March is Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Month
March reminds us of something fundamental:
- Water changes everything.
- Clean water improves health.
- It strengthens education.
- It protects dignity.
- It fuels economic growth.
Rotary’s commitment to Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) is not theoretical — it is transformational.
Across District 5830 and around the world, we are part of a global movement bringing sustainable water solutions to communities that need it most.
As we focus on WASH this month, I encourage every club to:
Water is life — and Rotary delivers it with purpose.
💧 Aaron’s Well – A Living Legacy
Aaron’s Well (Mateka Well & Children’s Home Site) was completed on August 13, 2021, as a memorial project honoring Past President Aaron Lemmon of the Rotary Club of Athens.
This WASH initiative now provides sustainable, clean water to a children’s home in Kenya — transforming daily life for hundreds of vulnerable children who now have reliable access to safe drinking water.
Project Specifications:
Funding Partners:
Project facilitation was provided by Hope Springs Water.
Aaron’s Well is more than infrastructure — it is impact that continues daily.
Every gallon drawn reflects Rotary’s commitment to WASH and the enduring legacy of a Rotarian who believed deeply in service beyond borders.
Rotarians are Lifetime Partners in Service
Aaron and I were not just Rotarians serving in neighboring clubs — we were partners in service. At the time, I was serving as President of the Rotary Club of Athens, and Aaron was serving as President of the Rotary Club of Prosper. We had discussed partnering on an international water project in Kenya — aligning our clubs around Rotary’s WASH Area of Focus.
Aaron believed in impact that extended beyond our local communities. After his passing, I reached out to Prosper Rotary leadership. Together, we agreed that the most fitting way to honor his heart for service was not simply with words — but with action. And so, Aaron’s Well was completed. Today, clean water flows daily at a children’s home in Kenya because two clubs chose to continue a shared vision.
That is Rotary fellowship at its finest. Some partnerships last a year. Some projects last a decade.
But the impact of a life committed to service lasts far longer.
Aaron’s legacy is not only remembered — it is lived out every single day.
A Record-Setting Year Foundation Banquet
What an extraordinary evening in Paris, Texas!
District 5830 achieved:
🏆 Highest Per Capita Giving to the Annual Fund
🏆 Highest Growth in Per Capita Giving
🏆 Among all 31 Districts in Zones 30–31
This milestone reflects intentional leadership, strong club engagement, and a district-wide commitment to impact.
Because of you:
We are not just meeting goals.
We are setting the pace.
Thank you to our Paris United Club for stepping up to the task, District Rotary Foundation leadership team and to every Rotarian who stepped forward in generosity.
Let’s continue this momentum through June 30.
Lone Star P.E.T.S. – Leadership in Action
More than 700 Rotary leaders from Texas and Oklahoma gathered for Line Star P.E.T.S., and District 5830 was strongly represented with our Presidents-Elect in attendance, led by our incoming DGE, Diane Kavanaugh.
P.E.T.S. is where Presidents-Elect become transformational leaders.
Our incoming leaders:
The energy was powerful. The vision is clear. The future of District 5830 is in capable hands.
Leadership in Rotary is not about position — it is about responsibility.
Please encourage your President-Elect as they prepare to lead.
District Momentum
District 5830 is building something lasting.
Closing Reflection
March challenges us to think beyond ourselves.
Whether it is clean water in Kenya…
Generosity through The Rotary Foundation…
Or preparing the next generation of leaders…
We are moving with purpose.
Proud to serve alongside each of you.
Damon G. Donnell
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 5830
