottom of your screen you can click the icon that looks like a folder with an arrow, then click, Add to Home screen and you will have a button you put where you want and have easy access to the member directory.
Leadership/Committee Contact List
This docment requires that you be logged into DACdb (you will be prompted to login if you are not already logged in) and then you can download and open it.
Please click here to download a pdf of our Leadership and Committee Chair Contact List. If you would like to pick up a hard copy, please check with Registration Desk and they will give you one.
Lifestraws

WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM INITIATIVE
Our Rotary club’s water filtration program involves funding for the purchase and maintenance of portable water filtration system, primarily for rural, underprivileged schools in Kenya. The filtration systems we finance through this program are primarily Community LifeStraws, which can clean 100,000 liters of water, providing safe drinking water for up to 100 people for 5 years. Community LifeStraws cost an average of $350, and their useful life can be extended with monitoring and maintenance costing average of $100. "Lifetime LifeStraw" which is $500 for new units which includes the delivery and the maintenance and replacement parts as needed. Every $5 does give a child clean water for 5 years at this pricing.
The need for these filtration systems in tremendous. 2.2 million people in developing countries, most of them children, die every year from diseases associated with unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. Lack of access to safe drinking water contributes to the staggering burden of diarrheal diseases worldwide, particularly affecting the young, the immunocompromised and the poor. Nearly one in five child deaths – about 1.5 million each year – is due to diarrhea.
Approximately 43% of the global population, especially the lower-income populace in the remote and rural parts of the developing world, is deprived of household safe piped water. “Point-of-use” treatment is an alternative approach, which can accelerate the health gains associated with the provision of safe drinking water to the at-risk populations. It empowers people to control the quality of their drinking water. In many rural and urban areas of the developing world, household water-quality interventions can reduce diarrheal morbidity by more than 40%. Water filters have been shown to be the most effective interventions amongst all point-of-use water treatment methods for reducing diarrheal diseases.

For our water filtration program, we partner with Replenish, a 501(c) 3 organization based in Arlington, Texas outside of Dallas. Replenish identifies schools in need, purchases the LifeStraws and coordinates the distribution of the LifeStraws.
Our Rotary club thanks you for your support of our water filtration initiative with Replenish. If you would like to make a donation to support this program, please click on the link below. If you would like additional information, please also feel free to contact Les Campbell, our club’s Water Projects committee chair, by email at lcampbell@hjsims.com, or by phone at 800-593-9172.
On behalf of the children whose lives who literally will be saved through your support, we again thank you for your support!
Click below to donate to our LifeStraws program:
Make a Donation to the Rotary 1090 Foundation
Mission & Vision Statements
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
Mission:
To provide business, professional, and community leaders an opportunity for service to others in order to benefit our community and to promote high ethical standards, fellowship, and goodwill worldwide.
Vision:
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale will continue to be the premier Service Club for our community's service minded leaders of all ages, who enjoy each other's company, have fun working together, and are committed to the Rotary motto
"Service Above Self"
The Object of Rotary
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
Past Presidents
Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
1922-23 John D. Sherwin
1923-24 Charles E. Fritz
1924-25 Reverend R.D. Tracy
1925-26 C.J. Joiner (½ year)
1926-27 J.S. Rickards (½ year)
1927-28 A.J. Beck
1928-29 Russell Snow
1929-30 William A. Glass
1930-31 J.A. Raymond
1931-32 Ulric Bennett
1932-33 Maxwell Baxter
1933-34 C.C. Freeman
1934-35 J.B. Fannin
1935-36 W.J. Eastman
1936-37 Dr. O.C. Brown
1937-38 August Burghard
1938-39 Jackson McDonald (½ year)
1939-41 Holt McPherson (1 ½ year)
1941-42 W.M. Ketchin
1942-43 Howard Pierce
1943-44 Dallas Swindle
1944-45 Carlyle Sweet
1945-46 Harry Randel
1946-47 Paul W. Myers, Sr.
1947-48 J.B. Patterson
1948-49 A.W. Putnam
1949-50 E. Thomas Wilburn
1950-51 C.I. Pierce
1951-52 Robert A. Childers
1952-53 Robert V. Roberts
1953-54 Richard W. Ward
1954-55 Harlow Davock
1955-56 E. Peter Clements
1956-57 Mark S. Bibson
1957-58 Grant I. Clarke
1958-59 Ernest N. Orr
1959-60 William B. Hulett
1960-61 Thomas A. Cook
1961-62 William J. Burke
1962-63 Thord M. Marshall
1963-64 Sam O. O’Bryan, Jr.
1964-65 A.W. Saarinen, Jr.
1965-66 Robert H. Six
1966-67 John C. Miller
1967-68 Ben A. Bolinger
1968-69 Clem E. Bininger
1969-70 Walter F. Dunn
1970-71 Robert E. Shepard
1971-72 Robert H. Pfeifer
1972-73 E. Birch Willey
1973-74 Clinton D. Hamilton
1974-75 Charles Creighton
1975-76 J.B. Richner
1976-77 Mitchell J. Alles
1977-78 Donald T. Glenn, Jr.
1978-79 Charles H. Bolton, III
1979-80 Ralph A. Marrinson
1980-81 Harvey E. Ramsey, III
1981-82 James E. Houston
1982-83 I. Fred Anderson
1983-84 R. William Weimer, Jr.
1984-85 Allan C. Sorensen
1985-86 William L. McGee, Jr.
1986-87 Romney C. Rogers
1987-88 Eugene M. Jones
1988-89 G. Wilkerson Gilbert
1989-90 John Dorner
1990-91 Ian C.R. Gail
1991-92 Thomas L. Tapp
1992-93 M. Scott Whiddon
1993-94 Roger Arndall
1994-95 R. Stephen Botkin
1995-96 Gene A. Whiddon, Jr.
1996-97 Walter L. Morgan
1997-98 Lloyd Rhodes
1998-99 John Siegle
1999-00 John Carroll
2000-01 Lynn Hayes
2001-02 Melissa Aiello
2002-03 Dan Arnold III
2003-04 Steve Picha
2004-05 Michael Grimme
2005-06 Marvin Chaney
2006-07 Jon Erik Gundlach
2007-08 Marty Kurtz
2008-09 Ray Williams
2009-10 William Gundlach, III
2010-11 John Gustafson
2011-12 Robert M. Easton, Jr.
2012-13 Charles Felix
2013-14 Steve Leinicke
2014-15 Anthony J. Abbate
2015-16 Mike Sanchez
2016-17 Tom Powers
2017-18 Jonathan Keith
2018-19 David Kramer
2019-20 Pat McNamara
2020-21 Perry Monioudis
2021-22 Terry Robinson
2022-23 Jaye Abbate
2023-24 Rick Riccardi
2024-25 Dan Rizzi
2025-26 Jeffrey Shaffner
2026-27 Gabor Bodnar
Rotary & District Links
Click here for the Rotary International link.
Click here for the Rotary Foundation link.
Click here for the District 6990 link.
The Rotary Foundation
The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world." It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$73 million contributed in 2000-01. Its event-filled history is a story of Rotarians learning the value of service to humanity.
History of The Rotary Foundation
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Arch C. Klumph, |
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In 1917, Arch C. Klumph, Rotary's sixth president, proposed to the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the creation of an "endowment fund for Rotary . . . for the purpose of doing good in the world in charitable, educational, and other avenues of community service." A few months later, the endowment received its first contribution of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than US$5,000, the fund was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International. Five Trustees, including Klumph, were appointed to "hold, invest, manage, and administer all of its property. . . as a single trust, for the furtherance of the purposes of RI."
Two years later, the Foundation made its first grant of US$500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The ISCC — created by Rotarian Edgar F. "Daddy" Allen — later grew into the Easter Seals organization.
The Great Depression and World War II both impeded significant growth for the Foundation, but the need for promoting a lasting world peace generated great post-war interest in developing the Foundation. After Rotary founder Paul P. Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created for the purpose of building the Foundation.
That same year, the first Foundation program was established — Fellowships for Advanced Study, which was the forerunner of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships program. Then in 1965-66, three new programs were launched — Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants.
The Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) program was launched in 1978, with the Rotary Volunteers program being created as a part of 3-H in 1980. The PolioPlus program was announced in 1984-85, and the following year saw the introduction of Rotary Grants for University Teachers. The first Peace Forums were held in 1987-88, leading to the establishment of Rotary Peace Programs. Then in 1989, 1963-64 RI President Carl P. Miller and his wife, Ruth, donated US$1 million to establish the Discovery Grants program.Throughout this time, support of the Foundation grew tremendously. Since that first $26.50 donation in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totaling more than US$1 billion. More than US$68 million was donated in 1998-99 alone. To date, some 726,000 individuals have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows — that is, someone who has contributed US$1000 or has had that amount contributed in his or her name.
Such strong support and involvement of Rotarians worldwide ensures a secure future for The Rotary Foundation as it continues its vital work for international understanding and world peace.
Water Projects Overview

THE MISSION
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale actively supports water projects which provide clean, sustainable water, sanitation and economic development to underprivileged areas, primarily in Africa.
THE NEED
Consider the following facts relating to the urgent need to improve safe drinking water supplies and better sanitation throughout the world:
WATER FACTS:
- 1 billion people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, roughly one-sixth of the world's population.
- 50 percent of people on earth lack adequate sanitation
- Every minute of every day a child dies from a water-related disease
- 2.2 million people in developing countries, most of them children, die every year from diseases associated with unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
- Half of the world's hospital beds are filled with people suffering from water related illnesses.
- In the past 10 years, diarrhea has killed more children than all the people lost to armed conflict since World War II.
- 358 million children in Africa don’t have clean drinking water
- African women walk an average of 3.6 miles to collect water
- The average American uses 100 gallons of water per day vs. 5 gallons per day for the average African family.
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HOW WE ARE HELPING
Since our club began its water project initiative in 2007, we have contributed over $500,000 to the two principal programs which we support. These programs are:
WATER WELLS
Our club provides funding for the construction and operation of water wells in rural, underprivileged schools in South Africa in desperate need of water. For this initiative, we partner with A Spring of Hope, a 501(c)3 or
ganization. Spring of Hope identifies, locates promising well site and coordinates construction of each well. The average well costs about $10,000, and we are proud of the fact that every well that we’ve ever funded is still in operation!
WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS

Our club provides funding for to purchase of LifeStraw community water filtration systems, primarily for schools in Kenya. For this program, we partner with Replenish, a 501(c)3 organization based in Arlington, Texas. Replenish identifies schools in need, purchases the filters and coordinates distribution. Each Community LifeStraw can clean 100,000 liters of water, providing safe drinking water for up to 70 people for 5 years. Community LifeStraws cost average of $350, life can be extended with monitoring and maintenance costing an average of $100. "Lifetime LifeStraw" which is $500 for new units which includes the delivery and the maintenance and replacement parts as needed. Every $5 does give a child clean water for 5 years at this pricing.
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| Click here for more information about A Spring of Hope and our Water Wells Program. | Click here for more information about Replenish and our Water Filtration Program. |
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Click below to donate to our Water Wells Program: |
Click below to donate to our LifeStraw Program: |
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale registration number is CH6195
and the Rotary 1090 Foundation registration number is CH8789.
Water Wells
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352)?) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale registration number is CH 6195
and the Rotary 1090 Foundation registration number is CH 8789.
What is Rotary?
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.22 million Rotarians belong to more than 34,558 Rotary clubs.
Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.
The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.

Although Rotary clubs develop autonomous service programs, all Rotarians worldwide are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio. In the 1980s, Rotarians raised US$240 million to immunize the children of the world; 2005, Rotary's centenary year, the PolioPlus program contributed US$500 million to this cause. In addition, Rotary has provided an army of volunteers to promote and assist at national immunization days in polio-endemic countries around the world.

Jeffrey Shaffner
2025-2026 Club President
Club President Letter 2025-26
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
It’s a true honor to begin this Rotary year as your President. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me—I’m genuinely excited to serve alongside such a passionate, generous, and thoughtful group. There’s a real sense of momentum building in our club, and I believe this is going to be a standout year.
Our Rotary International theme, Unite for Good, is more than a motto—it’s a mindset. In a world that can sometimes feel divided or disconnected, we have a unique opportunity to be the bridge. Through service, fellowship, and shared purpose, we can show what’s possible when people come together with open hearts and a commitment to doing good.
This year, we’ll build on the strong foundation already in place by:
- Deepening our partnerships in the community
- Strengthening engagement and belonging within our club
- Spreading awareness of the amazing work we do
- Empowering our committees with clear goals and purpose
- Celebrating the diversity of talents and perspectives among us
- Growing our collaboration with the Rotary Community Corps
- Getting a great start on our new expansive, all-hands-on-deck social media campaign to let our community know the great work we do.
And just look at what we’re already doing:
✅ The Rotary Connection, supporting our homeless neighbors
✅ Rotarians Honoring Rotarians, recognizing outstanding contributions
✅ Challenge Air, helping youth realize their potential
✅ Holiday drives, bell ringing, community meals, and more
✅ Honoring veterans, awarding scholarships, and uplifting lives
As we look ahead, one thing is clear—our future success depends on growth. That means growing our membership in size, diversity, and engagement.
We thrive when new voices, new perspectives, and new energy join our mission. Whether you’re deeply involved, just getting started, or somewhere in between—you matter to this club. Every member has something valuable to offer, and every step toward engagement helps strengthen the whole.
This year, I encourage each of us to bring our unique passion to the table—and if you know someone who shares our values, invite them in. Think about the possibilities if each of us brought in just one new member. Let’s grow not just in numbers, but in richness of culture, age, background, and ideas.
And while we’re doing this meaningful work, let’s not forget to enjoy ourselves. Rotary is about service, but it’s also about connection and camaraderie. Let’s make time for laughter, creativity, and fun—because people are drawn to the kind of joy and purpose that Rotary brings.
We are stewards of a 103-year legacy—and I truly believe our best days are still ahead. Let’s unite, serve, and grow—together.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Jeffrey Shaffner
President, 2025-2026, Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale
Volunteer With Us
As we begin our Rotary year, here is a quick reminder of the service projects we have on our schedule so far. We do not have exact dates for everything, but please keep these projects in mind and be on the lookout for more information. If you would like to help with any of these projects, please contact the chair directly. If you have ideas for new projects, please contact Jorg Hruschka.
- Find Your Way Home – Jorg Hruschka – Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Holiday Toy Drive – Linda Cooke – October – December
- Thanksgiving Baskets – Steve Botkin – November
- Salvation Army Bell Ringing – Steve Botkin – December
- Challenge Air – Dan Rizzi – January 2026


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