Why I Am A Rotarian
OCTOBER 3, 2007
 I
am a Rotarian for the simple reason that many others are
Rotarians: TO SERVE.
In 1990, when asked to join a
small Rotary Club in California, I soon discovered what true
"SERVICE" was all about. We were delivering "Meals on Wheels"
to the aged and indigent in our local community, yet we helped
to sow the seeds of Village Banking in Costa Rica and in the
Philippines. And when I contributed to my first Paul Harris
Fellow, I saw the power of what Rotary's collective financial
resources could do TO SERVE mankind throughout the world.
In my profession I was soon
"making up" at other Rotary Clubs. I was meeting Rotarians from
Hong Kong, Japan, England, France, Russia, and many other
nations, who despite our cultural and political
differences, were also SERVING to improve the lives of others.
How fascinating to meet other men and women - much different on
the surface than me - yet possessing the same objective as
Rotarians: TO SERVE.
Having moved a few times over
the years, I am now in my third Rotary Club. I could not
imagine my life without Rotary. To be able to go anywhere and
have a platform TO SERVE the needs of others is an awesome
opportunity Rotary has provided me. To have learned and been
inspired by so many of my fellow Rotarians - in each of the
three clubs and districts I have belonged to - as well as the
many Rotarians throughout the world I have had the privilege to
meet, has also been an awesome opportunity.
I have never taken lightly
Rotary International's Motto of "SERVICE ABOVE SELF" - three
simple, yet powerful words which allow each Rotarian to
transcend our differences and unite as one TO SERVE.
TONY CERATO
ROTARY CLUB OF COLORADO SPRINGS,
COLORADO D5470
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