District Conference 2009

Over 500 Rotarians, their family and friends traveled , cars, ferries and horse-drawn carriages to this year’s Super District 6400 Conference at the Grand Hotel on beautiful Mackinac Island! It was our opportunity to Celebrate the Difference we make in people’s lives as Rotarians, and DisCon attendees heard over and over again how our clubs do that – whether it’s the Monroe county clubs (and several other throughout the district)
providing dictionaries to grade school children or LaSalle Centennial building water systems in Darwa, India. We Make Dreams Real for the world’s children when we develop projects like Adrian Morning’s Hunger Knows No Season or provide the physically challenged in and around Amherstburg with a Miracle Field so they can know the joys of playing ball.

District Conferences always feature a variety of speakers who tug at our hearts, and this year’s was no different. California Rotarian Deepa Willingham described the importance of educating “the girl child,” the premise behind the organization she founded, PACE Universal (Promise of Assurance to Children Everywhere). The organization has expanded its projects from India to Latin America, and now provides educational opportunities to both girls and boys
because, as Deepa says, women “don’t want to marry ignorant men”!

The power of Rotary was perhaps most evident when Maria Jose Perez, formerly of the Chinandega dump in Nicaragua, shared her remarkable story, assisted with a translation from PDG Roberto Sanchez. As a child of just six years old, she began working to help support her family. As one of the children of the dump, she recalls her blessings in meeting Father Marco Dessy, who helped realize her dream of attending school. He never allowed her to give up hope, and with the assistance of Rotary, helped Maria to attend the University of Central America where she graduated and gained employment as a Certified Accountant. Rotarians were overcome with emotion as she described her dream of an education as ‘an assault on what had been written’.

District Governor Bruce and Sue Goldsen hosted another sensational SUPER DISTRICT 6400 CONFERNCE at the Grand Hotel for 500 Rotarians, Guests, Youth Exchange Students, D1911 GSE Team and over 40 CHILDREN!!!  RI President D.K. Lee sent PDG Bill & Nancy Rains from Texas to serve as his representative at our district conference.  Your District Conference Committee, led by co-chairs, PDGs Larry Wright & Roberto Sanchez put together an complete agenda that features a wonderful mix of Rotary learning, inspirational presentations, many recognitions, relaxing fellowship and lots of terrific FUN!!

The  District Conference featured a Thursday with liquid sunshine then a Special Family Reception. After a Grand Buffet dinner the 'D6400's Got Talent Show' had everyone laughing - especially the four judges. Friday morning, after a First Timers Breakfast & a Sing Song led by PDG John Brooks, started the first plenary session with a flag ceremony with the Youth Exchange Students and the Children.  We heard words of welcome from DG Bruce, D6290 Governor Bob Gandolfi and RIPR Bill Rains.  The DGE Neil McBeth and his two wahians invited all to return to a Grand Hotel Beach Party District Conference in May 2010.  DG Bruce formally nominated DGNN Mike Duben.  Kim Spirou led a discussion with the in bound GSE Team from Hungary. After that, PDG Bob Gallagher & PRIP Bill recognized some Paul Harris Fellows and Major Donors.  After the break we heard about the Allen Park Interact Club, Basic Needs Projects from Adrian Noon, Adrian Morning and LaSalle Centennial Rotary Clubs. PDG Dick Sanford presented 'Operation Warm" followed by Deepa Willingham's presentation on PACE Universal. The afternoon was free for activities that were arranged by DGN Kim & Dave.  After a five course meal, Barb Lewis, President of the Livonia Rotary Club gave a Celebration Minute.  Then DG Bruce gave out many awards. The rest of the night was open to entertainment at four locations.

Friday's first plenary session started with a Bob Tagatz 'Comedy Warm-Up' and a Celebration Minute by Jay Ganatra, President Detroit Rotary Club. The Trenton & Plymouth Rotary Clubs did a Fundraising Excellence Presentation, followed by more recognitions by DGN Kim Towar. This session ended with a Ambassadorial Scholar presentation by Hannah Kelley and RYLA by PDG Jim Karolyi. The second session had a Special Kids Camp Presentation of hand made decorated bags that were given to Deepa Wilingham. Majla Custo had a video presentation of her YE Success story.  The In-Bound Youth Exchange presented a program about their local festivals. Lastly, Maria Jose Perez Lopez gave a very moving presentation of her extremely challenging journey from living off of a local garbage dump in Nicaragua to becoming a CPA and working for an international corporation.  The afternoon was free for relaxing or outdoor fun activities.

After four receptions and dinner, there was entertainment by Rennie Kaufmann, a Celebration Minute by Shelly Duben, President Windsor-St. Clair Rotary Club and a major speech by RIPR Bill Rains. Then DGE Neil presented the Devlyn, Archer and Hedke Awards.  Windsor-Roseland was the winner of the Devlyn Exemplary Public Relations Award, Wayne Rotary Club was the winner of the Hugh Archer Award and Trenton Rotary Club was the winner of the Dick Hedke Award.

Sunday featured an Ecumenical Service by Rev. Ted Aller, closing remarks from DG Bruce  and RIPR Bill, District Resolutions, Treasurer's Report, 2010 Mackinac Island Promo, Conference Co-Chairs remarks and Auld Lang Syne.

Sue and I thank our entire District Conference committee, including co-chairs PDG Roberto & Sylvia Sanchez and PDG Larry & Sarah Wright, and program chair PDG Jim Ives. District Governor-Elect Neil & Cheryl McBeth will be returning to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and invite you and your family to “Hang 10” at their “Island Party” May 13 through May 16, 2010! Make sure you register online now at our district website, www.rotary6400.org and join the more than 180 Rotarians who signed-up during this year’s Celebration.

Photographers: Bob Gordon, Rich Donahey, Bill Jasman, Jim Karolyi,
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