By Priya Ahluwalia, Rotary Club of Southwest Florida, USA
When you are asked, “What is Rotary?” how do you respond? I know some people describe it as a service organization. Others would say it’s a networking group or a place to make friends. While those answers are true, to me Rotary is the following:
A member of our club, Tracey Mitchem, recently faced one of the most difficult moments any grandparent can experience. Her grandson, Elijah, underwent a complicated heart surgery on 21 July at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
The surgery was successful, but Elijah’s recovery would require his family to remain in Cincinnati for nearly two weeks. Like so many families facing a medical crisis, they were suddenly confronted with another challenge: Where will we stay?
The Ronald McDonald House had a waiting list. Other local options hadn’t worked out. Time was running out.
So we did what Rotary members do. Our club reached out to the Rotary Club of Cincinnati.
Within 24 hours, we received a response from one of their members. Without hesitation, Mary and her family opened their home to complete strangers. Tracey and her family had more than just a place to sleep — they had kindness, comfort, and support during one of the hardest times in their lives.
While in Cincinnati, Tracey even attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, where she experienced firsthand that Rotary fellowship knows no boundaries.
Think about that for a moment.
Two people who had never met. Two Rotary clubs separated by more than a thousand miles. Connected by one shared ideal: Service Above Self.
So now when people ask me what Rotary is, I don’t start by talking about our projects, scholarships, networking events, or international initiatives. I tell them this story.
Because Rotary isn’t just something we join. It’s a family. And when one member needs help, the family of Rotary shows up.
https://blog.rotary.org/2026/08/27/if-someone-asked-me-what-is-rotary-id-tell-them-this-story/