President's Message

Message from President Tod
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Sharon,
 
I joined the Rotary Club of Sharon in late 2016. I was drawn to Rotary in order to provide service to the community in a meaningful way. In my first term as president during the 2019-2020 term, I saw our Rotary Club accomplish some fantastic acts of service, letting me know I made the right decision in joining this team.
 
Rotary International is an organization that provides support on both a local and international level. The collective leadership and expertise of Rotary's 1.2 million members helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. Our members are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need. Rotary's areas of focus are  
  • Promoting peace
  • Fighting disease
  • Providing clean water
  • Saving mothers and children
  • Supporting education
  • Growing local economies
  • Protecting the environment
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
The Rotary Club of Sharon has provided service to the community of Sharon for more than 80 years. Our local service projects include:
  • We provide regular donations to the Sharon/Stoughton (Ilse Marks) food pantry 
  • Our Hunger is Scary program collects food and personal hygiene items for the Sharon/Stoughton food pantry with 2 drives a year at Shaws on South Main Street
  • We participate in the recreation department's Trunk or Treat
  • We distribute water at Sharon Day
  • We hold an annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior on the Sunday before Thanksgiving
  • We provide 2 scholarships to deserving seniors
  • We provide 4 scholarships for high school students to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
  • By far our largest project is Gifts of Hope. Gifts of Hope not only provides presents and gift cards at holiday time 9winter and spring), it also provides year-round support for those in need. Whether it is help with a septic system, families need support for clothing, a need for medical equipment, Gifts of Hope is able to provide a short-term grant to help.
  • Our club supports Shelterbox.  ShelterBox is made up of people who believe in shelter as a human right – that shelter from the chaos of disaster and conflict is vital. No ifs. No buts. ShelterBox provides the tools that enable people to rebuild homes and transform their lives.
Who is Rotary? Our Rotary Club members come from all walks of life. We have small and large business owners, lawyers, realtors, IT technicians, tutors, bankers, municipal employees, managers of non-profits, retirees, mothers, fathers, and grandparents. We are your friends and neighbors. 
 
Like all other organizations, we are still finding our way after the impact our response to covid had on our lives. Our meetings are hybrid with a combination of in-person and virtual meetings. We ar looking for a suitable, permanent meeting space.
 
If you are looking for a way to give back to your community or the greater world Rotary has opportunities for you.
 
Yours in Rotary
Tod Whiting
President 2022/2023