Central Nassau Rotary Embodies “Service Above Self” - 09/11/2025

For more than three decades the Central Nassau Rotary Club and Foundation has supported The INN in a variety of ways. This year at their 20th Foundation dinner with the theme “Feed the Hungry and Help the Needy”, they dedicated ALL proceeds to The INN and raised $30,092 to help support The INN’s mission.

Co-president Margaret Thomas gave a heartfelt speech at the event and shared it with us; you’ll find the speech below.

 

CENTRAL NASSAU ROTARY CLUB AND FOUNDATION

Speech by Margaret Thomas, Co-President

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Members of the Central Nassau Rotary Club and Honored Guests.

Today, we gather in the spirit of community, compassion, and service as we celebrate a remarkable contribution that embodies the true essence of what it means to be a part of the Central Nassau Rotary family. It is with great pride and gratitude that we announce a generous donation of $30,092 to the Interfaith Nutrition Network from “Our Feed the Hungry” dinner.

This contribution is not just a figure; it represents hope, nourishment, and the unwavering commitment of the Central Nassau Rotary Club to serve those in need within our community. Each dollar will go toward providing nutritious meals for individuals and families who are facing hunger, ensuring no one in our community has to go to bed hungry.

The Central Nassau Rotary Club has always been at the forefront of community service, and this donation is a testament to our collective dedication to making a meaningful impact. Our members have worked tirelessly, not just to raise funds, but to raise awareness about the critical issue of food insecurity. We understand that hunger does not discriminate; it affects our neighbors, friends and fellow community members. By coming together, we are saying that we care and we are taking action.

It’s inspiring to see how our initiatives, fueled by the passion and generosity of our members, can create ripples of changes. The “Feed the Hungry” dinner is not merely an event, it’s a gathering of hearts and hands coming together to make a difference. It brings us all closer and reminds us of the importance of compassion in action.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this effort, whether through time, talent or treasure. Your dedication is what makes the Central Nassau Rotary Club a beacon of hope in our community. Together, we are not just providing meals, we are providing dignity, respect and a sense of belonging to those who may feel isolated in their struggles.

As we move forward, let us continue to embody the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Let this donation serve as a reminder of the power of our collective efforts and the difference we can make when we unite for a common cause.

Thank you to the Interfaith Nutrition Network for your partnership in this vital work. Together we can ensure that our community thrives, and together we can continue to feed not just the bodies, but the spirits of those we serve.

Let’s keep this momentum going and strive to do even more in the future. Thank You.

If you would prefer to write a check for your donation please make your check payable to The INN. Our mailing address is 211 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550.