DG Damon Donnell May 2026 Newsletter

We are in the final stretch of a remarkable Rotary year—and the path in front of us is clear:

Finish strong. Finish together.

May is Youth Service Month, reminding us that our greatest investment is in the next generation. Across District 5830, our Interact and Rotaract clubs have demonstrated what it means to lead, serve, and give with purpose.

Now, we have an opportunity in front of us that can define how we finish this year.

DISTRICT 5830 MATCHING CAMPAIGN – LIMITED TIME

District 5830 is sponsoring a 1:1 Match Campaign for contributions to The Rotary Foundation.

Campaign Details

- Runs until May 31st

- 1:1 match on donations of $100 or more

- Applies to:

• Annual Fund – SHARE

• Disaster Response Fund

• PolioPlus Fund

- Match limited to the first $100,000 received

Last year, this campaign generated a record $170,000 in donations. This year, our target is $200,000. There is urgency—these matching funds will go quickly.

Paul Harris Fellow Opportunity

- A new donor can achieve a Paul Harris Fellow with just $500

- Existing members can advance their Paul Harris recognition by half

Your Foundation Chair can help you understand your current status.

All contributions must be communicated to DA Shirley Pinnix-Evans at rotary5830da@gmail.com. Thank you, PDG & D-5830 Foundation Fundraising Chair Tom DeWitt, for managing the match points campaign. Donate: https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

Rotary Direct

An easy way to support the Rotary Foundation is to enroll in Rotary’s recurring giving program, Rotary Direct, which makes giving easy, fast, and secure. You can schedule a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation that empowers Rotarians to change lives in communities around the world. Click here for more information.

Clubs Finish Strong - Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY)

When you give to the Annual Fund – SHARE:

- A portion supports global grants today

- Up to 50% returns to our district in 3 years

- Funds support District Grants and local projects

The dollars you give today come back to your club in three years.

Youth Service Month

- Engage Interactors and Rotaractors in service

- Invite them into meetings & service projects

- Mentor intentionally

If you do not have a youth program, include it in your club visioning plan.

Epic Day of Service – May 16, 2026

When Rotarians and communities unite for a Global Day of Service, the impact is profound. Together, we address real needs, strengthen bonds, and inspire hope, creating meaningful change and a shared sense of purpose and pride.

This is our opportunity to unite Rotarians across District 5830 (and around the world) for a powerful day of hands-on service that will showcase Rotary's impact in every community.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Plan a Project – Big or small, every act of service matters. Consider needs in your community—clean-up projects, food drives, literacy events, health initiatives, or anything that brings “Service Above Self” to life. Team with other Rotary clubs in your area for a larger impact!

Register Your Project – Once your club has selected a project, register it here:
https://www.epicdayofservice.org/club_registrations/new

Why register? Registered projects will be featured in our district promotions and included in the worldwide celebration of Rotary’s Epic Day of Service. It’s a great way to inspire others, attract volunteers, and showcase Rotary’s collective impact.

Together, our district can make May 16, 2026, an unforgettable day of action, fellowship, and community impact.

Thank you for all you do to create hope and change lives. We can’t wait to see your projects come to life! Please contact DGE Diane Kavanaugh for more information.

Invite Someone to Rotary – It Starts With You

Growth in Rotary doesn’t happen by accident—it happens one invitation at a time.

Each of us knows someone who would benefit from Rotary and, just as importantly, someone who would make Rotary stronger.

This month, I challenge every Rotarian to be intentional:

Invite a friend, coworker, or community leader to a meeting
Bring a guest to a service project or event
Share your personal “why Rotary” story

Service Spotlight – “A Ticket to Forever” Adoption Picnic

The Rotary Club of Athens and 4Kids4Families are hosting a picnic for foster children at the Athens First Methodist Church on Saturday, June 13, 2026. They are looking for volunteers to serve on our planning committee and to help with the picnic on the day of the adoption match event. Contact AG Dub Hirst for more information.

2026-2027 Officer Installation Banquet

Join us as we celebrate leadership, service, and the transition to a new Rotary year at the District 5830 Officer Installation Banquet.