UNITE FOR GOOD
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August 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to the first newsletter of Rotary Year 2025–26! Count on us for monthly news and inspiration from around District 6600.
Welcome to the first newsletter of Rotary Year 2025–26! Count on us for monthly news and inspiration from around District 6600.
Message from DG Pam
Message from DG Pam
What It Means to Serve as Rotary District 6600 Governor
By Pamela Brumbaugh
It is an honor to serve as District Governor for Rotary District 6600, representing 58 clubs and 2,700 members across Northwest Ohio. My role is to support and inspire our leaders as we work together to strengthen our clubs and expand our impact.
This year’s Rotary International theme, Unite for Good, calls us to build partnerships and serve with purpose. My personal focus draws from Roar—encouraging members to find their voice, stand up for what matters, and take bold action.
Since joining Rotary in 2007, I’ve served my club as President and in many roles, and at the District level as Grants Chair and Assistant Governor. Each opportunity has deepened my passion for Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”
As Governor, I look forward to connecting clubs with resources, fostering collaboration, and empowering every member to lead meaningful projects. Together, we can unite for good—and roar with conviction—to change lives locally and globally.
This message is a condensed version of an article published in the Sandusky Register on August 14, 2025. To read the full article, click the button below.
District Updates
District Updates
Want membership resources for your club? Log into My Rotary and visit the Learning & Reference Section or click the link below:
Want to engage with your District's Membership Chair for great ideas and inspiring stories? Join Alison's Monthly Membership Chat on the Fourth Monday of every month. Her next zoom will take place on August 25 at 12:00 pm (special time for this month only) and then on September 27th at 7:00 pm. Details can be found at the link below:
Thinking of launching a literacy project in your community? Download Rotary’s Basic Education & Literacy Project Strategies guide—a step-by-step resource to help your club assess local needs and build a meaningful project!
If your club already has a literacy project in the works, we'd love to share your story in the September Issue of this newsletter. Send your news on this Rotary Area of Focus to our email:
Monthly District Calendar
Monthly District Calendar
August Monthly Membership Chat
August 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM [zoom link]
District Leadership Team meeting
September 08, 2025 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]
DG Pam & Club Presidents Monthly Meeting
September 09, 2025 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]
Rotary District 6600 Club Officer's Fall Training
September 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM [zoom link] or 7:00 PM [zoom link]
Rotary District 6600 Finance Committee Meeting
September 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM [zoom, invite only]
DGE Katherine & Club Presidents-Elect Monthly Meeting
September 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]
District Advisory Committee Meeting (DAC)
September 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM - in person, Waterville
September Monthly Membership Chat
September 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM [zoom link]
To learn more about these events and to get instructions on connecting by zoom, visit the DACdb District Calendar
Building Our Rotary Legacy
Building Our Rotary Legacy
District 6600 Endowment Campaign
District 6600 Endowment Campaign
District 6600 is launching its first-ever Legacy Campaign & Celebration Dinner, with a goal to raise $1,000,000 in support of The Rotary Foundation through gifts made between May 8, 2025, and February 15, 2026.
To help spread the word and inspire giving, we’re inviting clubs to host a Legacy Campaign leader at an upcoming club meeting this fall or winter. These brief presentations will highlight how your support — through Major Gifts, Bequests, or increased contributions — can make a lasting impact locally and globally.
The campaign will culminate in a special Legacy Dinner on February 28, 2026, at the Emerald Event Center in Avon, Ohio, celebrating generosity and transformational giving.
📅 Now scheduling visits for September 2025–January 2026.
📞 To schedule a visit, contact Diana Savage at (419) 553-7397 or diana.savage.rotary6600@gmail.com
Let’s build our district’s legacy of service together!
Help Us Find the Next District Governor!
Help Us Find the Next District Governor!
Do you know a Rotarian leader who can inspire and motivate District 6600? Now is your chance to nominate them—or yourself—for the role of District Governor for 2028-2029!
We are seeking a visionary leader who is passionate about service and ready to guide our district through a year of impactful work. This is an incredible opportunity to create a legacy and inspire Rotarians across our communities.
Key Dates:
Nominations Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
Tentative Interview Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Location TBD)
To nominate a candidate or submit your own nomination, please send the necessary information to Nominating Committee Chair PDG Jim Duke at jimd6600@outlook.com. The official submission form is attached to the full email announcement and appears here.
Let’s ensure our district has the strong leadership it needs for a powerful future.
Nominate today!
Applications Now Open!
Applications Now Open!
Rotary Youth Exchange offers life-changing opportunities for students, host families, and clubs across District 6600.
For Parents of Future Outbounds
Do you know a high school student ready to experience the world? Applications for the 2026–27 outbound exchange program are due November 30. Students gain a global perspective, become fluent in another language, develop independence, and return home with skills that last a lifetime. This local Rotary Club scholarship has a value of more than $24,000!
For Clubs and Families Interested in Hosting
Hosting an inbound exchange student is an incredible way to bring the world into your home. Host clubs and families experience cultural exchange firsthand while providing support and care to a young ambassador from abroad. There is a financial component for clubs that host inbound students.
For Clubs Considering Sponsorship
Sponsoring an outbound Youth Exchange student costs your club nothing but time. The experience enriches your club and community by building international goodwill, strengthening membership, and living out Rotary’s mission of promoting peace and understanding.
A wealth of information is available on the District 6600 Rotary Youth Exchange website for potential students, host families, and sponsoring clubs. Contact Mary AufdenKampe at mary_aufdenkampe@hotmail.com for more details.
Together, we can open doors for young people to connect the world.
START PLANNING TODAY!
START PLANNING TODAY!
Take a Bite Out of Polio with the Purple Pinkie Donut Campaign
Take a Bite Out of Polio with the Purple Pinkie Donut Campaign
In 2017, a Rotarian and a Dunkin’ Donuts store owner created the Purple Pinkie Donut. With matching funds, each $2 donut raised $15 for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. Rotarians ordered boxes of Purple Pinkie Donuts and, in a single day, raised an incredible $100,000 to help eradicate polio.
This October 24, Rotary District 6600 is partnering with Dunkin’ Donuts to launch our own Purple Pinkie Donut Campaign. With your support, we can raise awareness, have some fun, and generate critical funds to fulfill Rotary’s promise to the children of the world: the eradication of polio.
Here’s how your club can make this event a success:
Club Contact: Select someone to reach out to a local Dunkin’ Donuts franchise and ask them to participate by discounting the cost of donuts. Email the District Polio Chair for a sample letter. Some clubs may also choose to purchase Munchkins (donut holes) and frost them locally—these could be displayed in libraries, schools, or community centers with a donation box to educate the public.
Promote the Event: Delegate someone in your club to promote the campaign in your community. Visit endpolio.org for logos, resources, and stories to help spread the word.
Club Contact for Materials: Send the name of your club’s Polio Fundraising Chair to District Polio Chair Melanie Satterfield, who will provide promotional materials.
Pre-Order by October 17: Be sure to pre-order donuts or Munchkins ahead of the event.
Document the Day: Pick up your donuts on October 24, enjoy the event, and take lots of photos to share on social media.
Reach out to Melanie Satterfield at mfredrickson1968@gmail.com for promotional materials.
Since 1985, Rotarians have stood by their Purple Pinkie Promise to eradicate polio. Together, let’s keep that promise alive and do our part to End Polio Now.
Get to Know Your District Leaders!
Get to Know Your District Leaders!
Ever wonder who’s leading what in our district this Rotary year—or who your club’s Assistant Governor is? Visit the District 6600 Leadership Page to see the full leadership team and use quick links to email them directly with your questions. In the future, we'll use this space to feature 1 or 2 of our District leaders per issue.
Step into District Service
Step into District Service
Looking for a new way to serve beyond your club? District 6600 has several opportunities to get involved:
Peace Conference Committee
Help plan our annual Peace Conference, held in Lorain County each February. We need Rotarians with a passion for peace, fundraising skills, or connections to engaging speakers. Meetings are via Zoom. Contact Jeanine Donaldson.
Grants Committee
Support clubs in securing District Grants for impactful service projects. About 8–10 hours/month. Great fit for those with grant writing or project experience. Training provided. Contact Amber Fisher or Liz Muether
Foundation Speakers Bureau
Share the story of Rotary’s Foundation at club meetings. Presentations and scripts are provided — just bring your voice and enthusiasm! Contact Foundation Chair Deb Cheney.
Club Environmental Chairs
Each club is asked to name an Environmental Chair to promote sustainability locally and help coordinate District-wide environmental projects with Chair Adam Cassi.
Around the District
Around the District
Club Spotlight
Club Spotlight
Show off your impact! Email a brief write-up (what/when/impact) and one photo to d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com.
North Coast Rotary Fills the MESA Truck
North Coast Rotary Fills the MESA Truck
President Cathy Pugh and North Coast Rotary partnered with Sprenger Towne Center in Avon Lake to collect medical equipment and supplies for District 6600’s nonprofit, MESA. The one-day collection was so successful that the MESA truck overflowed, with a return trip already being planned.
Rotarians Jinnyn Tata and Bob Murphy shared MESA’s mission in pre-event interviews and with donors, highlighting recent shipments to Ukraine and lifesaving deliveries such as 17 dialysis machines to Nigeria. The effort also inspired nursing homes, medical offices, and firms to redirect equipment that might otherwise have been discarded.
The project earned both radio and print coverage for North Coast Rotary and MESA — a job well done!
Elyria Rotary Delivers Hope with a Generous Gift
Elyria Rotary Delivers Hope with a Generous Gift
Members of the Elyria Rotary Club continue to touch the lives of those served by community food banks and nonprofits across our region. In 2016, Elyria was one of 16 clubs that helped fund a refrigerated food truck for Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio — a truck that still delivers fresh produce and refrigerated goods to four counties today.
This year, Elyria Rotary donated $25,000 to Second Harvest. Julie Chase-Morefield, CEO of Second Harvest (pictured far right), gratefully accepted the gift from iPast President Kristen Jones (center) and Tammie Bertrand (right).
Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Rocks Downtown Waterville
Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Rocks Downtown Waterville
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Club (formerly Waterville Rotary Club) held its 10th annual Blues, Brews, and Brats Festival in downtown Waterville, Ohio. The event featured live performances from notable blues artists Brandon Santini, Albert Castiglia, and Sugaray Rayford, as well as great food and beverage options from local food trucks and more.
Despite some rainy weather, a healthy crowd gathered with umbrellas in hand to fill the intimate performance space for the evening. Everyone in attendance had a great time as they sang, danced, and soaked up the amazing music that poured from the stage.
Proceeds from this year's event will go to support the club's many efforts to serve and support the local Anthony Wayne Community and beyond. The club is thankful for the many sponsors and volunteers who made this year's event possible, and plans are already underway for the 2026 edition of the BBB. We hope to see you there!
Maumee Rotary Digs In to Fight Food Insecurity
Maumee Rotary Digs In to Fight Food Insecurity
This month, members of the Rotary Club of Maumee rolled up their sleeves at the Sofia Quintero Urban Garden as part of their Food Insecurity initiative. By helping to weed and maintain the garden, they supported its mission to provide fresh, healthy produce to local food pantries—including Mosaic Ministries, the focus of the club's current grant project. This hands-on service is one more way Rotarians are uniting for good and ensuring families in our community have access to nourishing food.
Images from Around the District
Images from Around the District
Wouldn't you like to see your club's photos in this space? Send your good quality photos and a caption to the D6600 Public Image Team at d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com!
Featured Events
Featured Events
Have an event coming up? Add it to the DACdb Calendar as a Club Fundraiser or email your flyer to d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com to be featured here.
The 3 Legged Stool
The Rotary Foundation | Public Image | Membership
Rotary clubs are strongest when three essential “legs” work together: Membership, Public Image, and The Rotary Foundation. Like a stool, all three are needed for balance and strength. Each month we’ll highlight quick stories and updates from these areas to help your club grow, serve, and shine. In this first issue, we'll introduce you to the District Chairs of each leg of the stool!
Membership
Membership
Alison Frye
Alison Frye
Our Membership Team is dedicated to helping clubs grow and thrive. Each month we’ll share ideas, tools, and strategies to attract new members, engage current ones, and support new club formation. Strong clubs build stronger communities—and a stronger Rotary.
Join us for Membership Mondays virtual meetings on the fourth Monday of each month, where we’ll focus on key topics like engagement, attraction, onboarding, and club development.
The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation
Deb Cheney
Deb Cheney
The Rotary Foundation is the engine of Rotary’s three-legged stool—Membership, Public Image, and the Foundation itself. It transforms generosity into a life-changing impact.
When you give to The Rotary Foundation, those funds return to our district as grants that fuel local service projects and reach communities across the globe. Through the Foundation, we bring clean water, fight disease, support education, protect mothers and children, grow local economies, and promote peace. Every gift is multiplied through Rotary’s global network, turning individual contributions into powerful, sustainable change.
When all three legs of the stool work together, Rotary is steady, strong, and impactful. Members give. The Foundation multiplies those gifts into service. Public Image tells our story—attracting new members and partners to our mission.
This year, let’s keep Rotary balanced and resilient by strengthening all three legs—especially The Rotary Foundation—so we can continue to serve for generations to come.
Public Image
Public Image
Jen Allred
Jen Allred
Our Public Image Team is excited to share your stories through our website, monthly newsletters, social media, and soon—video podcasts! We’re also launching a monthly Public Image Zoom call where clubs can join in, exchange ideas, and pick up tips and tricks to strengthen their presence.
We’re here to help every club shine in its community. When we tell Rotary’s story with impact, we strengthen our clubs, attract new members, and boost support for The Rotary Foundation.
Together, these three legs keep Rotary strong!
Together, these three legs keep Rotary strong!
Tools and Resources
Need Help with DACdb? We've got you covered!
Need Help with DACdb? We've got you covered!
Whether you're a new club officer or a seasoned Rotarian, DACdb (District And Club Database) can be a powerful tool for managing your club information. If you or a member of your club needs assistance, there are several resources available to help you.
👉 District DACdb Support: Your first point of contact for support is your District Secretary and DACdb support lead, Sharon Trabbic. Please feel free to reach out to her with your questions.
Contact: Sharon Trabbic
Email: sharon@trabbic.com
Phone: 419-344-2881
👉 Rotary District 6600 – Club Officers’ Fall Training Opportunity: Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 12 Noon or 7 PM via Zoom. If you have specific questions, please feel free to submit them to Sharon prior to the training. The meeting info is the same for both sessions:
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3253994074?pwd=R3krbpbYtOOQXt6EhsfJnXUaZirR2c.1&omn=83276057706
Meeting ID: 325 399 4074
Passcode: 6600
👉 Additional DACdb Training and Resources: DACdb offers a variety of training options to help you get the most out of the system on their Knowledge Base Support pages: https://www.dacdbsupport.com/.
User Manuals: Find step-by-step guides for different functions.
Video Tutorials: Learn through short, easy-to-follow videos.
Webinars: Participate in live sessions for in-depth training on specific topics.
We encourage all club leaders to take advantage of these resources to ensure accurate and up-to-date club data, which is essential for effective communication and operations throughout the district.
Coming Soon: The D6600 Video Podcast!
Coming Soon: The D6600 Video Podcast!
Did you know District 6600 is launching a video podcast? One episode each month will feature district news, and up to two additional episodes will spotlight the great work happening in our clubs. Stay tuned — and get ready to see your club featured!
Put Your Club in Next Month's Issue!
Help us showcase your projects, events, and accomplishments in the District 6600 Monthly Newsletter and Video Podcasts.
Submission Deadlines:
Send us the great things your club is doing! We want your newsworthy items and/or photos with descriptions.
Info must be submitted by the 10th of each month to be considered for that month’s issue.
Email Subject Line:
ROTARY DISTRICT 6600 SUBMISSION from [Your Club Name]
Send submissions to: d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com
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