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What is Rotary?
“Once a week I get a friendly reminder of how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to contribute in a positive way to my community, to others around the world who are in need, and to my fellow club members. For me, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day consumption of running a business, supporting a family, and doing all the little things that pull hours from the day. The focus is always on what I can accomplish for me and the people I have direct relationships with. Rotary gives me the vehicle to focus my attention outside of my immediate family and business circle. I have the opportunity to eradicate polio. I have the opportunity to give dictionaries to third graders, and meals to the bedridden, scholarships to kids who probably will not be able to pay for college otherwise. For me, it is very rewarding to be a part of an organization that focuses all of its attention outwards. Service Above Self. That’s pretty cool.”
Why Rotary?
“In the corporate world, we did Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Make-A-Wish, and many other projects. I was always engaged in one service project or another. When I started my own company, I quickly became consumed by everything involved with building a business. After a few years of this, I was feeling very unfulfilled despite having a successful business and a wonderful family. A great friend and former employee, Stephen Davis, started talking to me about Rotary. He invited me to lunch at the Spring Valley Rotary club where I met quite a few people and immediately felt welcome. I read through the bulletin and was amazed at all of the service committees, foundations, and projects. The light bulb came on that day. The opportunity to be a part of a group of like-minded professionals who were committed to service in their community, and internationally, was very appealing. I knew then that this club would give me the opportunity to re-engage in community service and in projects internationally that can have a real impact. I submitted my application that day and have never regretted it for a second. Since then, I’ve come to really appreciate what a truly amazing group of people make up this club. Our club is about character and service, and I’m proud to be a member.”
Dennis Rabon
Dennis is currently the 2011/2012 club president. He is the owner of FNBC, a business brokerage and mid market mergers/acquisitions company in Columbia.