Dear Rotary Club of Tucson Members,As my year as President draws to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude and pride for what we’ve accomplished together. This has been a year of connection, service, and celebration, and it all began with an inspiring trip to the Rotary International Convention in Singapore. The energy I brought back set the tone for a year of meaningful impact and unforgettable moments. Your dedication to our club’s mission has truly brought the Magic of Rotary to life, and I’m honored to have served alongside each of you.
One of our proudest achievements was the success of our Tucson Classics Car Show, which raised funds allowing us to distribute over $225,000 to local organizations. These grants have touched countless lives, supporting causes that make our community stronger and more vibrant. Our Replacement/Social Mixer dinners and 2nd Wednesday “Events Around Town” lunches were a highlight, fostering fellowship and fun as we explored new venues and shared laughter. Thank you to all of you that stepped up to host the lunches! The "Dinner with the President" was another standout for me, raising over $4,000 but even more important for me was the opportunity to meaningfully connect with more of you.
Our membership grew this year, thanks to the leadership on the Membership Committee and fueled by the energy of our successful membership drive, The Derby, which welcomed new Rotarians eager to serve.
We also launched a brand-new event, simply called "The Event," which was an unforgettable evening celebrating our Rotarians for their extraordinary service above self. This inaugural night was a resounding success, filled with joy and recognition for those who embody our values, leaving me inspired as we celebrated individual Rotarians’ achievements.
Our service projects have been at the heart of this year’s success. From hands-on initiatives to partnerships with local organizations, you’ve impacted so many lives through your commitment to service above self. Our beloved mascot, Wilbur, embodied our global reach, traveling across the United States and the world, carrying the spirit of our club wherever he went. Our weekly meetings buzzed with enthusiasm, and a little laughter and fun, with one memorable gathering drawing 150 in attendance—a testament to our thriving community. Fines or “Recognitions”, always collected with a smile, totaled over $3,400, adding a playful boost to our efforts. Thank you to the Rotarians who were game to be a part of this fun.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible individuals who leaned in and made this year extraordinary. To my dedicated Board, thank you for your wisdom and leadership. To our Car Show leaders, your tireless efforts made our signature event a triumph. To my remarkable Sergeant-at-Arms, your humor and organization kept us on track. To the Program Committee, your efforts to ensure we have the best programs helped fill the room every week. To the AV and Registration teams, and so many others who gave their time, talents, and treasures—your contributions are the heartbeat of this club. To the Past Presidents who supported me and gave me wise counsel, thank you and I look forward to having your title. Together, we’ve seen the Magic of Rotary in action, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this amazing group.
As I pass the gavel, I carry with me memories of a year filled with purpose, impact and fun. Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to making a difference. The Rotary Club of Tucson is on a trajectory to increase our positive impact, and I can’t wait to see the incredible things we’ll achieve in the year ahead.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kurtis Dawson
2024-2025 President
