We are all aware of the catastrophic flooding and devastating loss of life in Kerrville and surrounding areas. These communities as well as San Antonio and San Angelo, are part of our Rotary District 5840, led by District Governor Craig Hardy.
DG Craig and I started discussions on Friday. I am proud to say that we have engaged in strategic planning discussions over the weekend to determine the most efficient plan for providing immediate and long-term support to our fellow Texans in the affected areas. We have met with all of the District Governors from
Rotary Region 36 (Zones 25B & 29).
I am very thankful to DGE Camille Hamilton, DGN Dona Burke, PDG Bob Gebhard, District 5890 Disaster Aid USA Coordinators Patrick Lesley, Mark McVey and
Wayne Beaumier as well as Disaster Aid USA Executive Director Larry Agee for joining us in (often short notice) meetings with DG Craig Hardy to discuss how we can implement a coordinated effort to best support in this tragedy.
Our support needs to be strategic in providing for immediate needs during this rescue and recovery phase, but also to provide long-term support for rebuilding and replenishing in the aftermath of the catastrophe.
3-WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT: IMMEDIATE SUPPORT - LONG TERM SUPPORT - VOLUNTEERISM
Fellow Rotarians, please consider, as clubs and/or individuals:
- Immediate Financial Support for supplies to DisasterAidUSA at https://disasteraidusa.networkforgood.com/projects/249980-texas-flooding. Disaster Aid USA will use these specifically earmarked funds for purchasing and immediately distributing supplies such as water, diapers, etc., to the affected areas in D5840. The focus will then shift to chainsaw work, debris removal, muck and gut of homes, and single-story roof tarping; and/or,
- Long Term Financial Support through our Rotary District 5890 Charities. Donations to our 501c3 will be specifically earmarked for long-term support of those affected. There will be a need for rebuilding, resupplying, and rejuvenating that area. You may send a check made payable to Rotary District 5890 Charities, Attn: PDG Bob Gebhard, 1204 N. Riviera Circle, Pearland, Texas 77581 or donate via credit card at https://rotaryd5890.org/donate/rotary-district-5840-disaster-donations/
- Volunteerism. For those of us who wish to physically contribute to the restoration effort, please access https://www.stability.org/join/DisasterAidUSA to indicate your interest.
Thank you for the great outpouring of support and many inquiries as to how we can best assist our fellow Texans in District 5840. I am meeting on Monday evening and Thursday morning with our Presidents and Assistant Governors for our regular July meetings. During those meetings, I will make a formal request for each club to consider a contribution. I say to each of you, our over 2,100 members of D5890, that this is our perfect moment in time to Unite for Good and truly exemplify Compassion in Action!
On behalf of Rotary 5840 District Governor Craig Hardy and myself, Thank You!
Tom
Dr. Tom Kelchner
Rotary District 5890
District Governor 2025 - 2026
Rotary Club of Baytown, Texas
214-532-4478
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