#ProudToBeRotary

Eighteen months ago, that scalawag Dan Ryan basically forced me to join a group of fifteen or so folks whom he had similarly drafted to help form a new Rotary Club.  Ninety days later, 51 Kansas Citians became charter members of the Waldo Brookside Rotary Club.  By virtue of my remarkable penmanship and typing speed, I became its Club Secretary for the charter year.

I had always heard that eighty-five percent of life is showing up.  Apparently, that quote derives from advice to young writers by Woody Allen. Regardless, that’s what I’ve done week after week.  I adored being club secretary since I also handled new membership, meaning that I got to greet each and every person who entered the Tap Room for our weekly meetings.  I had just gone through an awful patch in my life’s journey, so having somewhere to go kept me rambling forward.

Rotary quickly became more than a needed distraction.  As we learned about the tremendous impact of Rotarians around the world — nearly curing polio; combating hunger and poverty; building schools; cleaning water; bringing shoes to children who would otherwise walk barefoot — I realized that I had stumbled upon an organization in which I can actually join with others who share my passion.

Tonight, the Club which welcomed me and has grown eighty-strong as it enters toddlerhood, bestowed one of Rotary’s highest honors on me because of a member who did something special and selfless.  Rotarians become Paul Harris Fellows when they donate $1,000.00 to the Rotary  Foundation, or by earning enough Foundation points to qualify.  My paltry monthly contribution would have gotten me to  Paul Harris in four or five years.  Because a member of my Club gave points to me which he had earned, I received that honor tonight.

I’ve redefined the old saying as a member of the Waldo Brookside Rotary Club.  Watching this club adopt a street, gather Shoes for Orphan Souls, collect thousands of crayolas for the Crayon Initiative, and undertake countless other acts to better the world, I’ve come to realize that 85% of life is showing up, smiling, and asking, “What Can I Do to Help?”

The other fifteen percent is doing it week after week in a group of people whom I am proud, privileged, and honored to call “friend”.

It’s the evening of the twenty-first day of the thirty-third month of My Year Without Complaining.  Life continues.

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6 thoughts on “#ProudToBeRotary

  1. Ruth Roberts

    Congratulations Corinne!! I am so proud of you. It makes life so much fuller when you do for others. Just think of all the good you’ve done. It brings me to tears when I think of the paltry tho he I have done for others. Maybe Rotary in Lee’s Summit would let me in!! You really motivate me, how in the presence of your challenges you do so much, whereas I, in my challenge sleep a lot! Lol. I hope to find ways to change that.

    Reply
  2. ccorleyjd365 Post author

    Ruth, the Rotary Club in Lee’s Summit would doubtless be both honored and happy to have you as a member. I will get the information and bring it when I come to the Gallery on Friday. By the way, I intend to get down there early as I know nothing about LS and anticipate getting lost. I hope to see you there!

    Reply
  3. Kurt Hueschen

    Corinne,
    We are so thankful for your work with our group.
    Words can not express how truly thankful our community is to be able to have such ac committed and selfless person help us with the birth and sustainability of one of the fastest growing and most dynamic service groups here in Kansas City.

    Your work here is something real. And honoring you yesterday evening was a delight for all of us who have watched you work so hard to help create this group.

    Reply
    1. ccorleyjd365 Post author

      Mr. Hueschen, sir, it is a darned good thing that I do not wear eye make-up because I am now once again crying. You do me greater justice than I merit; and I thank you for your kind words.

      Reply

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