April started with a service project that included all our D5840 Interactors. While each club contributed to folding 20 cranes for our Cranes for Hope effort, the Interactors were tasked to help string all 1000 cranes. It was so great to see them work together as teams and collaborate with Interactors from other schools.
School sponsors and parents even jumped in to help. After a set of 10 cranes were completed, the student would then ring the bell. It quickly became a fun competition and before we knew it, they finished stringing all 1000 cranes in 2 hours! There was so much laughter but more importantly I noticed no one was using their cell phones. They were all fully engaged in the assignment and proved mental health is important for well-being.The month continued with some Membership recruiting events. D5840 had a booth at FIESTA Alamo Heights Night which is sponsored by the RC of Alamo Heights. It is their club’s signature fundraiser, and it was great to see other Rotary clubs participate with booths as well. From the RC of San Antonio South selling their famous turkey legs to the RC of San Antonio North Central selling tamales and buñuelos. So many volunteers from other Rotary clubs also participated in various capacities to help make the event a success.
Our other membership recruiting event went to the dogs. This year, D5840 was a sponsor for the annual FIESTA Pooch Parade. The profits made from last year’s District Installation in June 2023 allowed us to become a Champion Bloodline sponsor. This sponsorship included a booth, walking the parade with Rotary banner, and logo on t-shirt. It was a great way to spread the word about Rotary and all the great work our clubs do for their communities. It was a partnership between Rotary and supporting the Therapy Animals of San Antonio organization.
We ended the month preparing for our D5840 Club Celebration Cruise. So much excitement to see our Rotary family and have some fun. We are collaborating with the RC of Cozumel for a service project to do some painting and gardening. Our Rotarians answered the call to provide a few musical accessory items requested by their school band. #CincoDeRotary5840
I am certainly looking forward to our Mental Health Awareness Month events in May sponsored by the San Antonio Peace Center. There will be an ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop free to all Rotarians and partnering organizations. We will also unveil the D5840 Cranes for Hope installation. Registration for these events can be found on our District Website rotary5840.org.