The Magic of Valladolid – A Rotary Adventure to Remember! ✨🌍
In mid-February, seven RAHtarians—Bill, Stef, Marissa, Joleen, Nicole, Angela, and Josh (who we still claim!)—along with Janine from Madison and Pauline from Canada, embarked on a cultural journey to Valladolid, Yucatán, Mexico. What began in 2017, when Josh first visited the area and attended a Rotary Club of Valladolid meeting, has since blossomed into a years-long friendship and a powerful partnership, proving that Rotary connections know no borders. 🌍
From the moment we set foot in Valladolid, we were embraced with the warmth and generosity. Our journey was filled with unforgettable moments—sharing stories over empanadas and panuchos at Club Rotario Valladolid Pueblo Mágico, diving into the rich history at Chichén Itzá, and cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Saamal. Along the way, we reunited with old friends, made new ones, and discovered the true meaning of Service Above Self.
And, of course, no trip would be complete without a little adventure—beach days in Tulum, breathtaking museum visits, an Airbnb lock mishap, reptilian friends in our bedrooms, and raising our glasses to new friendships under the Yucatán stars.
Beyond the adventures, we saw firsthand how Rotary changes lives. At a local school, students proudly showed us their clean water filters, a project Rotary After Hours and Interact Clubs helped fund in 2018. In village homes, we witnessed the staggering impact of new stoves—reducing dangerous smoke, cooling temperatures, and making cooking safer and healthier for families. Our group financed nine stoves, including one in honor of Bill’s generosity, ensuring more families can cook safely and live longer, healthier lives.
But our work isn’t done—eight more families are still waiting for an ecological stove. At $400 each, Rotary After Hours is committed to making this happen. Will you help us and the Valladolid Rotary Club change a life? No amount is too small, and every dollar brings us closer to our goal. Donations can be made via cash, check (payable to Rotary After Hours) or PayPal (QR code below), and we hope to wrap up fundraising by Friday, April 11th.
Let’s keep the magic going—because small actions create huge impact. Thank you for your generosity! ✨ Watch the Project Video!
And a grande muchas gracias to Bill & Josh for making the trip a reality and oh so magical! If you missed the club meeting where we shared our magical moments, you can watch it on our YouTube channel!
