President's Message

Philip Wong

2016-2017

    “Service above Self”, our Rotary motto, has never been more apparent in our club and internationally than it is today. When I joined Sooner Rotary 9 years ago, I was overwhelmed by the diverse makeup of our club and the incredible willingness to serve together. That willingness is steadfast and thriving. Sooner Rotary consists of business professionals, educators, engineers, musicians, doctors, lawyers, state and local public servants, dedicated Veterans, and community volunteers. We fellowship together and serve our community faithfully and to the best of our abilities.

       It is an honor to lead our club into a new year with a focus on fellowship and service. I have left the last few meetings excited as I see our committees gather and plan fellowship events, fundraisers, and community service activities. Our first community service event is right around the corner, as we traditionally don our neon vests and stop signs to assist our elementary students crossing streets on their first day of school. We hope to keep in touch with our young students again this year through a book purchase and reading program with some of the local schools. Sooner Rotarians look forward to many additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year, such as Adopt a Street trash pickup, Habitat for Humanity projects, and Salvation Army bell ringing. At Christmas, we come together to host a Secret Santa party in which the club provides Christmas gifts for foster children.
 

    In addition to serving together, Sooner Rotarians love getting together for food, fun, and fellowship. Along with club breakfasts and monthly Lunch Buddies, we are looking forward to Broadway shows, blockbuster movies, and ultimate picnics.  Many of us recently enjoyed the much needed political satire of Capital Steps. My goal is to create as many opportunities as possible to get to know each other and our families better. These moments help create a strong and lasting bond within the club. One of our most fun events is Dinner 4 Eight where a group of four Rotarians and their guest take turns hosting dinner for each other. With such a diverse group of members, these dinners can facilitate incredible learning opportunities and great history about our friends and members, not to mention fun and fellowship.
 

    Our annual fundraiser is in “full swing” as the Fundraising Committee works diligently to organize our “Slice of Night” glow in the dark golf tournament. It takes a great effort from our committee and volunteers, including our generous Rotaract and Interact students, to complete this event which primarily funds our community and international service projects.
 

    Sooner Rotary is proud to support the Rotary Foundation and Rotary’s global effort to end Polio. I am proud of the overwhelming generosity of this club and our member’s commitment of time and treasure for our local and international community. If you are interested in a vibrant, welcoming, and service-driven club, look no further. Visit us at the beautiful Trails Golf and Country Club for a hot and delicious breakfast as we welcome you with a smile and a song.
 

Yours in Service,
 

Philip Wong