Rotary's 107th Birthday Celebration! - Danneile Davis

To the other restaurant patrons, it may have looked like an intimate dinner out on the town with good friends. And in many ways, it was. But between the plate-sharing, jokes, and laughter, when we all raised our glasses “to Rotary!” it was clear that this was so much more. I truly felt connected not only to the people sitting with me but also to Rotarians worldwide as we celebrated the organization’s 107th birthday. I felt humbled to be, since a sophomore in high school, a part of the organization that has brought so many different people together in the common goals of community service, friendship, and honor. Whether sharing risotto at a social dinner, discussing the agenda at a General Board Meeting, or face-painting at a volunteer event at the Ronald McDonald House, I always have that same happy feeling. The dinner was also a wonderful chance to get to know more members on a more personal level. I had such a wonderful time at La Viola celebrating Rotary’s birthday with my fellow Rotaractors, and cannot wait for our next event!

Rotary Youth Exchange - Haley Holmes

Last year I made one of the hardest decisions of my life by moving 1000 miles away from Florida to Philadelphia. Through my involvement with Rotary in Florida, I knew that joining Rotaract of Philadelphia would help my transition as I moved back this year.

Coincidentally, the first event that I attended with Rotaract brought me face to face with a group of people who knew exactly how it felt to be so far from home (although I must admit, they probably traveled slightly farther than I did). On Sunday, September 25^th I had the pleasure of meeting students who had come to America through Rotary’s Youth Exchange program all the way from Brazil, Italy, and Venezuela, just to name a few of the countries represented there.

The day started with us meeting at Reading Terminal, and walking to Independence Mall. Along the way I talked with a few of the exchange students, as well as some of their host brothers and sisters. Even though we had just met, we all got along extremely well. We talked about colleges and our respective countries and I encouraged the two students from Brazil to help me with my Portuguese. Once we got to Independence Mall we got a tour of all of the important rooms, and took a ton of pictures.

When we were done there we took the short walk to see the Liberty Bell, where some of the students began exchanging pins that had their names and countries on them (which are now hanging proudly on my bulletin board).

After more pictures, we began the walk to South Street. During this walk I discovered that one of the students who was visiting from Italy is now attending high school with one of my best friend’s brothers (it really IS a small world!) and started making plans to meet back up with a group of them.

During our free time on South Street we broke off into smaller groups, roaming in and out of the stores while telling each other stories, either about our own countries or about the things they had seen while visiting here.

All too soon the day had ended and it was time for me to head back to University City. But the day was something I won’t soon forget. I am so happy that I was able to be a part of their time here in America and I look forward to other events that will bring us together again.

Rotary Youth Exchange Tour of Philadelphia

On Sunday, November 21st, the Rotaract Club of Philadelphia hosted the Rotary Youth Exchange Students of Philadelphia for a historic tour of the City of Brotherly Love.

From Love Park the Rotary group headed to Old City to tour Independence Hall and see the iconic symbol of American Independence, the liberty bell. The international group then walked two blocks away to visit the interactive Constitution Center.

The Rotaract members served as unofficial ambassadors of the city providing insight as they passed through Washington Square and Society Hill. The day wrapped up on South Street with an afternoon of shopping. Before heading back to the suburbs everyone tried a staple in Philadelphia cuisine, a cheesesteak.

A special thanks to Rob Newman, Rotary Youth Exchange Chair for supporting the Rotaract Club of Philadelphia’s effort to have a day of international exchange and fellowship.

Rotary Spring Gala

Rotary hosted an annual gala this past Friday, May 29th at the Montrose Mansion in Villanova University. The below Rotaractors attended and supported the Philadelphia Rotary that night:

Asako Yoshino
Makoto Kuwabara
Stephen Iskrant
Maya Fridman

The evening was filled with good conversation with friends and family also attending the gala. We enjoyed a silent auction filled with many items such as Arden Theater tickets, autographed books and wine baskets. Frank Hollick also auctioned off his services to the highest bidder where he would work one day as a personal assistant.

There was a pleasant presentation dedicated to the outgoing Rotary President, John Wynn, who opened each meeting with a quote from John Adams, Thomas Jefferson or Benjamin Franklin. The audience was always asked to identify who said it!

Winding down the evening, guests enjoyed desserts and coffee amidst their uninterrupted conversation as the night culminated…

Social at National Mechanics

On April 9th, fellow Rotaractors took it easy by meeting for happy hour at National Mechanics in Old City.

We celebrated the end of a good, hard-working week and toasted to fellow Rotaractor's grad school acceptance. Congratulations Thomas!

Everyone is very excited for the Cherry Blossom Gala next week.

Art After 5 with Rotaract

On February 27th, fellow Rotaractors attended the Art After 5 social & music event at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia Rotaract was joined by a member from the Main Line Rotaract club & a Philadelphia Rotarian.

In the main atrium, we sipped our drinks and enjoyed the music of Neil Leonard. He is 'known for his unique approach to composition and improvisation. His ensemble has featured Robin Eubanks and Uri Caine, among others, and his collaborative works with visual artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons were exhibited at the 49th Venice Biennial' (Philadelphia Museum of Art website).

All attendees received complimentary admission to the museum arranged by a fellow Rotaractor.