The St. Maarten Rotary Club held their Change Of Board meeting last Saturday under the 2010-2011 Rotary International banner "Building Communities and bridging Continents.
The changing of the guard from past president Pierre DeCelles to President Kishore Idnani took place at the Westin during a Gala dinner. Outgoing president Pierre Decelles acknowledged the contribution of his board members and members of the club in general and stated that they all made it easy for him to be president of this club. Special acknowledgement was given to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Fundraising director Danny Ramchandani who received the very prestigious Paul Harris Award. The spouses of both presidents were acknowledged as well for their tremendous contribution to the club. Incoming president Kishore Idnani who was surrounded by his family and friends expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him as president for 2010 2011. Incoming president Kishore stated: "When a man or woman is honored with membership in our organization, he becomes an ambassador to spread the message of our principles. When he wears that little Rotary wheel on his lapel, he agrees to be part of something enormous, something phenomenal. It is an ongoing commitment that as each hour follows the other; we continue to serve all mankind".
Important Rotary causes continue to be Polio eradication programs and Rotary Peace and the Conflict Studies program. The St. Maarten Rotary club is in its 38th year of existence and during last year several of the projects carried out where the annual Senior Citizens Cruise, the Dictionary Project for all primary school third graders, donations to the Philipsburg Jubily Library, incubator for the SMMC and the formation of the MPC Interact Club.
The participation of all in attendance made the evening a great success, and the funds raised during the raffle and silent auction have started president Kishore’s year off on a good footing. Special appreciation is expressed to Westin, all the donors towards the silent auction and to Antillean Liquores who sponsored the welcome cocktail.