Welcoming New Members and Celebrating Milestones
During my September visits, we inducted eight new members into Rotary! To each of you: welcome. We are delighted you have joined us, and we look forward to the ideas, talents, and friendships you will bring to our clubs.
Our District also held its first in-person training for next year’s Presidents-Elect at the PE Retreat in Orcutt. It is exciting to see this group beginning to prepare for their year of leadership. Thank you to everyone who helped make the retreat possible and to our Presidents-Elect for investing their time and energy in their clubs’ future.
Our Foundation Gala: A Celebration of Generosity
A heartfelt thank-you to every Rotarian who attended our Foundation Gala, where we celebrated our 2025–2026 Rotary Foundation donors and the impact of their generosity. And we have an incredible achievement to celebrate: District 5240 contributed $1.2 million to The Rotary Foundation during the 2025–2026 Rotary year!
October Is Community Economic Development Month
This month, I encourage every club to ask: How can we help people in our community build a stronger future? Consider mentoring an aspiring entrepreneur, supporting job skills training, connecting young people with career opportunities, or partnering with a local organization to help families achieve greater financial stability. Start by listening to your community and identifying where your club’s experience and resources can make a lasting difference.
World Polio Day — October 24 - What does your club have planned for World Polio Day?
October 24 is an opportunity to bring our members and communities together around Rotary’s commitment to ending polio. Consider hosting a fundraiser, inviting a speaker, sharing Rotary’s polio story at a club meeting, or organizing a community awareness event. Whatever you choose, make it an opportunity to involve your members, invite others to participate, and remind your community why this work matters. Visit EndPolio.org for information and resources.
Thank you for all you do—for your clubs, for our District, and for the people whose lives you touch through service. As we move into October, let’s continue to welcome new members, celebrate our fellow Rotarians, and turn our ideas into meaningful action.
Together, let’s Inspire Action to Create a Lasting Impact. To read Margarida's entire message, click here.