Good Works: Service Above Self

For the past two years, John Burgan has served as president of the Grosse Ile Rotary. During this time, John demonstrated that strong leadership can help a club flourish, and was always ready to take that extra step to make a difference. This July, Robbin Moyer, Rotary member since 2014, will take on the role of president.

 

2019 was another great year for the Rotary Club. Fellowship events included a steak outing on the water, clambake at the Hickory Island Pavilion, a Christmas party, and more.

 

“Thanks to Perry at Perdino’s and Diana and Frank, members of his staff, who’ve provided the best food and service on Grosse Ile during our weekly meetings for many, many years!” says Robbin.

 

Outside of international projects, the GI Rotary focuses much of their intention on the immediate community. The Community Grown Gardens at Westcroft Gardens, which give their organically grown vegetables to local food banks, is one of the many projects partially sustained by Rotary support. Robbin adds that additional support is always welcomed by the local community.

 

The Grosse Ile Rotary was also a big supporter of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church’s contribution to the Bottoms-Up Diaper Bank where Rotarians, led by Rotarian Lara Syrocki, helped collect 3,500 diapers via fundraiser and bundled them in November to be given to Downriver families in need.

 

In June, the Grosse Ile Rotarians had an annual golf outing organized by Rotarians Chuck Moyer, Sandy Cullen, and Joyce Reedy. In July, with help from Bruce and Diane Milkins as well as Janet and Warren Hurst, the club provided a tugboat ride on Lake Erie to Joe Brighton School families followed by a luncheon at the Grosse Ile Yacht Club hosted by Sandy Cullen. And in October, the Rotary hosted a pig roast at the Macomb Commons for Rotary World Polio Day, bringing the community together with live music and food while raising $10,000 in donations thanks to Bill Gates matching funds.

 

Recognizing outstanding members of the community is also important to the Rotary Club. Each year Rotarians designate a local resident who makes contributions to the community through volunteer work and other acts of selflessness as “Citizen of the Year.” They also award a Grosse Ile High School graduating senior the “Service Above Self” award as well as a $2,500 scholarship for demonstrating the mantra “Service Above Self.” In the last two years, the Rotary has also contributed to many local organizations on Grosse Ile such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Grosse Ile Music Boosters, Grosse Ile Goodfellows, Grosse Ile Rowing, Paint the Town Red, Grosse Ile Island Festival and many more.

 

“We could not do all that we do without the support of the Grosse Ile High School Rotary Interact Club,” says Robbin. “They continue to exemplify ‘Service Above Self’ and provide the extra hands and minds that are needed to make these projects happen.”

 

Robbin says that in the coming year, she looks forward to many more opportunities for the Rotary to give back to the community by continuing past successful endeavors as well as creating new ones and wants to thank each and every Rotarian for all their hard work and love throughout the year. “We could not do it without you!”