Together We Thrive — A Moment of Gratitude, A Momentum for the Future
As I reflect on the past week, I find myself overwhelmed—with gratitude, with humility, and with deep appreciation for what we have accomplished together.
Our District Conference and the Together We Raise Celebration were more than successful events. They were powerful expressions of who we are as Rotarians—people of action, of generosity, and of heart.
Together, we raised over $7 million for The Rotary Foundation. 
None of us knew until the moment of the big reveal… and when it came, we were all simply blown away.
That number represents hope. It represents clean water, disease prevention, education, peacebuilding, and opportunity—impact both here at home and across the globe—for people we may never meet, but whose lives will be forever changed because of what you chose to do.
But even more than the number, I am in awe of how it happened.
It happened because you showed up.
With your time.
Your talent.
Your generosity.
And your willingness to give—each in your own way, within your own circumstances.
To every volunteer, every organizer, every donor, every performer, every attendee — thank you!
What you created was extraordinary.
The Future Is So Bright…
One of the most powerful moments of our conference came as we turned our focus to the future — our youth.
Interact. RYLA. Youth Exchange. And on to Rotaract.
When we truly listen to them, one thing becomes clear:
The future is so bright… we’re going to need to wear shades.
I had the privilege of spending personal time with several of these young leaders, and I was struck by their insight, their courage, the reach of their dreams, and the depth of their commitment to making a difference.
Some will move on to new places, new careers, even new districts—but their impact does not leave with them. Their stories stay with us. Their energy inspires us. Their example challenges us to be better and continues to shape who we become.
Exceeding the Moment
This year, we set a bold goal: 250 impactful service projects entered into the Service Project Center in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Together, we didn’t just meet that goal—we blew past it with over 350 projects.
That’s not just achievement. That’s a movement.
We have united as a district around things that truly matter—serving our communities, strengthening our Foundation, collaborating with civic and community leaders, and expanding our impact both locally and globally.
Now… We Build Forward
As we move into these final months of the Rotary year, our work is not slowing—it is evolving.
This is the moment for every club to:
- Align around 3-year rolling goals
- Empower and support incoming leaders
- Preserve the traditions that give us strength
- And embrace the innovation that will carry us forward
Because Rotary is not something we simply maintain.
It is something we build.
Something we grow.
Something we pass forward — stronger than we found it.
A Final Thought
Rotary creates something rare in this world.
It brings good people together—
to serve with integrity,
to grow in purpose,
to build meaningful connections,
and to live lives filled with impact and fulfillment.
What we have experienced together over these past months is proof of what is possible.
And the most exciting part?
We are just getting started.
With deep gratitude,
Jim Schmidt
District Governor 2025–2026
Click HERE to view and download photos
from this year's District Conference!