Rotary is all about the heart!
Even though Rotary Club of Philadelphia members Joan and Joe Batory have been active in Rotary for three decades, many of their friends and other acquaintances cannot understand why they have been affiliated with an organization which involves regular attendance at meetings, requires dues, and encourages participation in a wide array of community service and humanitarian activities.
“My only explanation is that like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz, who lacked a heart, some people will never understand Rotary,” said Joe Batory. “For the greatest joys in life come from giving, pure and simple, from your heart. And what Rotary returns is remarkable! ”
Indeed, their greatest Rotary joys have come from their interactions with young people. They have been advisers and mentors to more than 23 visiting Rotary International scholars.
There were many discussions, in-person conversations, and dinners and events with these students while they were studying here in Philadelphia. The relationships they developed have continued via IPhones and computers with many of these students who are now adults and successfully engaged in careers and often married with children.
They recount many memorable experiences. One Rotary scholar from Germany, Christoph Naumann, found his wife Laura while studying here in Philadelphia; the couple was feted by the Batory’s in their home to joyfully celebrate the engagement before the couple headed off to Germany, where they now have three children.
Manaka Kuwabara as a toddler
A Japanese scholar, Makoto Kuwabara and his wife, Chihiro, had the birth of their first child, Manaka, in Philadelphia; the baby was frequently in their environs as a cherished infant and toddler. Now an adult, she is a prominent actress in Japan’s musical theatre
A few years ago they travelled to Rome to attend the elegant wedding of another Rotary scholar, Jacopo Carmassi, who had studied at the University of Pennsylvania.
In addition to the Rotary visiting scholars, they’ve also built long lasting relationships with numerous university students who have been active with the Philadelphia Rotary sponsored Penn Rotaract club over many years
Shahmar Beasley, Penn Rotaract and recent graduate of Drexel’s Law School
Just last week, they attended the graduation celebration for a young man, Shahmar Beasley, whom they knew from his participation in the Philadelphia Rotary-sponsored university Rotaract Club years ago. Beasley—who as a student spent several holiday dinners at their home— has just graduated from Drexel University Law School, a wonderful success story.
In addition to Penn Rotaract, Beasley has already accumulated quite a bit of leadership and humanitarian experiences including Founding Drexel Black Action Committee, testifying at City Council on criminal justice reform, and organizing a nationally televised prom dress giveaway for underprivileged girls in Philadelphia. He was also named as a Forbes Under 30 Scholar.
There are many other touching episodes that could be added. But the message is the same: Rotary is all about the heart … the caring interactions with others that you give and receive so much in return.