A New Chapter Begins: Celebrating Leadership and Service at Our President-Elect Installation Dinner

Last month, the Rotary Club of Morrisville hosted a special evening: our President-Elect Installation Dinner. It was a night dedicated to recognizing our outgoing President, Barron Damon, and welcoming our new President, Andrew Huyck. With 66 people in attendance, the event successfully highlighted the spirit of service and fellowship central to our club. Honoring Leadership, Welcoming the Future The evening was a chance to celebrate President Barron Damon’s successful year. Under his guidance, the Morrisville Rotary Club grew significantly, surpassing our goal to reach 41 members and achieving the best net gain among 48 clubs in our District. We also raised $29,000 at our Wine, Beer, and Bourbon Event, increasing our capacity to support local community organizations. Barron’s leadership earned our club several District awards, including the Club Excellence and Adaptability Awards. We formally welcomed Andrew Huyck as the 27th President of the Morrisville Rotary Club. Andrew is now set to lead us into a new Rotary year focused on continued growth and service. A memorable moment was Andrew receiving his presidential pin, surrounded by past presidents, showcasing the club’s continuity and history. Key Moments from the Evening The Installation Dinner featured several significant moments: Special thanks to Matt Towler and his team at Searstone Retirement Community for hosting our event. The venue, fosod, and valet service were excellent, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable evening for all. Looking Ahead As Andrew begins his term, the Rotary Club of Morrisville is ready for another year of impact. Andrew’s focus for the upcoming year will be centered on deepening our commitment to service initiatives and enhancing member engagement. We’ve shown strong growth and community involvement, and our dedication to “Service Above Self” remains our priority.

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes Jacqueline Whittenburg — Executive Director, Advocate, and Community Leader

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is delighted to welcome Jacqueline Whittenburg, Executive Director of The Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, as our newest member. A passionate champion of education, mentorship, and community empowerment, Jacqueline brings a wealth of leadership experience and a heart for service to our club’s mission. As Executive Director for the past ten years, Jacqueline has been the driving force behind The Dereck Whittenburg Foundation’s mission to provide scholarships and support to deserving college students, helping to close the gap in higher education and create pathways for success. Her dedication to opening doors for young people aligns beautifully with Rotary’s commitment to uplifting communities through education and opportunity. Beyond her work with the Foundation, Jacqueline is actively engaged in numerous civic and educational organizations. She serves as a Trustee at William Peace University, contributes to the NCSU Black Alumni Society, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., demonstrating her steadfast commitment to community leadership and service. Jacqueline’s desire to join Rotary stems from her passion for creating real, lasting change. In her own words: “I’m passionate about making a real difference in my community, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than serving others in a way that truly resonates and creates lasting change.” Sponsored by fellow Rotarian Rose Cornelious, Jacqueline is eager to deepen her impact alongside like-minded professionals dedicated to service above self. When she’s not leading initiatives for the Foundation or volunteering her time, Jacqueline enjoys spending time with her husband, Dereck Whittenburg, whose own legacy of leadership and mentorship mirrors her dedication to giving back. Please join us in giving a warm Morrisville Rotary welcome to Jacqueline Whittenburg. We are thrilled to have her vibrant spirit, proven leadership, and unwavering dedication as part of our Rotary family. Together, we look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen our community!

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes Sharon Nell — Community-Minded Leader and Service Advocate

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is honored to introduce Sharon Nell, Interim Executive Director and Consultant with Fractional Insights, as one of our newest members. Sharon’s career and personal mission have long embodied the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self, making her a perfect addition to our club. With over a year leading at Fractional Insights, Sharon draws on her extensive background in executive leadership and consulting to help organizations thrive during times of transition and growth. Her wealth of experience, strategic insight, and dedication to operational excellence are assets she now shares generously with both her clients and her community. Sharon’s commitment to serving others shines through her deep and consistent volunteer work. She is a current volunteer with Dorcas Ministries and Interfaith Food Shuttle, demonstrating her hands-on approach to addressing food insecurity and community needs. She previously served as a Board Member of The Center for Volunteer Caregiving for six years and volunteered with the organization for nearly two decades — a testament to her lifelong dedication to caring for vulnerable neighbors. In addition to her volunteerism, Sharon is an active participant in Leadership Cary’s 2024–2025 cohort and a member of the Cary Chamber of Commerce, continually seeking ways to contribute to the betterment of the region she calls home. When asked why she chose to join Rotary, Sharon shared: “As a lifelong volunteer, I have tried to live the Rotary values of serving others, promoting integrity, and advancing the world through community. Having recently ended a long corporate career, I am looking for a place to belong and be in relationship with others who share these same values. In exploring Rotary, I discovered the Morrisville club and believe it is a great fit for me.” Sponsored by Rotarian Leigh Ann Miller, Sharon brings not only her impressive professional experience but also her warm spirit, genuine compassion, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting others. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Sharon enjoys staying active through fitness, reading, and spending time with her husband, David Nell. Please join us in giving a heartfelt welcome to Sharon Nell. We are excited to work alongside her as we continue to serve the Morrisville community and beyond!

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes Laura Grelck – A Champion for Families and Community Service  

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is proud to welcome Laura Grelck, Director of Development at The Carying Place, as a new member. A lifelong Cary resident and graduate of North Carolina State University, Laura brings a powerful blend of strategic insight, nonprofit leadership, and a heartfelt commitment to service. With a professional background spanning organizations like The V Foundation for Cancer Research and A Doorway to Hope, Laura has dedicated her career to strengthening nonprofits and amplifying their missions through strategic development and communications. Since joining The Carying Place in 2023, she has taken the lead in growing donor programs and campaigns, helping the organization expand its reach to support even more families facing housing instability. Laura’s passion for serving working, low-income families began during her time as a volunteer, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges these families face—and the powerful change that community support can bring. “We can strengthen our whole community by breaking the cycle of homelessness, one family at a time,” she says. Beyond her professional contributions, Laura has remained active in community service, including involvement with Guardian ad Litem, Mother Teresa Catholic Community, and of course, The Carying Place. Her work is grounded in the belief that caring for one another—especially families in crisis—is not just a value but a shared responsibility. Sponsored by Leigh Ann Miller, Laura joins the Rotary Club as a Corporate Member representing The Carying Place. She’s excited about the opportunity to serve alongside others, grow in fellowship, and contribute to Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.” In her spare time, Laura enjoys water skiing, creating art, and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes. Her energy, empathy, and dedication make her a wonderful addition to the club, and we’re thrilled to welcome her into our Rotary family. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Laura Grelck—a community advocate, development leader, and compassionate Rotarian in the making.

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The Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Michelle Waite – A Passionate Leader in Real Estate, Business, and Community Advocacy  

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is delighted to introduce Michelle Waite, a dynamic real estate agent, business leader, engineer, and educator, as one of our newest members. Michelle brings nearly 20 years of consulting and business development experience, a deeply rooted commitment to community service, and a powerful drive to empower others through education and wellness. Michelle currently serves as a Real Estate Agent and Sr. Director of Global Learning, Inclusion & Community Engagement. Her engineering and business background equips her with a strategic mindset, allowing her to navigate complex real estate deals with clarity and precision. Having personally managed and invested in both single- and multi-family properties, Michelle offers her clients a practical, hands-on perspective rooted in real-world experience. Her dedication to giving back is just as impressive as her professional background. Michelle has actively volunteered with organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, Meta House, Foundations 4 Freedom, TRIBOR, and the YMCA Black Achievers program. Her passion especially shines when empowering young women and building strong, connected neighborhoods. Originally from Milwaukee, Michelle moved to the Triangle nearly three years ago and has been eager to find a deep sense of community. She sees the Rotary Club as a perfect fit—a place where she can grow, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and make a meaningful difference. “Volunteering fuels me,” Michelle says, “especially when it comes to education and wellness. I’m excited about the Rotary Club because it’s where passion meets action.” Outside of work, Michelle enjoys running, swimming, traveling, and writing poetry. She lives in Cary with her family and is thrilled to deepen her roots in the RTP area through Rotary service. Sponsored by Barron Damon, Michelle is a powerful addition to the Morrisville Rotary family. Please join us in giving a warm Rotary welcome to Michelle Waite—we are honored to have her energy, insight, and leadership in our club!

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Jennifer Hamilton – Executive Director of the Jimmy Carroll Foundation

Jennifer Hamilton is the Executive Director of the Jimmy Carroll Foundation and a church leader at Generation Church in Clayton, NC. She loves making an impact in her community and is deeply passionate about people. Under her leadership, the Jimmy Carroll Foundation has nurtured strong, lasting partnerships with nonprofits that are transforming the lives of unhoused people every day. Her love for people shines through her human-centered approach to relationships, management, and service. People matter to her because they matter to God and she believes that each person deserves to be seen, heard, and loved. Jennifer leads Generation Church alongside her husband of 28 years, Jarret Hamilton. They have three children — ages 22, 19, and 15 — and her happiest place is around the dinner table with all of them together. She loves traveling with Jarret, reading, and baking. An avid fitness enthusiast, she runs many miles with Jarret and also enjoys weightlifting and other forms of exercise. She is actively involved in her community through her children’s schools and currently serves on the Downtown Development Advisory Board for the town of Clayton. Giving back and supporting her community is at the heart of everything she does. Humanity is at the center of Jennifer’s leadership in every area of her life, and she invites you to join her in the work of making a tangible impact in the lives of the unhoused. Generation Church in Clayton, NC, is a non-denominational Christian church with the mission of “helping people say YES to Jesus” and making “disciple-making followers of Jesus.” Founded in 2015, they are a multi-generational community known for authentic relationships, strong Biblical teaching, and servant leadership. They aim to create a welcoming environment where people can grow in their faith and help others do the same. Their core beliefs center on the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible as God’s Word. They value active discipleship, community involvement, and a vibrant, relevant approach to church life. Websitegenerationchurch.org Facebookfacebook.com/TheGCClayton Instagraminstagram.com/generationchurch The Jimmy Carroll Foundation (JCF) is a Raleigh-based non-profit dedicated to supporting organizations that serve the unhoused population in Wake County. Instead of providing direct services, JCF strengthens its partners through financial grants, volunteers, and in-kind donations. By focusing on long-term partnerships, JCF addresses critical issues such as shelter, food insecurity, and healthcare, with an emphasis on equity and respect for individuals. Their success is measured by the improved capacity and outcomes of their partners in addressing homelessness. Websitethejimmycarrollfoundation.org Facebookfacebook.com/TheJimmyCF Instagram instagram.com/thejimmycf

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Celebrating Our Club, Our Families, and a Great Rotary Year

The Morrisville Rotary Club gathered at Morrisville Community Park to close out an incredible Rotary year. Our annual picnic wasn’t just about marking achievements—it was about connection. Members, spouses, kids, and friends came together to share a meal, tell stories, and strengthen the bonds that make our club more than just a service organization. Rotary is about community—and that includes the families who support and serve alongside us. We’re especially proud to have welcomed 18 new members this year, a sign of our growing momentum and shared purpose. Their energy helped us expand our local impact and live out Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self” in new and meaningful ways. Thank you to President Barron Damon for organizing this year’s celebration and for guiding us through a year of growth and connection. As we look to the new Rotary year, we carry with us the strength of our fellowship and the support of our Rotary families.

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Thank You for Making Our Fundraiser a Huge Success!

We’re thrilled to announce that our Wine, Bourbon & Beer Fundraiser raised nearly $30,000 in support of incredible local nonprofits like Dorcas Ministries, The Carying Place, Performance Edge, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the YMCA, and many others making a difference in our community. This success wouldn’t have been possible without our generous sponsors—far too many to name individually, but each one played a critical role in making this event a reality. Your support means the world to us and to those we serve. Special thanks to The Matthews House for hosting us in their beautiful venue and to Southern Harvest for providing the delicious food that made the evening even more memorable. We’re also incredibly grateful to our event team—especially Rotarians Kathy, Wendy, Betsy, and all the other volunteers—whose energy and dedication made everything run smoothly. 📸 Be sure to check out our photo gallery below and relive the fun! Tag yourself and your friends if you see familiar faces—we loved seeing our community come together! See you again in 2026!

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Amelia Hosine – A Champion for Small Business and Community Growth

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is excited to welcome Amelia Hosine, Small Business Specialist for the Town of Morrisville, as one of our newest members. Amelia is a dynamic young professional with a heart for service and a strategic mind for local business development. In her role with the Town of Morrisville, Amelia plays a key part in fostering a thriving local economy by supporting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses succeed. Her work focuses on creating sustainable growth strategies and building strong partnerships that uplift the entire Morrisville community. Amelia brings a wealth of civic engagement to Rotary. She has served with the Junior League of Raleigh since 2022, where she has contributed to a variety of volunteer and leadership initiatives. She also plays an active role in LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS, a program dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region. Her desire to join Rotary is rooted in her deep passion for community service and relationship-building. “Rotary offers a powerful platform to make a lasting, positive impact both locally and globally,” Amelia says. “I hope to strengthen and support the small business community here in Morrisville while continuing my growth as a servant leader.” Amelia was sponsored by Veronica Bent , Samantha Manning, and Barron Damon, and while she is not joining under a corporate membership, she brings the strong support and vision of the Town of Morrisville with her. Her commitment to economic development, paired with her drive to make meaningful connections, makes her a perfect fit for the Rotary Club’s mission of “Service Above Self.” When she’s not working with small business owners or volunteering, Amelia enjoys reading and finding new ways to give back to the community she calls home. Please join us in warmly welcoming Amelia Hosine to the Rotary Club of Morrisville—an emerging leader who’s already making a big difference and is just getting started.

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Ganesh Om – Financial Professional and Musician

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is proud to introduce our newest member, Ganesh Om, a Financial Representative specializing in Long-Term Care Insurance Planning. With a thoughtful approach to financial security and a strong desire to build community connections, Ganesh brings both professional expertise and creative energy to our club. Ganesh works with individuals and families to help them prepare for the future through personalized long-term care insurance strategies. In a time when health planning and financial wellness are more important than ever, he is committed to educating and empowering clients so they can make informed decisions that protect their loved ones. Beyond his career in finance, Ganesh is also deeply rooted in the local arts community. A passionate musician and performer, he teaches music lessons at Leechford Music in Cary, and regularly performs with acclaimed organizations including DPAC, PNC Arena, the Carolina Theatre of Durham, Meymandi Auditorium, and Duke Energy Center. He has collaborated with prestigious ensembles such as the Carolina Ballet, NC Master Chorale, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, and the North Carolina Symphony. Ganesh’s involvement in Rotary is fueled by his belief in service, fellowship, and shared values. “I would like to be more involved in my community alongside other business owners,” he shares. “I believe there is a network of friendship and support among Rotarians, and I’d like to contribute to and be part of that relationship.” Sponsored by Zinnia Hamm, Ganesh is already aligning with the Rotary’s core mission of “Service Above Self.” His multifaceted background—blending financial acumen, artistic expression, and community commitment—adds a unique and valuable voice to our club. In his free time, Ganesh enjoys spending time with animals, exploring nature, practicing yoga, and performing music. His interests reflect a well-rounded, grounded individual who is passionate about creating harmony—both in the community and on stage. Please join us in welcoming Ganesh Om to the Rotary Club of Morrisville. We’re excited to have him in our circle and look forward to the many ways he will inspire and serve.

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