On the morning of September 26, 2024, as Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury upon the Big Bend area of Florida, many braced for the impact of what would be remembered as one of the most devastating storms in recent history. The Category 4 hurricane left a trail of destruction in its wake—uprooting trees, damaging homes, and leaving the community in disarray.
Amidst the chaos, two familiar faces were far from home—Nancy Stepina-Robison, former president of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee, and her spouse Paul Fredrickson, also a dedicated Rotary member. They were in Dublin, Ireland, when news of the hurricane reached them. While the winds howled across the ocean, a different kind of anxiety grew in their hearts. What would they return to?
The answer came quickly. A friend checked on their newly remodeled home and shared the
unfortunate news: a large tree had crashed onto the house, tearing a gaping hole in the roof and leaving significant damage.
Thousands of miles away, helplessness might have overwhelmed most people. But Nancy did what any good Rotarian would do—she reached out to her Rotary family. Word quickly made its way back to Tallahassee and into the capable hands of Alasdair Roe, who leads the club's disaster relief efforts.
Though many in the community were grappling with their own damage and clean-up in the aftermath of the storm, the spirit of Rotary's "Service Above Self" remained strong. Alasdair, joined by Kelley Phillips, sprang into action. Armed with tarps, tools, and determination, they made their way to Nancy and Paul’s home. Upon arrival, they swiftly assessed the damage and worked
tirelessly to cover the exposed roof, protecting the belongings inside from further harm.
This act of kindness is just one example of Rotary in action, but it speaks volumes about the character of its members. Despite the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Rotary District 6940 and the members of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee were on the ground, ready to assist not only their fellow Rotarians but the entire community.
When disaster strikes, Rotary is more than an organization—it’s a family. And in times like these, that family rises to the challenge, standing together to help one another rebuild, recover, and heal.
As Nancy and Paul watched the storm unfold from across the Atlantic, they knew their Rotary family had their backs. In their moment of need, it was a reminder that no matter where life takes you, Rotary's commitment to service knows no borders.
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