Service in Action

By Sedef Acar, Istanbul-Yenikoy Rotary Club charter club president and Rotary Day Istanbul 2014 Committee Member

In celebration of Rotary’s 110th anniversary, our club helped organized and sponsor Rotary District 2420’s Rotary Day Istanbul on 19 October. Family, friends, and the community participated in fun activities including sports, concerts, food, and games while learning about the Rotary family’s dedication to improving lives around the world.

Our event motto, “Light Up with Health”, encouraged healthy activities and a healthful lifestyle. RI President Gary C.K. Huang start the day by firing a starting pistol at the 5km run/walk. Participants then joined cross fit, zumba, yoga, and dance activities with professional trainers.
We had arts and crafts activities for children and musical performances for all ages. All event participants could also take advantage of free breast or prostate exams at the local hospital.

We raised US $9000 for the PolioPlus fund at our Rotary Day event and met our district governor’s challenge to collect 100,000 books to donate to libraries throughout Turkey. We were honored to have RI President Huang join us for the celebration as we introduced our family, friends, and community to the many service activities Rotarians undertake and how together we “Light Up Humanity”. Browse through the photo gallery below for a glimpse of our Rotary Day Istanbul activities:

Participant bags

Rotary Day Istanbul

5K starting line

Ribbon cutting

RI President Gary Huang firing the race starting pistol

Race medals

Group selfie

Group selfie

Race participants

Participants

Rotary Day Istanbul volunteers

Event food vendors

Physical activities

Musical performers

Traditional dancers

Local art

Entertainment

Youth activities

Book drive

Art activities

Participant activities

Group photo with RI President Gary Huang

Light Up Rotary

Light Up Rotary