The Reynolda Rotary Club of Winston-Salem is hosting a special event especially for women on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. The Women of Rotary luncheon will be from 11: 30 am to 1:00 pm at the Forsyth Country Club (3101 Country Club Road). The guest speaker will be Dr. Julie Freischlag speaking on the topic ‘Breakthrough to Brave.’ Dr. Freischlag was named the CEO of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in April 2017 and is well known as a strong community leader and advocate for health care improvements. This ticketed event ($20/each) is open to all women with attendance expected to total around 90. You may obtain tickets from the Reynolda Rotary Club of Winston-Salem website (reynoldarotaryclub.org), organization members, or by calling Lynn Ebert (336.758.5412) to request tickets. Come enjoy a delicious lunch, network with other professionals, be inspired by Dr. Frieschlag’s presentation, and learn what the Rotary Club offers to members and the community as a whole.

You say you don’t know much about Rotary? Here are some facts that may pique your interest:

• Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905.
• Rotary is an international service organization with the motto of Service Above Self.
• Rotarians work worldwide and locally to advance human kind, for peace, for an end to disease (polio in particular), for clean water sources/solutions, and for educational endeavors for mothers and their children.
• On average, Rotarians volunteer 16 million hours per year.
• There are currently 1.2 million members worldwide in 200 countries serving in 35,000 plus clubs.
• The organization is co-ed with professionals from all walks of business/industry.
• The Reynolda Rotary Club was chartered on January 6, 1984.
• The Reynolda Rotary Club meets on a weekly basis every Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 pm with a featured speaker for each session. All luncheons are held at the Forsyth Country Club and begin and end promptly to accommodate work schedules.

“Our members enjoy the service and friendships formed,” explained Holly Marion, President of Reynolda Rotary Club. “There are opportunities for all members to develop leadership skills, connect with the business/professional community, build friendships, and create new contacts/network in the community.” Holly shared that the current club has approximately 82 members, comprised of individuals of all ages, including retirees and active professionals from a variety of businesses in the area.

Members are encouraged to get as involved as they want in the service projects that are of interest to them. There are a wide range of committees and projects available such as projects for Cook Elementary School, Community Outreach (select a service project), or Bell Ringer for The Salvation Army. In addition, there are social events planned throughout the year at restaurants around town for getting to know members in a more relaxed, unstructured environment.

Upcoming Reynolda Rotary Club projects of interest include:

• Book Fair at Cook Elementary (February 27 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm)– The book fair utilizes funds raised for the school library; children use play money to purchase books with Rotary member volunteers helping them select their books. Donations are welcome — contact Lynn Ebert (336.758.5412).

In addition to the book fair, the Club provides food for school children via the backpack program on weekends.

• Camp Scholarships: Children attend Camp Hanes as a result of fund-raising efforts. On average, 25 kids per year enjoy the YMCA Camp Hanes experience via scholarship thanks to the efforts of club members.
• Big House Gaines Golf Tournament (June dates TBD): Enjoy playing golf as a participant or sponsor and support Reynolda Rotary Club’s scholarship program.    Currently, three former students from Cook Elementary are furthering their education via this program. Check the website for exact dates.

If you are interested in learning more about the Reynolda Rotary Club of Winston-Salem, please visit their website (reynoldarotaryclub.org) for more details and information.   Plan to attend the upcoming luncheon and meet the dynamic women of Reynolda Rotary Club of Winston-Salem.