President's Pen - July 2015

The theme for this year is “Be a gift unto the World” and resonates so many opportunities for all of us as Rotarians. I recently asked the Bluffton Rotary membership, to define what this theme actually means to each member. How far does your world stretch and reach? To some, that may be your community. To others, it may mean SC or the USA; and to others, the world as known in a literal sense. The point is, we all, as Rotarians, can make a difference. Each of us continues to make a difference every time we get together be it at the Arts & Seafood Festival; our Happy Feet Project; our Christmas Angels Project; the Oyster Festival; the ringing of the bells for the Salvation Army or even our flagship event, the Bluffton Village Festival. Any and all of these events, and so many others, gives us the ability to provide in so many ways for others, that need our help, wherever the world takes us. This year, we will see the initiative of our first International Project come together. This will take us deep into the jungles of Peru to a village that hasnever had clean, parasite free water to drink. This project, through Water Missions International, might just save the life of a young child being bedridden with parasitical diseases. Could that simple thing of fresh and clean water be the one gesture that brought peace to tribal villages or even lead the next generation of indigenous people to that area of the South America into the 21^st century.

The Bluffton Rotary Club is one of the most activeand exciting Rotary Clubs throughout this area as well as this Region. As we all know, we like to have a good time, be friendly to our neighbors, and bring like-minded folks into Rotary, who firmly believe in “Service before Self”. I challenge each member to reach out into your world…introduce Rotary to someone and give them the chance to give back to their community and to the world. I am proud to be the President for the 2015- 2016 term and give you my assurance that I will do the best job I can for you and the community. I have a fantastic Board of Directors working with me, together, for the betterment of the Club but most of all, we have the most outstanding membership of any Club. Each of you bring a special “something” to the Club, so I ask you to share it. Make your gift, a “gift to the world”.

 

In Rotary—

 

Michael E Covert

President 2015-2016