May 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2024 GOLDEN NUGGET CASINO BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI |

Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on 6 February that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather.
The Rotary world responded to this catastrophe immediately. RI President Jennifer Jones activated our disaster response efforts, communicated with the affected districts, and encouraged governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants and share information about their relief efforts so that Rotary can amplify the calls for support.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees decided that all donations made, from now until 31 March, to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund will be used to aid earthquake relief projects through disaster response grants.
Here's how to have the greatest impact:
- Give to Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund. Donations help clubs and districts provide aid and support rebuilding efforts where the need is greatest. The funds are distributed to affected communities through disaster response grants.
- Support local initiatives. As we learn about local response efforts that are being led by clubs and districts, Rotary raises awareness about how to support them. People can then support these projects by working directly with Rotary members in the region. Contact us to share information about local response efforts.
Rotary's project partner ShelterBox’s team is in Turkey, collaborating closely with Rotary district leaders to respond to provide people affected by the earthquake with tents and essential aid items they need. Visit ShelterBox’s website for the most current updates on how we are collaborating to respond.
What better way to spend your weekend than swinging the golf clubs to raise money for student scholarships along the Coast?
The Gautier Rotary Club is set to host their 36th annual Student Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Hickory Hill Golf Club. The Rotary Club tries to give away 15 to 30 thousand dollars worth of scholarships back to students every year.
Sponsors can enjoy a great day on the course while giving back to the community and promoting their businesses. All golfers will receive goody bags, lunch, dinner, refreshments, and prizes.
The Tournament Chair states that the requirements for students applying for the scholarships. “There’s an application process that the guidance counselors handle. They get the applications to our scholarship committee. Financial need, class rank, community service, ACT scores, types of AP classes, and those things will help them land those scholarships.”
Within 30 years, the Rotary Club has given away over half a million dollars towards scholarships for local students.

- Having a sense of adventure, flexibility, a sense of humor, and a go-with-the-flow attitude are features of a happy and successful visit! It is NOT like 2 weeks in a Marriott! It is a unique opportunity for some wonderful friendships and special experiences.
- Personal travel is fine before or after the PLANNED RFE program, but it is really important to stay with the plan during the program planned by our hosts.
- Ideally, an RFE program may be the catalyst for joint service projects, and/or Global Grant partnerships, etc.