District 5420 Newsletter - April 2026

Your light reaches farther than ever

There is a quiet truth about a Rotary year . . . So much of what matters most is never seen. It lives in the moments no one applauds. The sacrifices no one announces. The times you kept going . . . when it would have been easier to stop. And somehow, we move through it all — project to project, meeting to meeting — without ever fully pausing to say what matters most.

Thank you. Not the quick kind. Not the passing kind. But the kind that comes from a full heart . . . the kind that catches in your throat when you try to say it out loud.

Because this year, you stretched. You gave time you didn’t really have. You gave energy when you were already tired. You gave pieces of your heart . . . even when life was asking so much of you. And because of that, lives were changed. Someone felt hope again. Someone felt seen again. Someone found light . . . because you chose to give yours.

The hardest part is . . . you may never know their names. You may never hear their stories. You may never realize just how far your kindness traveled. But it did. It mattered. More than words can ever hold.

So, before this year slips quietly into memory, I needed to stop . . . and say it the way it deserves to be said — Thank you for giving more of yourselves than you had to give. Thank you for choosing service when it wasn’t easy. Thank you for being the reason our light reached farther than ever before.

With Gratitude and Admiration,

Your friend and District Governor, Suzanne Leoneelli-Wilhelm

Service above Self in Cambodia

In January. 13 volunteers departed Salt Lake City for Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Nine of the volunteers were Rotarians from the Cache Valley Morning Rotary Club and the Logan Rotary Club.

The Rotary clubs organized the completion of four latrines, handwashing stations, and water filter systems in the Kandal province of Phnom Penh. Two teams divided the work which involved nailing parts of the outhouses together, placing caps on cisterns, and filling dirt around the latrines. They also delivered donations — toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothing, and eyeglasses from the Logan Lions Club.

While in Phnom Penh, the volunteers visited three different sites with Mentors International. The group traveled to Sambor Prey Kuk, Cambodia, and learned about the Become More program which includes a “Fat Cow program” designed to help villagers fight hunger and sustain life by teaching them how to fatten their cows.

The group then traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to build two houses, install two bathrooms, and dig two wells. This was an amazing trip, and I would invite others to come in the future!

Laurie Harris, Cache Valley Morning Rotary Club

435-764-2091

laurie.harris.re@gmail.com

Service above Self in Guadalajara

In March a group of five St. George Sunrise Rotarians led by Rob Sittman journeyed to Guadalajara, Mexico, on a humanitarian trip that was a powerful reminder of what can happen when service and partnership come together. Through generous contributions from club members, Utah District 5420, and other supporters, we raised $6,200.

These funds helped provide 100 reusable menstrual kits for young girls along with education on women’s health — giving them dignity, confidence, and the ability to stay in school. We also donated $1,800 to a school serving children with autism and Down syndrome, helping them purchase equipment beyond their normal budget. In the process, we supported the caregivers – single women who are selflessly raising vulnerable children, many of whom have been abandoned or come from extremely difficult circumstances.

Meaningful Moments

We also worked side-by-side to paint the courtyard of a home for 45 elderly residents who have no family or means of support. Their home is run by a Catholic nun who has devoted her life to caring for them.

While we returned home physically tired, we came back filled with gratitude, strengthened relationships, and a renewed commitment to Service above Self.

Ruth Ann Beardsley

St. George Sunrise Rotary Club

Service above Self in Ukraine

In February, 14 El Generators were delivered to Ukrainian communities through Rotary in Sweden Helps Ukraine. Deepest thanks to all Utah Rotarians whose generous donations made this possible.

Jerry Summerhays, District International Service Chair, SummerhaysGS@gmail.com

About this photo

Some time ago, as a thank you, someone in Ukraine gave me some paintings done by children at a school. On the back of one was a name and an address of the mother or teacher of one of the painters. We contacted the mother, got the details about the school, which is in the village of Drabiv, in the Cherkasy region, three hours southeast of Kviv.

We asked the school what they needed. Standard answer, a generator for lighting, cooking and heating.

Critical Energy Gap: In 2024 and early 2025, Ukrainian schools faced nearly 2,000 hours without electricity due to infrastructure attacks. The matter has only got worse during winter 25/26.

A single generator can be the difference between a school staying open as a 'warming station' for the whole village or a school closing entirely.

Rudd Alastair

Do you have the Rotary Club Locator App on your phone?

The Rotary Club Locator App is a free official tool from Rotary International for iOS and Android that helps users find nearby clubs, meeting times, and locations.

I was on a Danube River cruise from the Black Sea to Vienna. I opened my Club Locator App and found Romania 132 Rotary clubs, Bulgaria 85, Serbia 60, Croatia 50, Montenegro 8, Hungary 57, Slovakia 26. With 47,000 Rotary clubs all over the world, this is the way that it is country after country.

The Club Locator lists when and where the club meets, their website, and the contact information for the president and secretary.

While on our Danube cruise, I was able to meet for lunch with two Rotarians from the Budapest City Club in Hungary. I told them Utah Rotary is interested in helping a very impactful project. They referred me to President Milijana Vukotic of the Budva, Montenegro Club. After a Zoom meeting with Milijana and her district governor, and some emails, our District Montenegro Special Needs global grant was born.

Say you are on a vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina. There are 117 Rotary clubs in South Carolina. Searching on Club Locator you find three clubs in Hilton Head. One meets Monday 6 pm, another Tuesday at 8 am, and the third, Thursday at 12:30 pm. You can drop in and have a great time!

Please contact me if you want to develop an international service project. I can help you organize your approach, saving time, effort, and stomach lining.

Jerry Summerhays, District International Service Chair, SummerhaysGS@gmail.com

Your club's space for news about your International Service projects.

You are invited to use this space to describe your club's experience going abroad to help people in need around the globe. Simply get on the bus and submit your story along with a few pictures to the Newsletter Editor lolabeatlebrox@gmail.com by the 27th of every month.

Giving from the heart - changing the world

Every gift to The Rotary Foundation is more than a donation. It is an expression of hope, compassion, and belief in a better world. Through the generosity of Rotarians and friends of Rotary, lives are changed every day. Children receive books and education. Families gain access to clean water. Communities find help in times of hardship. Peace, health, and opportunity take root where they are needed most.

When we give to The Rotary Foundation, we become part of something larger than ourselves. We extend a hand to people we may never meet, yet whose lives will be forever touched by kindness. Our gifts become scholarships, medical care, community projects, and pathways to brighter futures. They become hope in action.

The Grace of Anonymous Giving

Some of the most meaningful gifts are given quietly. In Utah, one anonymous donor has pledged $500,000 to match individual Rotarian bequests benefiting The Rotary Foundation, creating a remarkable opportunity for others to multiply their future impact. This and other extraordinary anonymous acts of generosity reflect a humble and inspiring spirit of service. It reminds us that true philanthropy is not about recognition, but about responding to human need with love.

Whether public or private, large or small, every gift helps carry Rotary’s mission forward and leaves a legacy of goodness. To ensure anonymity of giving please email me at drfc5420@gmail.com.

Egor Shulman

D5420 Rotary Foundation Chair 2025-2028

(435) 619-1317

drfc5420@gmail.com

Know Your Giving, Grow Your Legacy

Every gift to The Rotary Foundation tells a story of compassion in action. It helps bring clean water to villages, strengthens education, advances peace, fights disease, and opens doors of opportunity for people we may never meet, yet deeply care about through our shared commitment to doing good in the world. The Foundation’s work is global, but the decision to give is always personal.

That is why it is so meaningful to pause and reflect on your own giving journey. On My Rotary my.rotary.org, members can sign in and use the “View my giving history” feature to see their contributions and progress over time. Looking back can be inspiring. It reminds us that even one gift, faithfully given, becomes part of something far bigger than ourselves.

As you review your donor history, consider taking the next step, if you are financially able.

A Rotary Foundation Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) member gives $25 or more each year to Annual Fund-SHARE.

A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member gives $100 or more each year to Annual Fund-SHARE.

A Paul Harris Society member elects to contribute $1,000 or more annually to Annual Fund-SHARE, Polio Plus, approved Global Grants or Disaster Response.

Every step upward in generosity means more hope, more healing, and more lives changed through Rotary International. For giving assistance email me at the address below.

Egor Shulman

D5420 Rotary Foundation Chair 2025-2028

(435) 619-1317

drfc5420@gmail.com

Rotary Youth News

Youth Exchange explores Moab

In March our Youth Exchange students had a fabulous time exploring the beautiful red rocks and landscape of Moab. We hiked to Corona Arch and Fisher Towers, rode horseback along the Colorado River, and rode ATVs in the back country. This was unlike anything these kids had seen in their home countries.

Plus, the Moab Rotary Club invited us to join them for dinner at a local restaurant. We appreciate the Moab Rotary Club for helping us plan this excellent adventure.

Aaron Lowe, District Chair Rotary Youth Exchange

transitreg98@gmail.com

Recruit students for RYLA!

RYLA is four-day leadership experience where teens develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills. It’s not just a camp; it’s a life-changing experience where high school students discover their leadership potential and ignite a passion for service.

RYLA – Rotary Youth Leading Awards – is open to incoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Many local Rotary clubs provide student scholarships.

All clubs - please recruit participants through your Interact clubs and high schools. The Sponsorship award from clubs is $425 per student.

RYLA will be held from Wednesday, June 24 to Saturday, June 27 at Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, UT. The deadline for students to apply is Wednesday, May 1^st.

NEW THIS YEAR: Accepting graduating seniors for a special session built just for them!

Student applications are located at www.IsMyRotaryClub.org/App/?ID=346 or the above QR code

Adult facilitators are also needed. See the volunteer flyer below.

Sydney H. King, RYLA

Rotary District 5420, District Governor Nominee

5420.ryla@gmail.com

Gifts for Rotary's Rose Bowl Float

Greetings, Fellow Rotarians

For 46 years, the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee has told Rotary’s story to the world…one float at a time.

Rotary’s message reaches more than 34 million television viewers and hundreds of thousands along the parade route each January 1, plus millions more through streaming platforms.

As we continue this year’s call to Unite for Good and look ahead to Create Lasting Impact, we are reminded that impact does not happen by chance. It happens because someone chooses to give. Someone chooses to act. Someone chooses to believe that even a single contribution can ripple outward into something extraordinary.

Behind every flower placed on our float is a story of service. Behind every design element is the heartbeat of Rotary, People of Action who refuse to stand still when there is good to be done.

Your Gift Truly Matters: Please join us in this effort. Make your gift today — and help ensure Rotary’s story continues to inspire the world. Click here.

P.S. Every Rotarian knows someone who believes in service. Share this message with your club, and your network—and help us keep the Rotary Rose Parade Float rolling. Thank you!

Martha Velasco RRPFC Leadership Support Team member - Midvalley Rotary Club

Let's Talk Peace at your club.

The way we communicate with ourselves and others determines the inner peace we experience. And we cannot create peace in our world until we strive to make our own lives peaceful.

Kris Swanson, District Peace Chair, has created a follow-up session to the Create Your Piece of Peace presentation offered to clubs last year.

Invite Kris to speak at your club. Both Let's Talk Peace and Create Your Piece of Peace are available!

Email Kris@kristinaswanson.com to schedule your club presentation today.

Update

RI Council on Resolutions

Editor’s Note: A resolution is a request to the Rotary International Board or the Rotary Foundation Trustees to take an action outside the scope of Rotary's constitutional documents. Ideally, a resolution should affect the broad Rotary world rather than address local or administrative issues. The Council on Resolutions (COR) meets online once each year. One representative from each Rotary district votes on resolutions that have been proposed by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the general council or conference of RIBI and on urgent enactments from the RI Board. Sandi Schwartz, St. George Sunrise Rotary Club, is the representative appointed by Governor Suzanne and Dean Jackson is the alternate.

Update

Rotary International has announced an important update that will help strengthen and streamline the functioning of the Council on Resolutions. Beginning with the 2026 Council on Resolutions, Rotary is introducing a refreshed format designed to make proposed resolutions clearer, more focused, and easier to review.

What’s Changing

A more focused Resolution statement

“Whereas” clauses have been removed.
Resolutions will now include only a single Resolution statement, which becomes the central focus of each proposal.

Enhanced Proposer’s Purpose and Effect Statement

Proposers may include an optional Proposer’s Purpose and Effect Statement, offering background, context, and rationale.
If a proposer submits whereas clauses, they will be incorporated into this section for clarity and consistency.

Financial impact included only when significant

Financial impact statements will appear only when a significant financial impact is identified, following Rotary Code of Policies section 59.020.4.

Rotary continually strives to strengthen both the quality of ideas proposed and the clarity of how they are presented. To help you become familiar with the new format,there are a few tools in MyRotary:

UPDATED! How to Propose Resolutions Guide
NEW! Resolution Planning Worksheet
NEW! Sample Updated Resolution

These resources are designed to support you as you shape meaningful and well-crafted resolutions under the new structure.

Submit Resolutions

The resolution submission form is also updated to reflect the new format. If you plan to propose a resolution, please submit using the online form by June 30, 2026. We appreciate your engagement and dedication as we move forward with this improved approach.

For assistance, contact Sandi Schwartz, sandischwartzdg1819@gmail.com

District 5430 Resolutions Representative

Our District is on Facebook now!

This Facebook page is for everyone—please feel free to share your Rotary activities, service projects, events, and celebrations. Let’s keep showing the great work you’re doing in your communities!

Keep the posts coming! Click here.

Upcoming Events in the District & the World

Moab Rotary Car Show is Saturday, April 25

Moab Rotary Club's April Action Car Show will feature 300-400 cars on Saturday April 25. This huge event happens in Swanny Park right in the center of Moab.

The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm with judging between 3 and 4 pm and then the 15 different winners will be announced.

Food vendors will be at the park during the event with musical entertainment by JC Hackett Rock N Roll Radio. For more information click here.

Springville Rotary “Sunday in the Park” Car Show is Sunday, August 16

The Springville Rotary Club's “Sunday in the Park” Car Show continues to be a summer favorite and our largest annual fundraiser, bringing the community together each year.

Last year’s event was a strong success. We served approximately 1,200 meals, showcased around 1,000 cars, and, with strong support from local business sponsors, featured over $25,000 in donated raffle prizes. The event raised an estimated $45,000 to support local and international service efforts.

Those funds made a meaningful impact. We awarded eight scholarships to local students, each worth $4,000, with a total commitment of nearly $30,000 to support their education. We also supported an international exchange student, provided dictionaries to local youth through our annual literacy project, and sponsored our annual Easter egg hunt for the community.

The car show continues to be a key part of how we fund these efforts and serve both locally and beyond, reflecting Rotary’s commitment to putting service above self.

Sterling Black, Springville Rotary Club

sterling-black@leavitt.com

Don't miss the 2026 Rotary International Convention!

Connect with Rotary members from around the world as we unite for good in Taipei City, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention, June, 13-17, 2026.

The convention is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be inspired in a vibrant city rich in culture, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights. This transformative event is your opportunity to renew relationships made at previous conventions, create new ones, and share with like-minded changemakers the exciting work that your club is doing.

The Rotary International Convention is our biggest event of the year! Learn more and register today at convention.rotary.org.

The Club Hub

Get ideas, support other clubs! Send your service projects & fundraisers to

Newsletter Editor Lola Beatlebrox for this monthly section of the newsletter.

St. George Sunrise Rotary’s Evening of Elegance

"Unite for Good Around the World"

St. George Sunrise Rotary Club's Evening of Elegance Gala was an inspiring and impactful event celebrating the power of service and community.

Club President Ron Wilhelm welcomed guests and set the tone, reminding us why Rotary’s mission matters.

Foundation President Darrin Hallman shared the meaningful work being done through our club — from literacy programs to community outreach —demonstrating the real difference Rotary makes.

District Governor-Nominee Designate Egor Schulman delivered a heartfelt message about the lives being changed through Rotary’s efforts through our foundation, reinforcing the importance of continued support.

District Governor Suzanne Leonelli brought the evening home with a powerful and deeply personal message. She shared how Rotary had quietly shaped her life from a young age — impacting her and her family in ways she didn’t even realize at the time. What once felt like simple acts of kindness and service came full circle, revealing the lasting influence of Rotary in her life.

The evening raised more than $60,000 in donations. Our club’s own Backpack for Kids program alone generated $18,800 during the paddle raise, directly supporting children in our community.

The Spanish Fork Rotary Club has a vast array of professionals in its membership including real estate professionals, bankers, financial advisors, an estate planner, a psychologist, a doctor, and business owners.

This month Jeff Cooper and Brady Barker spoke about building wealth through traditional and alterative real estate investing.

Tanner Manning discussed building wealth through the stock market. It was great to learn from each other and see some new faces!

In March, 19 Utah Valley University Rotaractors advocated for mountain women and State of Utah as a model of sustainable mountain development during the 70^th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). They hosted a parallel event titled “Raising Justice Awareness of Mountain Women through Student-Engaged Learning.” They also reported on services provided to local communities such as assembling hygiene kits for women and girls, and raising funds for Title I elementary schools by selling oranges.

The Bountiful High and Woods Cross High School Interact Clubs recently partnered with the Bountiful Rotary Club in a wonderful act of service and community spirit. Students and Rotarians gathered to stuff 3,000 Easter eggs with candy, which were then donated to the Bountiful Food Pantry.

These festive eggs will allow local families to enjoy their own Easter egg hunts at home, creating joyful memories for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Bountiful Rotary and the Interact clubs worked side by side to spread kindness, brighten holidays, and strengthen the bonds that make our community so special.

Midvalley Rotary Club is grateful to receive a generous donation of Dowdle puzzles, which our members prepared for distribution across the community. These puzzles will be delivered to senior centers and memory care facilities to support cognitive engagement and provide meaningful, enjoyable activities. We are also sharing them with local libraries in multiple cities, expanding access to families and individuals of all ages. In addition, puzzles will be included in Murray Children’s Pantry boxes, offering a fun and comforting resource for children and families facing food insecurity. This initiative reflects our commitment to service, community connection, and wellness across generations.

For many years, Rotary clubs across the country have supported literacy by providing each third grader in their city with a personal dictionary. Building on that tradition, the Provo Rotary Club has adapted the program over the past several years to better meet today’s needs.

Instead of dictionaries, we now provide carefully selected books—chosen in coordination with the Provo School District library coordinator—to give students greater variety and more engaging, effective materials in today’s digital learning environment.

This effort is especially important because studies show that a significant percentage of fourth-grade students are not reading at a basic level by the time they reach fourth grade. Third grade is a pivotal time, as students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” By providing each student with a personalized book, we aim to help them build a stronger foundation as they continue to develop these essential skills.

Murray Rotary Club again this year organized a food/cash drive for the Murray Children's Pantry. We had 70 donation boxes placed around the community at businesses, government buildings, and private residences. Each year we have raised the goal of the amount of food/cash to be collected, and this year we made our goal of $20,000. The Murray Children's Pantry has seen a dramatic increase in community needs in the past year -- needing $4000/week of food. Murray Children's Pantry is a "no questions asked" organization focusing on helping area children and their immediate families. As Rotarians, we are proud to be a significant portion of the Pantry's support team.

The Rotary Club of Orem-Lindon delivered 80 dictionaries to 5th graders at Timpanogos Academy in Lindon, thanks to teacher Kate Thompson. President Cathy Ambrose was joined by UVU Rotaract Advisor Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev and President Erynn Lammi. Students looked up “Rotary” to learn about the organization’s mission and explored facts about Kyrgyzstan, Dr. Abdrisaev’s home country. The visit combined literacy, global awareness, and service. The students were happy to learn that they each had their own dictionary to keep forever. Orem-Lindon Rotary is pleased to have gifted this valuable new resource and are grateful for the memorable experience.

The Rotary Club of Millcreek is proud to support the Rotaract Club of Nakivale Rubondo in Uganda in helping girls in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Many girls face a monthly challenge most of us never think about - lack of access to basic menstrual supplies. Without them, girls often miss school or resort to unsafe materials.

This project will support 300 girls and women by providing reusable pads, teaching them how to make their own, and offering menstrual health education. Please consider supporting this important effort. Every donation makes a difference. Donate & share: https://gofund.me/31cd107f8

The wonderful Interact Club at Bountiful High filled Easter eggs for the Bountiful Food Pantry. We have amazing young people in this Interact Club. They are born leaders and love to do service. They have been very busy this year with many projects and will help the Bountiful Rotary Club with their signature event "Coats for Kids" Car show June 19th and 20th 2026.

In 1905, Rotary founder Paul Harris and his fellow Rotarians liked to rotate meetings to keep things interesting. This month, rotating became the norm for St. George Rotary when we changed locations four times in as many weeks, including one gathering at the newly-refurbished Pioneer Courthouse; one at the Utah Food Bank; one at the newest St. George Fire station and one at the Washington County School District to hear from the winners of this year’s 4-Way Test Essay Contest. The icing on the cake? We didn't find a single student for RYLA - although we're sending two alums - but inducted three new members - KC, John and Mike!