SUWANEE - August is the Membership and Extension Month on the Rotary Calendar. Attempting to be cutting edge, the Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett teamed up with Vboggs Galleries in Suwanee Town Center to hold their first ever Rotary Rush Membership Drive Wednesday, August 13th. Club President Valerie Dirksen said, “We are trying to get the word out about what it means to be a Rotarian. Rotary has 1.2 million members worldwide, and has contributed $1.9 billion towards humanitarian aid in the world since 1957. There is a lot to get excited about!”
Rotarians are business and professional leaders who take an active role in their communities. Membership in Rotary also greatly enriches the members’ personal and professional lives. The Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett contains a diverse group of professional leaders from the community.
“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the membership drive than with some wine and cheese while enjoying the beautiful artwork owner Vanessa Boggs has brought together in her upscale gallery in the heart of Suwanee Town Center,” said Service Chair Ann Ragle.
Twenty potential new members were on hand to find out what Rotary was about. “I was pleased with the interest by the community. Those unable to attend this event can look forward to visiting the club meeting on August 27th when University of Georgia President, Dr. Michael Adams, speaks to the club,” PR Chair Duane Champlin said.
The Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett has undertaken many projects in the North Gwinnett area throughout the years, including scholarships to local high school students, Toys for Tots, Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, Red Cross, United Way, Hurricane Katrina relief, Habitat for Humanity and various other local causes. The Club also contributes internationally through the Rotary Foundation in such projects as PolioPlus, Shelter Box, water improvement in Haiti and South America, wheelchair program, student exchange, and many, many more.
With the primary purpose of Rotary reflected in its motto: Service Above Self, there are so many reasons to join the Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett. “We are seeking individuals who are interested in improving our community through service,” Membership Chair Tim Krajec said. While Rotarians are expected to attend weekly meetings, participate in community service projects and help sustain and increase club membership, Rotary also gives its members opportunities to enlarge their circle of business and professional acquaintances.
As members of the oldest service club in the world, Rotarians represent a cross-section of their community’s business owners, executives, managers, political leaders and professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy. Rotary is a great way to network and make friends who share a common focus – community service
“If you are interested in finding out what Rotary is about, attend our next meeting as our guest,” Krajec said. “We are always looking for new members to help strengthen our club.” The club meets every Wednesday at noon for lunch. For more information about membership, please contact Membership Chair, Tim Krajec at (678) 957-5501 or President Valerie Dirksen directly at (678) 804-2511, or visit the website at www.northgwinnettrotary.org.
