A Message from the District Governor
My District 5240 Rotary Family
The Rotary theme for this month, March, is ‘Water, Sanitation & Hygiene.’ As Leonardo da Vinci famously said, “Water is the driving force of all nature.” This profound statement resonates with all of us, as we recognize the vital role water plays in sustaining life.
The Rotary Club of Chicago’s first known service project, in 1907, was the construction of public toilets, or “comfort stations,” to improve sanitation in the city. This project marked the beginning of Rotary’s journey, making it the world’s first service club.
In our District, clubs have partnered with local organizations to build toilets, rainwater collection systems, communal handwashing stations, and water filters. We’ve also worked on establishing water supply and delivery systems, educating communities on maintenance, and providing hygiene education.
Globally, The Rotary Foundation has invested over $130 million in more than 2,000 WASH Global Grant Projects since 2013. These efforts have improved access to safely managed and basic WASH services for communities, schools, and healthcare facilities while safeguarding water resources. Incidentally, Past District Governor Wade Nomura chairs the Rotary Action Group WASH’s Operations Team. (https://www.wash-rag.org/)
The unwavering commitment, dedication, and generosity of Rotarians continues to inspire me. Last week, I visited the Wasco Rotary club, which has around 23 members. Recognized as the go-to service club in their community, they are expanding their impact by building wells in Africa. The list of service projects within our district is nothing short of remarkable.
“Rotary Is Love” + Service = Magic of Rotary
District Governor Sherry Sim
March 14, 2025


In 2022, near the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris Daleiden saw an article about an area nonprofit’s need for help putting together Easter baskets for foster and at-risk children.
Chris, the community service director of the Rotary Club of Westlake Village, thought it would be a great club project.
She approached then President Mike Dutra, who got the club to allocate money. That money, along with donations from club members, enabled the Westlake Rotary Club to put together baskets for children supported by James Storehouse, a Newbury Park 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps children in foster care, young people aging out of foster care and exploited and at-risk children.