To any non-Rotarian, the mottos “Service above Self” and “He profits most who serves best” likely does smack of a motherly admonishment. To a Rotarian, however, the connotation is entirely different and gives us pride in our membership
in the organization that is so dedicated to serving others without regard to self. As a Rotarian, when you put yourself to rest, serving those who need it what ever way necessary, gives more reward than imaginable. The knowledge that you have served others to the best of your ability, with an open heart and hand, serves only to reward the self. Built into the motto, therefore, is the promise of self gratification that only comes from selfless giving to others. (Helen Kalfuss, DGN Dist. 5330)

My service to Rotary started in 1982 with an assignment to Hong Kong helping Vietnam refugees, this was to be repeated again in 1986. In 1988 and six times thereafter I was assigned to Fundcao Esperanca (Foundation of Hope), a clinic in Santarem, on the confluence of the Tapajos and Amazon rivers, in the province of Para, Brazil. Since the clinic’s construction in 1972, international dental volunteers
have helped to alleviate the pain and suffering experienced by so many people. From 1988 to 2006 I have experienced assignments in Guatemala, India, and Thailand. The international volunteer experience is truly life changing one. Helping others is an invaluable commodity. I have truly been richly rewarded. I salute all Rotarians who donated to the Rotary Foundation because they made it possible for me to serve.