Celebrating Leadership and the Magic of Rotary: Merritt Island Rotary Club Installation Dinner
The Merritt Island Rotary Club celebrated its annual installation dinner on Friday, July 26th, marking a significant event in our community's calendar. This year, we had the pleasure of thanking our outgoing president, Gary Ledford, for his remarkable leadership and welcoming Russ McCarthy as our incoming president. The event was graced by the presence of District Governor Jula Babbit, who installed the new board and shared inspiring words about the future of Rotary.
Meet Our MIRC President: Russ McCarthy
Russ McCarthy is the Merrit Island Rotary Club President (2024-2025) and is supported by his wife of 29 years, Trudy McCarthy. Together with their three daughters and three grandchildren Russ and Trudy live a life that exemplifies the true meaning of being a Rotarian, service above self. They can often be found at road cleanups, giving back to local charities such as the Children's Hunger Project, The Central Brevard Sharing Center and the Brevard Achievement Center to name a few. They have also hosted three international exchange students through Rotary International over the years and have shown they are a family committed to building better communities.
Russ is a private and commercially rated fixed wing and helicopter pilot. He finds joy in teaching his grandson to follow in spreading his wings as he becomes a second-generation private pilot later this year. When not working, flying or doing charitable work, Russ and Trudy love to RV across the United States, recently driving over 15,000 miles from Florida to Alaska.
Meet Our District Governor: Jula Babbit
Jula Babbit is the District Governor (2024-2025) for Rotary International District 6930. In this esteemed leadership role, Jula is responsible for guiding clubs, inspiring members, and engaging both members and the general public. Her dedication to Rotary is evident through her long-standing commitment and her previous service as District Governor in 2018-2019.
The installation dinner was a special moment of déjà vu as Jula and Russ both served in their 1st terms in their respective leadership roles during the same timeframe back in 2018-2019.
This reunion brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement for the journey ahead.
The Magic of Rotary: FY25 Theme
The theme for the fiscal year 2025, "The Magic of Rotary," was highlighted during the event. This international presidential theme calls on Rotary members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives. It is a reminder of the profound impact Rotary can have when members come together, driven by a shared purpose of service and community. "Rotary Magic".
Jula Babbit emphasized that one way to make a positive change is to embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our clubs. By fostering an inclusive environment, Rotary can harness the full potential of its diverse membership to drive meaningful and lasting change.
A Message from Our Incoming President
Russ McCarthy, stepping into his role as president, expressed his excitement about the journey ahead. He shared that to continue to do good in our community, it takes the entire club. His vision for the year aligns with the theme "The Magic of Rotary," and he is eager for Merritt Island to feel the magic through our collective efforts.
Moving Forward Together
As we embark on this new Rotary year, we are filled with optimism and enthusiasm. The installation dinner was not just a celebration of leadership transitions but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to making a difference. With Jula Babbit’s inspiring guidance and Russ McCarthy’s dedicated leadership, the Merritt Island Rotary Club is poised to achieve great things.
Let us embrace the magic of Rotary, uphold the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work together to create a brighter future for our community. Here's to a year of service, growth, and impactful change!
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved with the Merritt Island Rotary Club.
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