Spirits Soared at the District Celebration

Posted by Fred Devlin on May 23, 2019
CJ Huston and Fred Devlin with award at the District Celebration.NChavez photo.Several members of the Eagle/Garden City Rotary Club had a very special experience over the weekend of May 17 through 19. That experience was the 2019 District 5400 Celebration, which was held in Boise for the first time in many years, if ever. Historically, Sun Valley has hosted the annual conference, and perhaps this new venue was a trigger for inspiration and energy as the event was truly one to remember. Led by the boundless spirit and creativity of District Governor Jennifer Deroin, EGC members Gretchen Brown, Natalie Chavez, Gene de Laveaga, C.J. Huston, Mike Sieler and I, along with more nearly 300 other Rotarians laughed, cried, worked and played our way through a remarkable weekend.
Eagle/Garden City members at the District Celebration. NChavez photo.Unfailingly, whenever time is spent with these wonderful people and dedicated Rotarians, our collective spirits soar, love abounds and again we are reminded that Rotary is a very special organization indeed.
 
Highlights were many, including Friday night’s keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author Tommy Spaulding, with his riveting story of perseverance, belief in self and faith in people. Saturday morning featured an emotional two-hour focus on youth through Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) and Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). Saturday’s activities were perfectly topped off by Gov. Deroin with the all-club bell ringing, celebration awards and informal presidential induction.
 
EGC awards at District Celebration. NChavez photo.Our club is very proud to be recognized for achievement in three categories:
  1. Gold for RYE participation
  2. Silver for Rotary Foundation annual giving
  3. Bronze for membership retention
Perhaps the most emotional moment was the selection of our own Natalie Chavez as public image chair of the year. During this Rotary year, Natalie has done outstanding work with our club’s social media and website. It was truly well deserved and very gratifying for Natalie and the Eagle/Garden City Rotary Club.
 
It was a wonderful celebration, making us grateful to be Rotarians. Our energies are recharged for the coming Rotary year, and we are fired up for next year’s  conference in Pocatello May 15-17, 2020.