Anthem: Gordon Brown
Toast to the King, Canada, and Rotary: President Danny
Land Acknowledgement: Danny
Attendance: 17 attended, including two guests: Nadia Vaughn, a prospective member, guest of Basil; and Jim Cassidy, Danny’s younger brother.
Farewell to the outgoing president, Danny CassidyPast president and incoming president Basil Dias introduced Danny, praising him for his outstanding leadership as Club President.
Danny reflected on the year’s successes and challenges, thanked members for keeping the club strong, and expressed special appreciation to the directors for their support.
President Danny's Speech:
Good afternoon, everyone.
Well, this is it — my last meeting as President… for the second time.
You would think I might have learned the first time, but here we are.
In all seriousness, it has once again been a real honor to serve this club as president.
I want to start by saying thank you.
Thank you for your support, encouragement, patience, and friendship throughout the year.
Coming back into the President’s role a second time reminded me how much this club depends on people stepping up.
Nothing happens because of one person. It happens because members give their time, ideas, energy, and support.
We had a busy year, and when looking back, I think we accomplished a great deal.
We created and updated our first business plan, which was asked for at the fireside.
We had a very successful Gala.
We continued to support many local charities.
We kept our international projects moving forward.
We ran the Furnace Auction.
We welcomed new faces, brought in some good speakers, and continued to stay active in the community.
That is something we should all be proud of.
Of course, there are challenges.
Membership continues to be one of the most important things we need to focus on. Avrum is already moving on that and will not be working alone as he has been, in the coming new Rotary year.
Fundraising is also changing,
We have lost a key figure in Gerd, who has done an incredible amount for the club, with corporate fundraising and his membership on the board.
His efforts have helped us support many charities and projects over the years, and we owe him a sincere thank you.
At the same time, it is a reminder that we cannot keep relying on the same few people to do most of the work.
Going forward, we need to build a broader fundraising team and involve more members in reaching out to sponsors, donors, and community partners.
I believe this club has the experience, commitment, and heart to meet that challenge.
Serving as President a second time has reminded me of a few things.
First, Rotary works best when everyone feels they have a part to play.
Second, leadership is not about having all the answers.
It is about listening, encouraging others, and trying to keep things moving in the right direction.
And third, there is a lot of quiet work that happens behind the scenes, and it deserves to be appreciated.
Thank you to the Board for your help and guidance.
Thank you to the committee chairs, treasurer, and everyone who took on responsibilities throughout the year Gordon.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the Gala, fundraising, the bulletin, speakers, community service, international projects, and everything else that keeps this club going.
And thank you to Ruth for putting up with Rotary taking up more of my time again. Along with my duties with SHN.
As I finish my second time as President, I feel good about the future of the club.
Basil will bring his own style, ideas, and experience, and I know you will support him as you supported me.
The club does not belong to one president or one board. It belongs to all of us.
The more we all take part, the stronger the club will be.
Thank you for allowing me to serve again as President.
Thank you for your friendship and support.
I am proud of what we accomplished together.
I look forward to continuing to help — just from a slightly safer distance.
Most importantly, let’s keep doing what Rotary does best: helping people, supporting our community, and enjoying each other’s company along the way.
Following his remarks, Club Secretary Dave Hardy presented Danny Cassidy with the Rotary Gavel and Plaque, along with the Past President Rotary Pin, in recognition of his dedication and leadership as 2025–2026 President of the Rotary Club of North Scarborough.
Incoming President Basil Dias also thanked Danny for selecting him as next year's president and expressed hope for his support.
Announcements:
Gordon Brown announced that Gala tickets are available and asked members to contact him to order them.
There is no meeting next Wednesday on Canada Day – Happy Canada Day!
Danny reported that the Princess Margaret Ride for Cancer was a tremendous success. His group raised more than $23,000, and the event raised approximately $23.3 million overall.
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gordon Brown- Gordon only asked for happy bucks; he is enjoying the World Cup, and a new great-grandson?
- Dave Hardy’s mom passed the driving test – Congratulations!
- Frank and Beth had a great time in the UK
- Alan, Basil, Dhanni, Suresh, Arthur and others were happy to enjoy the fellowship.
With no further business for the good of Rotary, the meeting was adjourned.
