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With our growing community of 1.2 million members,
located around the world.

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VOLUNTEER HOURS


WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

Rotarians invest approximately 47 million volunteer hours every year, into improving the lives of those around them

$291,000,000
DOLLARS INVESTED


WE FUND SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

$291 million awarded for global service initiatives in 2023-24


Join Us


Water Wells

 

WATER WELL PROGRAM

Our Rotary club’s water well program provides funding for the construction and operation of water wells in rural, underprivileged schools in South Africa in desperate need of water. Sanitation, hygiene and water access are some of the biggest obstacles facing rural schools in South Africa.

http://www.directory-online.com/Rotary/Accounts/6990/Club/4444/image(4).pngIt is nearly impossible for many of us to conceive of the hardships children face when growing up in areas without access to clean water. Millions of children cannot go to school on a regular basis because they must fetch water every day. Without operating flush toilets, children who do attend school are forced to use unsanitary pits and are unable to wash their hands to keep from spreading disease. Dropout rates for adolescent girls skyrocket once their period starts due to no provisions for sanitation. Without nearby running water, school gardens, which provide many students with their only source of fresh fruits and vegetables, grow exclusively during the rainy season.

http://fortlauderdaleflrotary.clubwizard.com/IMUpload/water%20well%202.jpg

For our water well program, we partner with A Spring of Hope (“ASOH”), a 501(c)3 organization based in south Florida. A Spring of Hope identifies communities in need of water wells, locates promising well sites, and coordinates the construction of each well. To date ASOH has over 40 partner schools in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa.

It should be understood that ASOH does more than simply dig and operate wells for the schools that it supports. The organization also constructs operating flush toilets for the schools that it serves, and in many cases assists community and school leaders to develop school gardens, which not only provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables but often provide a source of funds for the school when they are able to sell surplus crops. 

To learn more about the life-saving work that A Spring of Hope does in the communities that it serves, please visit their website at:

www.aspringofhope.org

We also invite you to view the following video for a brief overview of the organization:

Introduction to A Spring of Hope from A Spring of Hope on Vimeo.

Our Rotary club thanks you for your support of our water well initiative with A Spring of Hope.  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 Water Wells Program.
 

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.

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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

International Projects

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

Rotarians In Action


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