The Rotary Club of Norfolk kicked off August with a meaningful two-part program featuring a visit from District 7600 Governor Suanne Bryant and an inspiring presentation from Sarah Bednarcyk of LifeNet Health.

During her club visitation, Suanne shared her goals for the 2026–27 Rotary year: increase Rotary’s impact, expand Rotary’s reach, enhance the participant experience of Rotarians, and increase Rotary’s ability to adapt. She encouraged members to think not only about “leaving a legacy,” but also about “living a legacy” through the difference we make every day.

She also highlighted the upcoming District Conference, November 6–8 at the Chesapeake Conference Center, which promises to be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, learning and service.

Kay Stine then introduced our guest speaker, Sarah Bednarcyk, Community Outreach Coordinator with LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach. LifeNet Health serves as the region’s primary provider of organ, tissue and cellular transplant services.

Sarah feels that one  of her major goals is to engage the community in “conversations before a crisis”. A recent  survey showed that while 95% of Virginians support organ donation, only 58% of respondents  are registered donors. Sarah believes that the greatest gift that one can give to another is the  Gift of Time. Organ, tissue, and cellular donations allow that precious gift to be given others.  Virginia has approximately 2800 people on the organ transplant list and, unfortunately, patients  pass away frequently before a compatible donation can be obtained. One donor’s organs can  positively impact the lives of up to eight recipients.  

The program offered a powerful reminder of Rotary’s commitment to service: our legacy is not simply what we leave behind, but the lives we choose to impact while we are here.