When Rotary talks about "Service Above Self," it usually conjures images of seasoned members who have spent decades giving back. This month, Sunshine NY Rotary got a beautiful reminder that service has no age limit — it was our youngest member who led the way.
Sunshine NY Rotary has successfully completed a food distribution project at Oasis, the homeless center in New Rochelle, delivering essential groceries to individuals and families navigating hardship. It's a simple mission with a powerful outcome: no one should have to face an empty pantry alone, and no one should have to face it without their community standing beside them.
Ryan Steps Up
The project was planned, shopped for, and delivered under the leadership of Ryan, the youngest member of our Club. From selecting the right items to fit real household needs, to coordinating delivery logistics, to documenting the day for our records, Ryan handled every piece of the project with a level of care and follow-through that impressed everyone who worked alongside him.
“I wanted this to be more than just dropping off boxes. I wanted to make sure every bag actually had what a family would need to get through the week.” — Ryan Ehtesham, on what this project meant to him
It's the kind of leadership Rotary hopes to cultivate in every generation of members: hands-on, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine care for the people being served.
A Mentor by His Side
None of it would have come together as smoothly without Dr. Nadira Islam, a Sunshine NY Rotary member, and Charter President Bina Ahmad who together guided Ryan through the shopping and planning process from start to finish. Their steady mentorship gave Ryan the confidence to take the lead while ensuring the project stayed organized and on track.
"Watching Ryan take ownership of this project was one of the most rewarding parts of my Rotary year. He didn't need much guidance — he needed the opportunity, and he ran with it." — Dr. Nadira Islam, on mentoring Ryan
Welcomed with Open Arms
The team at Oasis welcomed the donation warmly, and staff on-site helped the group understand exactly what their guests needed most that week — from shelf-stable staples to items that let them prepare a real meal together.
"Donations like this make a real difference for the those who walk through our doors. It means a lot to know Rotary sees us and shows up."
— OASIS staff member, on the partnership
By the end of the day, shelves that had been running low were restocked, and a group of neighbors in need had one less thing to worry about — thanks to the dedication of one young Rotarian and the mentor who believed in him.
Generations, Working Together
This is Rotary at its best: a Club where longtime members and a young leader can work side by side, each bringing something the other needed, both leaving better for it.
As we step into August — Membership and New Club Development Month, this project is a timely reminder of a simple truth:
Service is what attracts people to Rotary.
When we serve with purpose and kindness, others feel inspired to join our mission. Every act of service — no matter how small it may seem — strengthens our Rotary family and brightens the community we call home.
Together, let's continue building a stronger, more united Rotary.
Join us. Serve with us. Let Service Lead the Way.