“We need to work TOGETHER. Alone, we go nowhere. We lose. Together, we win. Always…,” our Rotary International President Francessco Arezzo said in one of his remarks at the Calgary Convention when defining Unite For Good theme for this Rotary year… and with those powerful and inspirational words, Suzi Howe, RI Aide to Past President, PROD and member of the Rotary Club of Space Center began her journey to Ground Zero (by the Guadalupe River) in Kerrville, Texas from July 11-18, 2025. Suzi shared some of her experiences with members of our Club on July 21st.
Suzi Howe reminded us that during these difficult times, in which about 135 people lost their lives, with most deaths occurred along the Guadalupe River on July 4th__ as Rotarians we are not only there to donate money and goods, or mucking and gutting homes, but also to listen to and pray for them. Suzi talked to Trey Atkission, President of Rotary Club of Kerrville all about the flood but then she asked him “What do you want?” he said, “I ask for your prayers.” A brief silence was noted in the room as we felt her compassionate work during her journey in Kerrville.
Suzi met with several Relief Efforts lead Rotarians such as Craig Hardy, Governor of District 5840 and Larry Agee, President of Disaster Aid USA. She also met with Brenda Thompson, member of the Rotary Club of Kerrville, Director of the Dietert Center and including Meals of Wheels. Brenda gave Suzi a tour at the Dietert Center. Very well organized and looking to recovery. The kitchen was spotless and well taken care of. Brenda told Suzi that when the Health Department inspector came to verify the place, in a few minutes the inspector approved them. Suzi patiently and with compassion listened to her. Suzi talked to several other fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarians, like the time she was with Lorelie, a young teacher during a break by the Guadalupe River. Lorelie's grandmother was a polio survivor. The world is small.
She checked on several places for giving. She called Rotary International for a Grant for Disasters. We’ve seen it before like we did it during Harvey, in which our District applied for up to $25,000.00 Grant. The other places she checked on were Disaster Aid USA and District 5840, where this happened. She stated that there are superstars “athletes” and other major donors, but that big money will go to big projects. “Our task is to find families in need, like helping them with their medicines, or to pay for a deposit for an apartment,” she stated. Our District 5890 Governor Tom Kelchner, has been working TOGETHER with District 5840 and Disaster Aid USA tirelessly since the beginning. There are different ways to contribute, especially for long term support. District 5870 from Central Texas has also set up a Texas Flood Relief Fund.
Suzi was in Kerrville for about 6 days and her host was Greg Faldyn, former member of Rotary Club of West U, now member of Rotary Club of Kerrville. Suzi was blessed and appreciates Greg and his wife for their hospitality and kindness. Suzi took Galena Park Rotarian Maria Cortez-Ochoa as her photographer. Maria is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Galena Park/Jacinto City. Suzi was very thankful of Maria’s work.
“It was an unbelievable experience there”, Suzi stated at the end of her presentation, as attendees felt her love and sincere commitment with Rotary International and our Club wholeheartedly appreciates her visit to Kerrville.-
Tax Deductible Contributions Options.
Please click here to all the Tax Deductible contributions options for immediate and long term relief. You can also click the above organizations.