Ming Chiang, Amityville Rotarian and 7255 Polio Plus Foundation Chair, recently returned from Berlin where he was a panelist at The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind. The worldwide event focused on current threats to worldwide democracies. Ming is one of the executive producers of the documentary, Invisible Nation, a film following Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen, and a portrait of Taiwan and the country’s struggle to preserve its hard-won democracy. The documentary received The Cinema for Peace Honorary Award for its inspiring performance that resonated with the themes of international understanding, freedom, and peace.
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It is with sadness that we report the passing of PDG Ben Binkowski in late December, at the age of 89 years old. Ben was a true Rotarian, leading with a quiet, but steady and assured demeanor.
Rotary Club of Queensborough West Cracks Stalled Enigma of Perla Manuel Lucenta
A Journey of Redemption: Restoring Dignity to a Forgotten Soul
We are privileged to share this story of dedication from the Queensborough West Rotary Club, which beautifully exemplifies the incredible power of Rotary.
The story begins with the Philippine Embassy, who shared an impassioned plea on social media to locate the next of kin of Perla Manuel Lucerna, a woman fighting cancer alone in a NYC shelter. Tragically, Perla passed away before any next of kin was located.
Upon hearing her story, Queensborough Rotary resolved to bring closure to Perla's journey to extend the kind hand she never received in life. Queensborough Rotary, led by Rotarian Eddy Casiño Aranez, in collaboration with the Association of Bukidnon in America, navigated the challenging task of identifying and repatriating Perla's body and reuniting her with her children.
Their unwavering dedication transformed her story from neglect to redemption, concluding with a solemn cremation and her return to family. This inspiring tale calls for collective action, urging society to build a world where compassion triumphs over indifference.
The Rotary Club of Queensborough West shares this story as a catalyst for change, encouraging unity in love, compassion, and solidarity, ensuring no one faces life's darkest moments alone.