Between July 1 and early October 2024, three major hurricanes made landfall in Zone 34. Even more unusual, one of those hurricanes inflicted apocalyptic damage and a large loss of lives several hundred miles inland in parts of Zone 33.
As you would expect, Rotarians across both of our zones have done heroic work to provide immediate relief to neighbors and to start rebuilding their communities. Our Rotarians have again affirmed that they are People of Action by meeting the immediate and long term needs of those whose lives and homes were so severely impacted by the storms.
Our Zones 33-34 Disaster Recovery Fund has collected over $1.37 million from across the United States and several other countries. Additional financial support has been collected and channeled through a disaster relief partner to the benefit of Districts 7020 and 7030. All these donations have been made because the donors have full confidence that Rotary leaders will safeguard their donations and maximize the impact of projects supported by these funds.
As of January 31, 2025, over thirty projects have been approved and funded from these donations. A total of $437,000 has been disbursed from the disaster recovery fund (and has been matched by an additional $284,000 donated to these projects). These monies have been placed with confidence in the hands of clubs that know exactly what the highest needs of their communities are. Even better, this total of over $720,000 has been used to amplify and supplement thousands of hours that Rotary volunteers and partner volunteers have provided to relief and recovery efforts.
Sometimes, I am asked why I am a Rotarian. I always respond by sharing stories about the impact that this incredible organization has had on me and my family. Now, I will append that response to talk about the extraordinary way that our Rotary Family responded to the devastation caused by these storms. I hope you share my sense of pride as a Rotarian.
Patrick Eakes
Rotary International Director
