Photos: J. Backlund
Part 5 in our series: Rotary—Service Above Self
Every Rotarian has a story to share about what led them to become a member. For Jim Backlund, his begins after a 32 year career in computer engineering and a move with his wife, Theresa Backlund, to the Lake Minnetonka area. Jim was no stranger to these parts, having lived in Deephaven and graduating from Minnetonka High School (1979).
“… I wanted to meet new people and get involved in the local community,” says Jim, public image chair. “Rotary was a terrific way to meet those goals … [It] allows ample opportunities to give back in ways that are also personally fulfilling.” He’s also gained a new perspective regarding the community’s varied needs. “… that are not always obvious,” he says.
Established in 1962, the Mound-Westonka Rotary Club, with up to 20 members, has been serving those local needs and assisting in global humanitarian efforts. “This small but vibrant club prides itself on being active at the local, state and international levels,” Jim says. “We have a nice mix of members from early career to active retirees. Occupations range from law, banking, real estate, educators, entrepreneurs, technology, nonprofits and business leaders.” A majority of the members live in the Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista and Mound areas, but several attendees live outside the area but have work or business ties to the community.
“It’s a low time commitment with such high community reward,” Jim says of Rotary participation.
The Mound-Westonka Rotary Club hosts an annual December holiday luncheon at the Lafayette Club. Community members, such as local business leaders, educators, local nonprofit representatives, mayor/council members and police/fire teams gather to reflect on community needs and accomplishments. Music is provided by the Madd Jazz singers from Westonka High School.
Rotarians clearly know how to serve and throw a great community event. In 2013, the Mound-Westonka club launched Tonka Brew Fest, a successful gathering and fundraising event. In its first 10 years, the sellout crowds have enjoyed great beer from Minnesota craft breweries, food, live music and lots of fun. The event has raised over $100,000 for the Rotary club. (Visit page 46 for details for this year’s event.)
Funds are used for an array of projects, including: the Be Like Tommy Project, City of Mound Music in the Park, Christmas Adopt-A-Family, Community Education donations, disaster relief supplies, Eagle Scout projects, the Eli Hart Memorial Playground, food shelves, high school scholarships and school supplies, Mound Harbor District improvements, Rotaract (within Mound-Westonka High School), Wine to Water Filter, Warm Hands Warm Hearts and more.
All great ideas start with a conversation or, in the case of Rotarians, a meeting. “Each meeting features special guest speakers, food, fellowship and fun,” Jim says. “We welcome you to visit our club and consider helping us make the community and world we live in a better place.”
Building Blocks
Rotary’s foundation rests upon these elements:
Clubs, with an estimated 45,000 entities, serve to bring people of all ages together in service to enact change in their communities and the world, not to mention themselves. This series has focused on local Rotary Clubs, which support a wide range of projects and endeavors.
Rotary International works to support worldwide Rotary Clubs through the coordination of global programs and initiatives.
The Rotary Foundation provides funding support for the organization’s humanitarian efforts, which span the globe on local and worldwide levels.
Tonka Brew Fest
Facebook: Tonka Brew Fest
Mound-Westonka Rotary Club
Facebook: Mound-Westonka Rotary Club
Rotary International
Facebook: Rotary International
