I Belong
Hear from just a few of the members from the Rotary Clubs of Southeastern PA who tell their own personal story of why they joined and how it provides fulfillment and joy in their lives.
Meet Stacey Ballard. Always community service minded, she knows the positive impact that volunteers can make. Stacey loves how Rotary brings great people together who have a passion for making a difference. She encourages people to check out different clubs and then join “the one you most click with.” Hear about her favorite service project for Ann’s Heart, which provides critical services including shelter, housing case management, and food programs to vulnerable populations.
Meet Dr. Cheryl Snipes-Burkett. She credits a mentor with getting her to be an active Rotary member and believes involvement in Rotary has propelled her as a leader. Proud of the positive impact her small club has on the community, she describes Flags for Heroes as her favorite service project.
Meet Alyssa Harnish. Raised in a small rural town, her membership in Rotary has opened her eyes to new issues and experiences. She loves the global connections she’s made through Rotary membership. She appreciates the opportunities she has had to help young people through Outward Bound. Alyssa describes her Rotary friends as being like her second family.
Meet Don Heebner, who says his life was changed significantly after joining Rotary. Don shares the benefits of getting out of one’s comfort zone and volunteering, and believes that participating in Rotary gives people opportunities to make good connections and do meaningful work. He describes a Rotary experience he had overseas that confirmed his belief that Rotarians improve lives.
Meet Alissa Griffith, a pharmacist. Community service runs in her family and Alyssa credits Rotary for strengthening her leadership skills. She likes knowing that people appreciate and respect Rotary for the ways they serve the community. Service projects with the Chester County Food Bank are the ones she most enjoys.
Meet Kerry Costello-Leraris, a special education teacher. Growing up with food insecurity, Kerry is especially sensitive to the plight of others. Determined to pay it forward, Kerry is very involved in hunger relief projects. She refers to Rotary friends as “friends for life.”
Meet Diana Larisgoita. Her association with Rotary started decades ago when she was 25 in Argentina. Hear how she came to Philadelphia and founded a Latino Rotary club. Diana talks about the ways her club helps Interact and Rotaract students. She also highlights the international projects her club is involved with including a Dominican Republic Water project.