Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As I prepare to hand over the reins and conclude my time as President, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared this past year. It has been a true privilege and joy to serve this club—not just as your President, but as a fellow Rotarian united by purpose, service, and friendship.

Getting to know each of you on a deeper level has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this role. Your dedication, and support of the Rotary cause of "Service Above Self" have made my time in leadership both fulfilling and inspiring. Whether it was through Duck Race ticket sales, club meetings, or shared laughter during service projects, each moment has reminded me of the unique spirit that makes our club so special.

Thank you for your trust, your encouragement, and for allowing me the honor of leading this amazing group. I leave this role with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed belief in the power of Rotary to change lives—starting with our own.

Though my time as President is ending, my commitment to Rotary and to this club remains strong. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside you and supporting our incoming leadership with the same enthusiasm and hope that you have given me.

With sincere appreciation,

Kristin Sanger                                                 

President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls

Dear Rotarians,

May is Youth Service Month in Rotary—a time to celebrate the energy, vision, and potential of young people in our communities. This month especially, we’re reminded of how vital it is to engage and empower youth to become leaders of both today and tomorrow.

One powerful way we're putting this into action is through our upcoming Epic Day of Service on Saturday, May 17th at 10:00 AM at Freeman Park. This event brings our community together in hands-on service, and this year, we’re excited to shine an even brighter spotlight on youth involvement.

In collaboration with School District 93, we’ve launched a special High School Grant Challenge: the high school that brings the most student volunteers to the Epic Day of Service will receive a $1,425 grant—the remaining funds from our District 5400 Grant allocation. It’s a friendly competition with a meaningful purpose: inspiring students to give back, while directly supporting their schools in the process. As Rotarians, we are always sharing the message of the value of service as a worthy enterprise and we want that message to beat strong in the hearts of our youth.

We encourage all of our club members to attend, bring family and friends, and especially help us spread the word to the youth in our networks. Whether you're a parent, teacher, neighbor, or mentor, your invitation could be the spark that lights a lifetime of service.

Let’s make this May a true celebration of Youth Service—and show our students what it means to be People of Action.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Kristin Sanger                                                    

President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls

Rotary Family,

As I reflect on my journey to this moment, I am reminded of my childhood and the deep fondness I have always had for the great outdoors. Growing up, I spent countless hours exploring nature—whether hiking through forests, fishing in quiet lakes, or simply marveling at the beauty of the changing seasons. These experiences instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for our natural world and a deep sense of responsibility to protect it.

This April, as Rotary International highlights the theme of the Environment, we are called to embrace our role as stewards of our community, our great state, our country, and communities around the world. Rotary has long been committed to service above self, and this includes preserving and restoring the world around us for future generations. From tree-planting initiatives to pollinator projects, from conservation efforts to reducing plastic waste, our collective efforts can create a lasting impact.

As a club member, each of you should feel proud and encouraged about your contribution through supporting the Duck Race that has been building our community greenbelt for decades. 

Let’s honor this month’s theme by reaffirming our commitment to the environment. In doing so, we not only protect the world we cherish but also strengthen the values of service and care that define Rotary.

Yours in service,