March 4th Speaker: Gaston Warner, CEO of Global North

We are honored to welcome Rev. Gaston Warner as a speaker at Rotary. A dedicated leader and advocate for sustainable change, Gaston has spent his career empowering communities and transforming lives. With a deep passion for service and a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, he brings invaluable insight into how we can create lasting impact in the world. About Rev. Gaston Warner Rev. Gaston Warner is a Methodist minister who has led congregations from Chicago to Bristol, England. He has consulted with and served on a number of nonprofit boards, as well as in leadership roles with Habitat for Humanity, Duke Divinity School, and Duke University Chapel. Gaston joined Zoe Empowers as a board member in 2007 and currently serves as CEO, Global North. Zoe Empowers has facilitated the empowerment of over 220,000 orphaned children and vulnerable youth across 12 countries, including India and throughout Africa. He holds a BA from Brown University, an MDiv from Duke Divinity School, and an MBA from the University of Durham, England. He lives outside of Hillsborough, NC, with his spouse, the Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner, who teaches at Duke University Divinity School, their daughter Clare, and their many pets and livestock. Gaston and Laceye co-authored From Relief to Empowerment: How Your Church Can Cultivate Sustainable Mission, a guide to fostering long-term, transformative change in communities. Zoe Empowers is a non-profit dedicated to helping orphans and vulnerable children break free from charity and build self-sufficiency. With over 380 million children living in extreme poverty, we focus on empowering those in orphan and child-led families who face isolation and exploitation. Through partnerships with local leaders, we equip these young people with the tools and resources to overcome poverty. In the past 10 years, we’ve empowered over 100,000 children to thrive. Join us in creating a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Websitezoeempowers.org Facebookfacebook.com/zoeempowers Twittertwitter.com/zoeempowers Instagraminstagram.com/zoeempowers

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Sip, Savor and Support! An Evening of Celebration and Connection!

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is inviting local businesses to be a part of our annual Wine, Bourbon, and Beer Fundraiser 🍷🥃🍺 – and make an impact on your community. 📅 Event Date: May 8th, 2025⏱️ Time: 6:00 PM📍 Location: The Matthew House Cary🎯 Hosted By: The Morrisville Rotary Club Our fundraiser is a chance to showcase your business while directly supporting local charities and non-profits across the Triangle. EXPOSURE Get your business featured in front of engaged community members support your community Donate goods to local non-profits and charities for auction or raffle inspire Make a tangible impact where it matters most 🔗Join our growing list of sponsors: https://www.morrisvillerotary.org/support-our-community-become-a-sponsor-today/ A huge thank you to Matthew House and Southern Harvest for their incredible hospitality and delicious food! Local businesses, this is your golden ticket to connect with the community and champion worthy causes. Join us as a sponsor and let’s create something amazing! #RotaryClub #MorrisvilleNC #SupportLocal #CommunityImpact #RotaryFundraiser #WineBourbonBeer

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Beaonca McCain

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is delighted to introduce Beaonca McCain, our newest member and an inspiring advocate for community-driven initiatives. Beaonca serves as the Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Morrisville, where her dedication and leadership play a pivotal role in supporting municipal operations. Beaonca is a passionate community leader whose civic engagement includes involvement in organizations such as For the Gworl’s Book Club, Well-Read Black Girl, Black Wall Street Juniors, and the Black Business Association. Her commitment to fostering growth, empowerment, and opportunities for marginalized groups aligns seamlessly with Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.” Motivated by a desire to strengthen her leadership skills and connect with like-minded individuals, Beaonca joined Rotary to forge meaningful relationships while actively contributing to the betterment of the community. She brings many innovative ideas, including initiatives to support children in foster care, teach financial literacy to younger generations, provide feminine products to underprivileged families, and host free or discounted hair care pop-ups for students preparing for the school year. Beaonca brings energy, vision, and a heart for service to the Morrisville Rotary Club. Her passion for making a difference and her enthusiasm for collaboration promise to bring fresh perspectives and impactful contributions to the club’s ongoing efforts. Please join us in welcoming Beaonca McCain to the Rotary Club of Morrisville. We are excited to support her initiatives and work together to make a lasting impact in our community.

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Celebrating Paul Harris Fellows at Morrisville Rotary

At our February 21 Morrisville Rotary meeting, we had the honor of recognizing Samantha Manning and Leigh Ann Miller as Paul Harris Fellows. This prestigious award, named after Rotary’s founder, acknowledges individuals who embody Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” through significant contributions to their community and to advancing humanitarian efforts. The Paul Harris Fellow Award, established in 1957, is one of Rotary’s highest honors. It is given to those who either contribute, or have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, supporting programs that promote peace, education, and global humanitarian aid. Over the years, the award has recognized figures of global significance, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine. By receiving this recognition, Samantha and Leigh Ann join a distinguished group of over one million recipients worldwide who have made a lasting impact. Their tireless dedication to community service and leadership is a true inspiration, and their efforts exemplify the spirit of Rotary. Congratulations to Samantha and Leigh Ann on this well-deserved honor. Your commitment to service continues to make our community, and the world, a better place. Interested in joining the Morrisville Rotary and helping us make a difference? Connect with us and be part of the change!

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Rox Cruz

Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Rox Cruz

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is proud to introduce Rox Cruz, one of the new additions to our Rotary family. Rox serves as the Public Information Officer for the Town of Morrisville, bringing her expertise in marketing and passion for community service to the club. Rox’s journey with Rotary began in Forest, Virginia, where she became deeply involved in serving the community and building meaningful relationships. She credits Rotary with providing a support system during a pivotal time in her life, offering her empowerment and encouragement through personal challenges. This transformative experience solidified her commitment to Rotary’s values and mission of “Service Above Self.”With hobbies as diverse as golf, crafts, motorcycles, technology, and genealogy, Rox brings energy and enthusiasm to every endeavor.  Rox is deeply invested in creating a brighter future for the community she calls home. Rox’s sponsor, John Letteney, is confident that her dynamic personality and dedication to service will make her a valuable asset to the Rotary Club of Morrisville. We look forward to seeing her contributions to our projects and initiatives as we work together to make a lasting impact in our community. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Morrisville, Rox Cruz! We are excited to have you on board as we continue to serve and uplift our community.

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Discover Rotary with the Morrisville Rotary

We are thrilled to introduce our new Discover Rotary film, created by the talented Asher White and his team at Shaper Films. This inspiring video beautifully captures the heart of what it means to be part of the Morrisville Rotary Club — an organization dedicated to fostering community, building connections, and making a lasting impact locally and globally. Whether you’re curious about joining Rotary or want to learn more about our mission, this film showcases the vibrant spirit of service and camaraderie that defines us. Sit back, watch, and discover how Rotary changes lives—both for those we serve and those who serve. Thank you, Shaper Films, for bringing our story to life. Let’s #DiscoverRotary together!

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Hosts a Successful First Annual Music Bingo Fundraiser

On October 24, the Rotary Club of Morrisville proudly hosted its first annual Music Bingo Night Fundraiser, drawing community members, Rotarians, and local partners to an evening filled with music, friendly competition, and community spirit. Held at Novel Morrisville by Crescent Communities, the event demonstrated the powerful impact of community involvement, all while raising funds to support local projects and causes. The event kicked off with a social hour at 5:30 PM, where guests gathered to enjoy a welcoming and lively atmosphere. Attendees were treated to a delicious spread of food and beverages, while new connections were made, and familiar faces reconnected. The room buzzed with anticipation, and as the music started, the energy only intensified. Music Bingo added an exciting twist to the traditional bingo game, challenging participants to identify songs across genres and decades. Each round saw players eagerly marking their bingo cards, enjoying both the challenge and the thrill of friendly competition. Laughter and cheers filled the room as attendees celebrated each other’s wins, making it a fun and memorable experience for all ages. A special thank you goes out to our generous sponsors, whose support was instrumental in making the evening possible. In addition to our event partner, Novel Morrisville by Crescent Communities, we were thrilled to receive sponsorship from First Bank, A Legacy of Tradition, Fourie Group, A Glass Above, and the Morrisville Rotary Club itself. Their commitment to supporting this event helped bring our vision to life and furthered our mission of community service and fellowship. The event underscored the Rotary Club of Morrisville’s dedication to fostering community spirit while raising funds for meaningful causes. Each attendee contributed not only to the success of the night but to the broader impact our club aims to make in Morrisville and beyond. Funds raised during the event will support various community projects, fulfilling Rotary’s mission to create positive, lasting change. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful event! We look forward to more opportunities to connect, celebrate, and give back to our community. Stay tuned for future events, where we can come together to support causes that matter.

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Morrisville Rotary Club Welcomes New Member Wendy Peele

The Morrisville Rotary Club is excited to introduce Wendy Peele, the Director of Programs and Membership at the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, as one of its newest members. Wendy’s dedication to community involvement and service makes her a perfect fit for the Rotary Club’s mission of “Service Above Self.” With 15 years of involvement in the Montessori Parent Staff Association, Wendy has a long history of fostering relationships and supporting educational communities. In addition to her professional role at the Chamber of Commerce, Wendy is deeply engaged in the activities and events of the Town of Morrisville. Her passion for connecting people is evident in her support for local nonprofits, where she often helps bridge the gap between those in need and community resources. Recently, she assisted with a food bank center, further demonstrating her commitment to serving others. It’s vital to be a good steward in the community and serve those in need. Wendy chose to join the Morrisville Rotary Club because of its strong ethical standards and values, as well as its commitment to enhancing the community. “It’s vital to be a good steward in the community and serve those in need,” she said, reflecting her personal philosophy of service. Wendy also appreciates the opportunity to learn from Rotary’s guest speakers and values the insights they offer on benefiting the community. As Wendy embarks on this new journey with Rotary, she is eager to build new relationships, foster camaraderie, and continue making a positive impact on the community. The Rotary Club of Morrisville is thrilled to welcome Wendy Peele and looks forward to working with her to uplift and serve those in need.

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member John Letteney, Assistant Town Manager

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is pleased to welcome John Letteney, Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Morrisville, as its newest member. With a distinguished career in public service and a deep commitment to community engagement, John brings a wealth of experience and a passion for “Service Above Self” to the club. John Letteney’s career spans many years of dedicated service as a public servant, including a notable tenure as a police chief. His leadership and commitment to public safety have left a lasting impact on the communities he has served. His journey in public service is a testament to his dedication to improving the quality of life for residents and fostering a sense of safety and trust. John’s connection to Rotary is also long-standing. He has served as Club President of the Rotary Club of Southern Pines and has been an active member of both the Apex Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Thomasville, Georgia. His decision to join the Rotary Club of Morrisville is driven by his desire to continue his journey of service and to contribute to the betterment of the Morrisville community. I am excited to join the Morrisville Rotary Club to continue my commitment to ‘Service Above Self,’” said John. “Being a Rotarian has always provided me with an opportunity to give back to the community, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and support meaningful initiatives that make a difference. “I am excited to join the Morrisville Rotary Club to continue my commitment to ‘Service Above Self,’” said John. “Being a Rotarian has always provided me with an opportunity to give back to the community, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and support meaningful initiatives that make a difference.” The Rotary Club of Morrisville looks forward to the insights and leadership John will bring to the club. His extensive experience in public service, coupled with his deep understanding of community needs, aligns perfectly with the club’s mission to create positive change locally and globally. John’s passion for service and his track record of leadership make him a valuable addition to the Rotary Club of Morrisville. The club eagerly anticipates the contributions he will make, leveraging his expertise and commitment to community development to further enhance the club’s impact. The Rotary Club of Morrisville warmly welcomes John Letteney and is excited to work together to serve the community and uphold the principles of Rotary.

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes Simmi Farmah: A Champion for Community Growth and Diversity

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is delighted to announce the addition of Simmi Farmah, an accomplished Business Development Officer at First Bank, to its membership. With an 18-year career in banking, Simmi brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service that will greatly enrich the club’s efforts. Simmi’s journey in banking began as a credit analyst and underwriter, where she honed her skills in lending and financial analysis. Her extensive knowledge in these areas laid the foundation for her current role as a Business Development Officer, where she excels in helping her clients understand their needs and finding the best solutions to meet them. Her passion for serving clients, particularly minorities and women-owned businesses, has been a driving force throughout her career. Originally from New York, Simmi has called the Triangle area home for over 15 years. During this time, she has become a prominent figure in several local organizations, including the Triangle Commercial Real Estate for Women Network (TCREW), the Women Business Owners Network (WBON), the Raleigh Rotary Club, and the Chambers of Commerce in Morrisville, Raleigh, and Cary. Her involvement in these groups reflects her dedication to fostering growth and development within the community. I see my engagement in these fantastic organizations as a way to get involved in the community and help advocate for the growth and development of the various demographics these respective networks aim to serve,” said Simmi. “I am passionate about working, particularly with minorities and women-owned businesses, to serve as a financial advisor to aid in their growth and development. Simmi’s commitment to community service and her belief in the power of giving back are qualities that align perfectly with the mission of the Rotary Club of Morrisville. Her energetic and motivated approach to making a difference will undoubtedly be an asset to the club as it continues to support local businesses and initiatives. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Simmi is also a strong advocate for diversity and cultural engagement. She actively participates in Asian Community cultural events and is dedicated to promoting inclusivity within the community. When she’s not working or volunteering, Simmi loves to travel and spend quality time with her family and friends. The Rotary Club of Morrisville is proud to welcome Simmi Farmah and looks forward to the many contributions she will make to the club and the broader community. Her passion, skills, and commitment to service will play a significant role in furthering the club’s mission of making a positive impact on the world.

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