DG Damon Donnell’s June 2026 Newsletter
 

Messages from the DG
Final Monthly Message: United in Service, Grateful for the Journey
Fellow Rotarians of District 5830, As we begin the final month of the 2025–2026 Rotary year, I want to pause and say thank you.
 
This year’s theme, Unite for Good, has been more than a message. It has been a reflection of who we are as Rotarians. Across District 5830, our clubs have shown what happens when people of action come together with compassion, purpose, and a commitment to serve.
Thank You for 45 Club Visits
One of the greatest honors of serving as your District Governor has been visiting 45 clubs throughout District 5830. Each visit reminded me that the strength of Rotary is found in our clubs.
 
I saw Rotarians supporting students, feeding families, honoring veterans and first responders, improving parks and community spaces, promoting literacy, helping schools, supporting local nonprofits, and creating meaningful service projects that meet real needs.
 
I also saw clubs welcoming new members, strengthening leadership, supporting youth programs, giving to The Rotary Foundation, and finding new ways to tell Rotary’s story in their communities.
 
Every club is unique, but the spirit is the same: Service Above Self. Thank you for your hospitality, your leadership, and your dedication to Rotary.
 
Foundation and Grant Impact
 
District 5830 has much to celebrate through The Rotary Foundation, our District Grant, and the many Global Grants connected to our District. 
 
Our current grant report reflects 20 District 5830-related grants, including our 2025–2026 District Grant and 19 Global Grants. Most of these grants have been paid and are actively supporting projects, while several newer grants are moving through the approval, payment, and reporting process.
 
Rather than simply listing each grant, we should celebrate the impact these projects represent:
 
Health Care and Medical Access: District 5830-supported grants are helping provide kidney transplants, cleft lip and palate surgery, scoliosis treatment equipment, mobile dental care, autism center equipment, neonatal cardiac screening, mobile vision services, and Rotary Family Health Days.
 
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: Our grants are supporting clean water, rainwater harvesting, school sanitation, WASH training, water purification systems, and projects that improve dignity and safety for children and families.
 
Education, Children, and Community Development: District 5830 has also supported grants connected to schools, early childhood learning, housing reconstruction, and community rebuilding.
 
These grants include work through Heart 2 Heart partnerships, District 5830 club involvement, and Rotary Foundation support. They are a powerful reminder that our giving becomes action, and our action becomes lasting change.
 
Thank you to every club, donor, Foundation chair, grant writer, partner, and volunteer who helped make this impact possible.
 
Matching Points Campaign Extended to June 15
Great news! The District 5830 Matching Points Campaign has been extended through June 15, 2026.
 
This is an important opportunity to finish the Rotary year strong. District 5830 is offering matching points for qualifying gifts of $100 or more to:
 
Annual Fund–SHARE
Disaster Response Fund
PolioPlus Fund
 
This campaign can help new donors move toward their first Paul Harris Fellow recognition and help current donors advance toward their next level of recognition. 
 
Please make your gift by June 15, 2026 and be sure your contribution information is shared with DA Shirley Pinnix-Evans at rotary5830da@gmail.com so matching points can be properly tracked.

Thank you to PDG Tom DeWitt, District 5830 Foundation Fundraising Chair, for leading this important campaign.
 

Campaign Guidelines

  1. Minimum qualifying donation: $100 to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund
  2. District 5830 will provide a matching amount of Paul Harris Recognition Points while points remain available
  3. Matching points are available only for qualifying individual donations made during the campaign period
  4. Major Donor recognition contributions are not eligible for matching points under this campaign
  5. Matching points may not be combined with other District matching programs unless specifically approved
  6. All matching point allocations are subject to verification and availability
 
Service Spotlight: “A Ticket to Forever” Adoption Picnic
 
The Rotary Club of Athens and 4Kids4Families are hosting “A Ticket to Forever” Adoption Picnic for foster children.
 
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Athens First Methodist Church
 
This adoption match event will give foster children and approved prospective adoptive families the opportunity to connect in a warm and welcoming environment.
 
Volunteers are needed to help with planning and to serve on the day of the picnic.
 
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
 
This is a wonderful example of Rotary service that can help change the future for children and families.
 
District 5830 Rotarians Traveling to Taipei
 
This month, District 5830 Rotarians will be traveling to Taipei, Taiwan, for the 2026 Rotary International Convention. 
 
The RI Convention is a powerful reminder that Rotary is both local and global. We serve in our own communities, but we are part of a worldwide network of people committed to doing good. 
 
To those traveling to Taipei, we wish you safe travels. Represent District 5830 proudly and bring back new ideas, friendships, and inspiration for the Rotary year ahead.
 
Celebrating 2026–2027 District and Club Leadership
 
Please join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new Rotary year and welcome DGE Diane Kavanaugh as our incoming District Governor.
 
Rotary District 5830 Installation
Celebrating 2026–2027 District and Club Leadership
 
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Douglas R. Mehling II Center
Address: 15200 County Rd 1145, Tyler, TX 75704
Keynote Speaker: PDG Pamela Stewart
Registration Cost: $35 per person
Dress: Business Attire
 
The meal will be catered by FD’s Grill House and will feature Hawaiian chicken with fire-grilled chicken breast, homemade bourbon glaze, fresh pineapple salsa, mashed potatoes, matchstick vegetables, and dessert.
 
This will be a special time to recognize our incoming District and club leaders and celebrate the continued strength of Rotary District 5830.
 
A Final Word of Gratitude
As my year as District Governor comes to a close, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you.
 
Thank you for welcoming me into your clubs. Thank you for sharing your projects, your goals, your challenges, and your successes. Thank you for giving generously, serving faithfully, and representing Rotary with pride.
 
District 5830 is strong because our clubs are strong. Our clubs are strong because our members care. And because Rotarians care, lives are changed every day.
 
Let us finish this year strong. Let us continue to support one another. And let us always Unite for Good.
 
With gratitude and respect,
 
Damon G. Donnell
District Governor, Rotary District 5830
2025–2026