For more than a century, Rotary has been about “Service Above Self”—but it is the Rotary Foundation that transforms that spirit into measurable, lasting impact around the world. Through the Foundation, we don’t just respond to needs; we create sustainable solutions that strengthen communities today and for generations to come.
The Rotary Foundation supports life-changing projects in Rotary’s seven areas of focus, including promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. From funding scholarships and vocational training teams to supporting disaster response and humanitarian grants, the Foundation empowers us to tackle challenges both locally and globally.
One of the Foundation’s most celebrated achievements is Rotary’s leadership role in the global effort to eradicate polio. Since launching PolioPlus in 1985, we have helped reduce polio cases by more than 99.9%, protecting millions of children from paralysis. This extraordinary success demonstrates what is possible when commitment, partnerships, and generosity come together.
What makes the Rotary Foundation especially powerful is its stewardship. Contributions are carefully managed, using funds used efficiently and transparently. The Foundation consistently earns top ratings for accountability, giving us confidence that our gifts are making a real difference.
When we give to the Foundation, we are investing in hope—supporting clean water projects, expanding access to healthcare, empowering young leaders, and helping communities become more resilient. Every contribution, no matter the size, fuels projects that change lives.
Together, through the Rotary Foundation, we turn compassion into action and generosity into global impact. With continued support of the Foundation, we help ensure that Rotary continues to be a force for good—locally, globally, and for generations to come.
Club Vision Statement “To inspire and unite individuals who are passionate about making a lasting impact, both locally and globally, through service, connection and leadership.”
It Happened Last Meeting
By Carey F. Walker
The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by President Randy Hendricks. Sal Capuli led with the Prayer and Pledge. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”. Visiting guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced by Bryndan Wright.
Randy reminded us to report volunteer hours and to sign up to lead the prayer and pledge and to be greeters. Additionally, Randy encouraged us to utilize social media to report on our club’s activities and reminded us that next week’s meeting will be held at Webb Elementary School.
We heard the following announcements:
A Rotary Happy Hour will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Chili’s Grill and Bar, 924 East Copeland Road, Arlington, Texas 76011 from 5-7 p.m. Please RSVP to karina.cassell@txinvestment.com.
Dancing with the Arlington Stars! is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year’s stars are Bane Perez, Brittney Garcia-Dumas, Cameron Haddad, Holly Potter-Harvey, Kristy Kundysek, Larry Mike and Sarah McMurrough, Lauren Kerschen, Moody Alexander, Paige Payne Neal and Raul Gonzalez. For more information, please visit www.arlingtondwts.com.
Mac Martin led us in singing “Let There be Peace on Earth”. This song was written in 1955 by Harlene Wood and Sy Miller. It was initially written for and sung by the International Children’s Choir in Long Beach, California.
Sally Hopper announced birthdays and anniversaries. Celebrating anniversaries are Hal Thurow, Ajay Sobti, Sarah Knotts, Mojy Haddad, Steve Brooks, Fred Weekley, Bryan Roberts, Tanis Garrett, Randy Hendricks, Steve Kleiber, Sheila Haddad Nagy, Derek Carter, Jonathan Jackson, Rachel Slosson, Judith Scott, James Runzheimer and Randy Ford. Celebrating anniversaries are Mia Russo, Vince Hrabal, Tom Cravens, Sal Capuli, Nancy Blinn, Andrew Piel, Vicky Martinez, Georgie Zang, Maggie Campbell, Jonathan Jackson, Bowie Hogg and Derrick Kinney.
Stacy Bridger announced the program, “Restore Hope”. The program was led by Executive Director Cindy Wiles and Executive Associate Keren Johnson. Cindy Wiles has served as Executive Director of Restore Hope for 20 years. Cindy has had a lifelong dream and sense of purpose rooted in international mission work.
Cindy has an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and arrived in Texas to attend the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Cindy also serves as a teacher with Christian Women’s Job Corp of Tarrant County, as a board member of Global Gates and as a member of Women Inspiring Philanthropy of Arlington. Cindy is married to Dr. Dennis Wiles, the pastor of FBC-Arlington. She is the mother of two adult children and 5 grandchildren.
Restore Hope (RH) is located at 1506 West Pioneer Parkway #215, Arlington, Texas 76013. The website is www.restorehopetoday.org. RH is a 501(c)(3) organization and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. RH’s mission is the restoration of hope. RH is a Christ-centered organization that partners with faith communities worldwide with the goal of helping people move beyond basic human needs to realize their potential as human beings.
RH is actively involved in Sierra Leone, creating a boy’s home, an orphan sponsorship program and providing food, tuition for school, uniforms counseling and scholarships. There are currently 310 children in the program.
RH focuses some of its energy and resources on creating educational opportunities. RH has created primary and secondary schools and has provided housing for itinerant teachers. These schools are fitted with science labs that allow the students the chance to reach their potential.
RH is engaged in providing clean water to places it serves. One-fourth of the world’s population does not have access to clean water. RH has drilled 63 water wells that provide fresh, clean water to thousands of people. RH also provides training on sanitation and proper hygiene.
RH provides refugee assistance to people involved in mass migration due to war, genocide or other types of conflict. RH partners with indigenous leadership to equip local people with the ability to discover their own strengths and engage in sustainable solutions. RH’s goal is to build capacity for lasting change.
RH participates in creating opportunities through agriculture and farming. RH provides 5 goats and trains people in how to raise these animals both for food and profit. Additionally, RH has a seed bank where farmers can receive seeds to grow a crop and provide food for their families. A certain portion of the crop must be allowed to seed so that the farmer can return seeds to the seed bank.
RH has a program concerning the empowerment of women. These programs are intended to help women and children escape multi-generational abuse. In many nations female abuse is an acceptable practice. RH provides business education and training to women. RH helps them to develop a business plan and makes a grant of $600 to help the women start a business.
Our club donated a book to Webb Elementary to honor Restore Hope.
Randy thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
