When I joined Rotary in 2000 in Weston, Florida I knew little about Rotary International - I just want to give back to my community.  I also wanted to meet leaders in the community, learn from them, and together make impactful changes to make the world a better place - one project at a time.

Little did I know that 24 years and 10 Rotary Clubs later (9 in the US and 1 in Chile) I would have the honor of being President of such an active and respected club - the Sugar Land Rotary Club.

Rotary has 1.2 million members with active clubs in over 200 countries throughout the world, and is considered to be the largest non-governmental, non-political service organization in the world.  Rotarians provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.  Interesting fact: Rotary is the only service organization in the world with a seat at the United Nations!

The President of Rotary International for 2023-2024 is Stephanie Urchick, and just like me will serve a one year term.  But Rotary always plans ahead - the Sugar Land Rotary Club President Nominee (for 2025-2026) is Josh Griffin, while the RI President Nominee is Mário César Martins de Camargo.  

President Urchick’s Rotary theme is “The Magic of Rotary”.  That reminds me of a trip many years ago to Mexico, where we collected glasses in the US and gave them out to people there.  I will never forget the young boy that came to me, eyes squinted because he could not see well, and put on the glasses.  Suddenly he looked up to me and said “Es magico!”.  He could see.  That is the magic of Rotary!  Making a difference, one person at a time.

For my Rotary year, I have these primary goals:

1. From an IMPACT Companion club.  These clubs meet about once a month, focus on making an impact through service, and have a low monthly subscription.  They are Rotarians, and members of the Sugar Land Rotary Club.  This club’s flexible structure will allow us to serve our community better by gaining new members and maintaining others that cannot make our Wednesday meetings.

2. Help organize a successful fundraiser.  We have already met and formed an experienced committee.  The evening event will be at Safari on March 22 with a very special program.  Details to come!

3. We will achieve our club growth and district training and participation goals to receive the Club Citation from Rotary International.

4. Our club will partner with District 5890 to receive matching funds to help with a special project to combat homelessness in Fort Bend County.  A separate fundraiser called Pumpkins for Polio will be held district-wide in October to raise funds to eradicate Polio.

A great thank you goes to the chairs and volunteers of our numerous committees - where the rubber meets the road real work happens. Please keep up the great work you are doing.

I'm very excited about our new Rotary year and I look forward to our time together. Since we improve the odds of getting what you want when you expect and aim for them, it is my hope is that you expect great things for our club and from ourselves. Let’s have fun as we set out to be Impactful, Compassionate, and of the highest Integrity.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.

Rotary regards,

Mark Heuchert