Morrisville

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 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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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Matt Towler

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is excited to welcome Matt Towler, Executive Director at Searstone Senior Living, as a new member. With a strong background in operations and leadership, Matt brings a passion for community service and civic engagement to our club. Matt is no stranger to Rotary—he was previously a member of the North Raleigh Rotary Club, where he embraced the values of Service Above Self. His dedication to community involvement extends to his role on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Reading Service, which helps individuals with visual impairments stay connected through accessible media. As a business professional, Matt believes in giving back to the community and sees Rotary as the perfect avenue to make a meaningful impact. Sponsored by Robert Mouro, he looks forward to engaging with fellow Rotarians and continuing his commitment to service. Please join us in welcoming Matt Towler to the Morrisville Rotary Club! We are excited about his experience, dedication, and leadership

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Proudly Welcomes David Brashier! 

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is thrilled to welcome David Brashier, Development & Communications Manager at Oak City Cares, as a new member. With a deep commitment to service and philanthropy, David brings valuable experience and passion for making a difference in the community. David has lived in the Triangle area for nearly two years and has always been interested in joining a civic club. Coming from a Rotary family and working in the nonprofit sector, he has long admired the impact Rotary has in supporting communities and fostering connections. After visiting the Morrisville Rotary Club and experiencing the warm camaraderie and meaningful discussions, he knew this was the right place for him. Beyond his work at Oak City Cares, David is involved with Triangle Fellows and Church of the Good Shepherd and works part-time at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and with the Carolina Hurricanes. His hobbies include running, hiking, watching baseball and hockey, collecting sports cards, doing yoga, reading, gardening, and cooking. Sponsored by Barron Damon, David is excited to give back to the local community in a meaningful way beyond his professional responsibilities. He believes Rotary will help him establish strong connections in the Triangle while providing opportunities to serve. Please join us in welcoming David Brashier, our youngest member, to the Morrisville Rotary Club! We are excited to have him as part of our community and look forward to working alongside him in service.

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member John Martin

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is excited to welcome John Martin, a dedicated financial advisor with New York Life Insurance Company, as our newest member. With a strong background in financial planning and a passion for service, John is committed to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures while actively contributing to his community. John’s dedication to service extends beyond his profession. He is actively involved in The LifeHouse Ministries Inc. and Kings Park International Church, where he supports initiatives that uplift and empower others. His commitment to community engagement and giving back aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self. Sponsored by Barron Damon, John joins Rotary to connect with a network of like-minded professionals passionate about making a difference. He values the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Rotarians to drive positive change, and he is eager to contribute his expertise to support the club’s initiatives. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to John Martin as he embarks on his Rotary journey. We look forward to working alongside him to make a meaningful impact in Morrisville and beyond!

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Sinderpal Bajwa

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is proud to welcome Sinderpal Bajwa, a Private Banker at TowneBank, as one of our newest members. With an extensive background in finance and a passion for community service, Sinderpal is a valuable addition to our club and its mission of Service Above Self. Sinderpal is deeply committed to giving back and has a history of active civic engagement. She has served on the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees at SGNC, the advisory board of the KIRAN Foundation, and regularly volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, she and a group of friends serve lunch once a month at a Raleigh homeless shelter, demonstrating her dedication to helping those in need. Drawn to Rotary’s service-driven mission, Sinderpal values the club’s opportunity to make a local and global impact while building strong professional relationships. After attending a few Morrisville Rotary meetings, she knew this was a group of professionals she wanted to work alongside. Sponsored by Robert Mouro, Sinderpal brings a spirit of generosity, leadership, and financial expertise to our club. Please join us in welcoming her as we look forward to her contributions in strengthening our community and making a meaningful difference

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March 4th Speaker: Gaston Warner, CEO of Global North

We are honored to welcome Rev. Gaston Warner as a speaker at Rotary. A dedicated leader and advocate for sustainable change, Gaston has spent his career empowering communities and transforming lives. With a deep passion for service and a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, he brings invaluable insight into how we can create lasting impact in the world. About Rev. Gaston Warner Rev. Gaston Warner is a Methodist minister who has led congregations from Chicago to Bristol, England. He has consulted with and served on a number of nonprofit boards, as well as in leadership roles with Habitat for Humanity, Duke Divinity School, and Duke University Chapel. Gaston joined Zoe Empowers as a board member in 2007 and currently serves as CEO, Global North. Zoe Empowers has facilitated the empowerment of over 220,000 orphaned children and vulnerable youth across 12 countries, including India and throughout Africa. He holds a BA from Brown University, an MDiv from Duke Divinity School, and an MBA from the University of Durham, England. He lives outside of Hillsborough, NC, with his spouse, the Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner, who teaches at Duke University Divinity School, their daughter Clare, and their many pets and livestock. Gaston and Laceye co-authored From Relief to Empowerment: How Your Church Can Cultivate Sustainable Mission, a guide to fostering long-term, transformative change in communities. Zoe Empowers is a non-profit dedicated to helping orphans and vulnerable children break free from charity and build self-sufficiency. With over 380 million children living in extreme poverty, we focus on empowering those in orphan and child-led families who face isolation and exploitation. Through partnerships with local leaders, we equip these young people with the tools and resources to overcome poverty. In the past 10 years, we’ve empowered over 100,000 children to thrive. Join us in creating a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Websitezoeempowers.org Facebookfacebook.com/zoeempowers Twittertwitter.com/zoeempowers Instagraminstagram.com/zoeempowers

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Rotary Club of Morrisville Welcomes New Member Beaonca McCain

The Rotary Club of Morrisville is delighted to introduce Beaonca McCain, our newest member and an inspiring advocate for community-driven initiatives. Beaonca serves as the Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Morrisville, where her dedication and leadership play a pivotal role in supporting municipal operations. Beaonca is a passionate community leader whose civic engagement includes involvement in organizations such as For the Gworl’s Book Club, Well-Read Black Girl, Black Wall Street Juniors, and the Black Business Association. Her commitment to fostering growth, empowerment, and opportunities for marginalized groups aligns seamlessly with Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.” Motivated by a desire to strengthen her leadership skills and connect with like-minded individuals, Beaonca joined Rotary to forge meaningful relationships while actively contributing to the betterment of the community. She brings many innovative ideas, including initiatives to support children in foster care, teach financial literacy to younger generations, provide feminine products to underprivileged families, and host free or discounted hair care pop-ups for students preparing for the school year. Beaonca brings energy, vision, and a heart for service to the Morrisville Rotary Club. Her passion for making a difference and her enthusiasm for collaboration promise to bring fresh perspectives and impactful contributions to the club’s ongoing efforts. Please join us in welcoming Beaonca McCain to the Rotary Club of Morrisville. We are excited to support her initiatives and work together to make a lasting impact in our community.

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Celebrating Paul Harris Fellows at Morrisville Rotary

At our February 21 Morrisville Rotary meeting, we had the honor of recognizing Samantha Manning and Leigh Ann Miller as Paul Harris Fellows. This prestigious award, named after Rotary’s founder, acknowledges individuals who embody Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” through significant contributions to their community and to advancing humanitarian efforts. The Paul Harris Fellow Award, established in 1957, is one of Rotary’s highest honors. It is given to those who either contribute, or have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, supporting programs that promote peace, education, and global humanitarian aid. Over the years, the award has recognized figures of global significance, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine. By receiving this recognition, Samantha and Leigh Ann join a distinguished group of over one million recipients worldwide who have made a lasting impact. Their tireless dedication to community service and leadership is a true inspiration, and their efforts exemplify the spirit of Rotary. Congratulations to Samantha and Leigh Ann on this well-deserved honor. Your commitment to service continues to make our community, and the world, a better place. Interested in joining the Morrisville Rotary and helping us make a difference? Connect with us and be part of the change!

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