A new generation of servant leaders join club
It seems almost fitting that as Pell City Rotary Club just finished celebrating its 50th year, a new generation of leaders believing in Service Above Self has stepped up to join its ranks.
Of course, it didn’t happen overnight. Over the past few years, younger members have gravitated to this growing civic club because they wanted to make a difference in their community.
And their impact is being felt in all corners.
Jay Jenkins, the oldest tenured member of the club, sees this new generation as lending to “a greater overall good” for people who may not see that side of a public official, for instance. They only see them in their official role.
But as they roll up their sleeves and give blood during the club’s blood drive for Red Cross, help sort groceries for the Christian Love Pantry distributions or deliver hot meals to first responders, the community sees them as true public servants.
He singled out the presence of the new city school superintendent and three board of education members now on Rotary’s roster. “I’m really proud that the new superintendent and board members got in Rotary. We do a lot of good things around our city,” he said, noting its good works can be found in impacts big and small.
Its major fundraising events – Rax Cox Memorial Golf Tournament, Jingle Bell Run, Father-Daughter Dance and Tennis/Pickleball Tournaments – provide significant support for dozens of organizations and projects needing help. Without Rotary, St. Clair Community Health Clinic, St. Clair Sheriff’s Boys Ranch, CEPA, Museum of Pell City and countless other organizations might go lacking in their much-needed missions. Rotary also gives two college scholarships each year to deserving high school students.
A new era
With a younger set of leaders coming in with new and fresh ideas and varying vantage points of identifying needs in the community, Rotary is able to do so much more. “It’s a good trend right now,” Jenkins said. “We’re in a good spot. Hopefully, it will continue.”
As membership climbs upward of 80 members, it’s not showing any signs of slowing anytime soon. President Brian Muenger, who serves as city manager, sees the growth as making the club even stronger, which in turn, makes the community stronger.
“The majority of our member growth in recent years has been from young working professionals in their 30’s and 40’s,” Muenger said. “Bringing together like-minded people of all age groups is what Rotary is all about, and having a diverse membership ensures that we stay attuned to the changing needs and opportunities within our community.”
A sampling of a few of the new members illustrates their dedication to service, leadership and opportunities.
Eddie Wilson, a sales executive and newly appointed member of the Pell City School Board, views his membership as a way to get involved. “The genesis was the intersection of being a new board of education member and being invited to Rotary several times over the past year. It’s important to be involved in service. The service side fits. I like the people of Pell City, and I was really interested in giving back.”
Hiliary Hardwick serves as director of the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home and sees joining as an opportunity to do more. “I wanted to serve our community but also to enhance relationships with fellow business leaders and make new connections. In just the few months I’ve been in Rotary, I’ve met several new people and reconnected with old friends, too. Pell City Rotary Club is the best group of leaders, and I can’t wait to see us continue to increase our impact to our community in the coming years.”
Jordan Franklin, an aviation consultant, echoed Hardwick’s enthusiasm. “I’m honored to join the Pell City Rotary Club and excited for the opportunity to give back to a community that has supported me throughout my life.”
The three are indicators of what this new generation of leadership is focused on as they seek to serve.
Their impact will be felt throughout the community because of support for fundraisers making their mission possible.
The Pell City Rotary Charity Golf Tournament Ray Cox Memorial
The golf tournament is the longest running fundraiser – almost as old as the club itself at 45 years.
Sponsors and golfers make it a success year after year, coming together at Pell City Country Club for a fun event to raise money for worthy causes throughout the community.
As Tournament Chairman Joe Paul Abbott puts it, “We can give because you give.”
Held in June each year, it offers all kinds of opportunities to get involved – as a player, a sponsor or a volunteer. The funds generated by the tournament go to deserving organizations, schools and community projects.
Pickleball Tournament
This tournament has evolved over the years, each year bigger and better than the year before and going from tennis to the wildly popular pickleball. But it has one constant. It is held in October during the Halloween season, which lends itself to costumes, decorations and a whole lot of fun for the whole family.
This year’s multiple events for “Vampires and Volleys” on Oct. 23 at Pell City Pickleball Center will include juniors, men’s, women’s and mixed matches.
Father-Daughter Dance
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Father-Daughter sees hundreds of fathers and daughters taking to the dance floor in a special time for both.
In February each year, Rotarians transform Pell City High School into a gala event venue and serve dance attendees dinner and offer plenty of music and dancing throughout the night.
The entire evening is dedicated to fathers and daughters making memories together that last a lifetime.
Jingle Bell Run
Rotary’s newcomer is the Jingle Bell Run. Now in its third year coming up Dec. 13, the Jingle Bell Run has become a certified 5K and 10K run and a 1-mile fun run/walk through Pell City Lakeside Park.
Benefitting charitable organizations throughout the community, the run has already raised over $100,000 in its first two years for St. Clair Sheriff’s Boys Ranch and The Children’s Place Child Advocacy Center.
The holiday season event attracts runners from all over and is supported by community sponsors who value the missions of those on the receiving end. This year’s recipients will be Boys Ranch, Ann’s New Life Center, WellHouse and Arc of St. Clair County.
And of course, Santa, is guest of honor, making it a fun holiday tradition for the entire family.
It’s all about service and making the community a better place. l
