Rotary: Service Above Self
“Service Above Self” is the principal motto of Rotary and has been exemplified during this time of crisis. Rotary Clubs across the Bay Area are stepping up to protect front-line health workers fighting the novel coronavirus by supporting Something Labs.
Rotary is a worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities. Made up of over 35,000 Rotary Clubs around the world, Rotary International forms a global network of business, professional and community leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve communities locally and around the world. The Bay Area is home to 40 unique Rotary Clubs.
Dr. Lily Muldoon, member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco #2, is an Emergency Department Physician and Public Health Specialist. As a first responder when COVID-19 emerged in the Bay Area in early March 2020, she witnessed the immediate need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and broken supply chains unable to meet the demand.
Along with a team of engineers and activists, Dr. Muldoon helped found Something Labs to activate a response and fill the gap in necessary PPE. Rotary was one of their first contributors. On April 8, 2020 after recognizing the critical need, the Rotary Club of San Francisco #2 immediately donated $17,800 to the cause. Within eight days of receiving this funding, Something Labs had distributed 600 face shields, 515 PAPR masks and 50 intubation boxes to Bay Area health facilities.
Other Rotary Clubs quickly followed suit, with the Rotary Clubs of Oakland, Millbrae and Pacifica donating thousands of dollars to Something Labs within a few weeks.
Beyond simply a financial contribution, Rotarians, as usual, are dedicating their time and energy. Rotarians Bob Hermann, Dan Joraanstad, Rhonda & Bill Poppen, Mary Liu, and Tim Hornbecker assembled hundreds of face shields for immediate distribution.
The Rotary Club of Millbrae has also assembled and distributed 300 face shields to health facilities in their local community.
Without the initial push and trust from local Rotary Clubs, Something Labs would not have been able to act so rapidly. From Something Labs, we thank you Rotary!
If you are a Rotarian or know of a Rotary Club who would like to participate with Something Labs, reach out directly to hello@somethinglabs.org.
Similar to Rotary, Something Labs focuses on building relationships, improving lives and creating a better world.
