Welcome to Rotary District 5180 from District Governor Megan Ellinghouse
 
Greetings!
 
Rotary District 5180 is a vibrant network of 36 Rotary clubs serving Sacramento and the surrounding areas of Northern California. United by a shared commitment to service, leadership, and fellowship, our clubs bring together neighbors, friends, and community leaders who believe in the power of kindness and take action to create lasting positive change.
 
Our clubs are the heartbeat of their communities. From supporting food banks and mentoring youth to improving parks, funding scholarships, and advancing literacy, District 5180 Rotarians step up wherever they’re needed most. Every project reflects our belief that when caring people work together, we can make a real difference in the lives of others.
 
Beyond our neighborhoods, we are part of something even bigger. As members of Rotary International, we help tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges—eradicating polio, providing clean water and sanitation, promoting peace, and strengthening health systems. Through these efforts, District 5180 connects local compassion to global impact.
 
Whether you’re searching for a way to give back, grow as a leader, or build lifelong friendships, Rotary offers a place where your talents and passion can shine. We invite you to discover how Rotary District 5180 is transforming lives—across the street and around the world.
 
If you’re curious to learn more, please click “Contact Us” on this page. We’d love to hear your story and connect you with a friendly Rotarian who can answer your questions. Together, we can do so much good!
District 5180 News
District Conference Early Bird Deadline Jan 31!!
Got your seat at Rotary District 5180's 2026 District Conference on May 1-3 at Caesars Republic -- South Lake Tahoe??  No??  Oh dear!!   
 
Don't miss the Early Bird registration of $325 that ends on January 31, 2026!!   After the 31st it goes up top $375!!  
 
To register, scan the QR code on the flyer below or use this link: https://tinyurl.com/D5180Conference
 
Hotel registration ends on April 10, 2026!!  Here's the link (this is a new link): https://book.passkey.com/event/51058586/owner/14208/home
 
So, time is ticking away -- don't be late!!
 
Questions?  Reach out to Frank Woods, Registrar, at fcwoods@sbcglobal.net
 
 
 
Rotary Youth Exchange Short-Term Deadline Feb 1!
Are you a young person, 15-18 years old, and looking to build your leadership and interpersonal skills?  Are you ready for a great adventure traveling to another country for several days or weeks?  
 
Or, maybe you know of a young person who would love to take advantage of this opporunity!
 
The Rotary Youth Exchange Short-Term program may be just right for you (or someone you know!).
 
Learn more by going to rye5180.org/shorttermexchange and apply by February 1, 2026, for early consideration.
 
If you  have questions, reach out to our District 5180 Program Contact:  Jeanne Sparks, email: jeanninesparks907@gmail.com
 
 
 
In Remembrance of PDG Clarence Parkins
 
From District Governor Megan Ellinghouse:
 
Dear Rotary Family,
 
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Past District Governor Clarence Parkins, who served as the 13th District Governor of Rotary District 5180. Clarence joined Rotary in 1982 and later became a proud member of the Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova.
 
Throughout his many years of service, he embodied the true meaning of Service Above Self.  During his 2007–2008 year as District Governor, under the theme “Light Up Your Rotary World,” Clarence focused on growing membership and increasing Rotary Foundation giving—both of which he successfully achieved.
 
He and his wife, Sallie, loved visiting clubs across the District and were inspired by the community projects they witnessed, from local service in Sacramento and Marysville to international impact through a science lab project in Turkey.
 
A highlight of his year was hosting his District Conference at Montbleu in South Lake Tahoe over Mother’s Day weekend. Surrounded by family and fellow Rotarians, it was a celebration he remembered fondly.
 
Clarence also served Rotary in many roles beyond the District, including on the Rotary International Director’s Selection Committee, as a delegate to the Council on Legislation, and as an instructor at Far West PETS. He was a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor, and a recipient of Rotary International’s Citation for Meritorious Service.
 
Clarence often said he became a “true Rotarian” delivering Christmas baskets in the pouring rain—a moment that captured his heart for service. His advice to future leaders was simple and wise: “Enjoy the ride. It will be your best year in Rotary.”
 
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Parkins family. Clarence’s legacy of leadership, generosity, and Rotary spirit will continue to inspire us all.
 
 
POLIO PLUS Fundraiser Extended to DECEMBER 15! 
POLIO PLUS Fundraiser Extended to DECEMBER 15!!
 
Joe Scheimer is at it again (5th year in a row!!) to raise $150,000 for Rotary's efforts to finally see polio eradicated from planet earth!  And, since we are so close to hitting the $150,000 mark, Joe has extended this year's effort through December 15, 2025!!
 
Click on this link: https://raise.rotary.org/Joe-Scheimer/fundraiser376  and let's make it the rest of the way to $150,000 and beyond!!
 
Here's an idea as we approach the holiday gift-giving season -- contributing in honor of or in memory of a loved one this holiday season would be a perfect way to support our Polio Plus drive and get credit toward Rotary recognition awards. 
 
One more piece of exciting news -- Rotary Club of Folsom Lake has signed up every member to the Polio Plus Society!!
This is the first club in our District to achieve this incredible distinction and will be receiving special recognition from Rotary International.
 
So, which club will be our next club to get all of their members to join the Polio Plus Society??!!
All it takes is a pledge of $100 per year to Polio Plus!!
 
December 15 is fast approaching so let's finish big!! 
 
News from Rotary International
Rotary’s alumni honoree works to transform mindsets in peacebuilding efforts

Rotary’s alumni honoree works to transform mindsets in peacebuilding

The game changer

Meet your 2026-27 Rotary president, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola

Indian developer donates US$50 million to The Rotary Foundation

Ravishankar Dakoju pledged that he and his wife and fellow club member, Paola Dakoju, would donate approximately US$50 million (4.5 billion Indian rupees) to The Rotary Foundation.

Olayinka H. Babalola urges members of Rotary to Create Lasting Impact

Rotary International president-elect emphasizes effective action and ‘embracing the world with open arms’

Nanotechnology brings safer water to the Ganges Delta

Nanotechnology brings safer water to the Ganges Delta

January 2026

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