President’s Welcome Message 2024
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia, where we share the Magic of Rotary! “What is Rotary?” That is a question I’m often asked. I respond that the Salem Rotary Club is truly a place where you can spark positive change and make a difference in the lives of others. Originally chartered in 1949, this year marks our 75th anniversary of helping others, both locally and worldwide.
DID YOU KNOW that the Salem Rotary Club hosts such well-known local events as Olde Salem Days, the Star-B-Q music concert and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Basketball Tournament? And DID YOU KNOW that the proceeds from these events are put directly back into the community?
In fact, the Salem Rotary Club has raised over $1 million for local community groups and charitable organizations throughout the Roanoke Valley and beyond. In addition to financial support to these groups, fundraising efforts help the Salem Rotary Club to support local children through Christmas for Kids, Little Free Libraries and The Dolly Parton Imagination Library. To date, the Salem Rotary Club has helped build over 230 beds through the local Sleep in Heavenly Peace program which builds beds for children in need.
This year, we will continue to improve our local neighborhoods with projects such as the Clean Valley Day river cleanup, food and coat drives, and management of Rotary Park and the Rotary Dog Park. Internationally, this year our club has been directly involved in Rotary projects in Ghana and Guatemala as well as other nations as we continue our support of the Rotary International effort to irradicate Polio. We also continue to participate in the International Youth Exchange program to
host an international student and give a local student the chance to experience life abroad as well.
The 2024-25 presidential theme is “The Magic of Rotary.” In announcing this theme, Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick stated:
“We are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand and saying some funny words … It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member.”
I invite you to have lunch with us or join us for a service project. If you would like to learn more, please use our website, follow us on Facebook, or just speak with one of our many members you may know from the community. Our hope is to continue to attract members from all professions who wish to make a difference – here, at the Salem Rotary Club, we have a true and positive impact on our local community and the world.
Sincerely,
Matt Pollard
President, Salem Rotary Club ’24-’25
