Charlotte County couple Priya Ahluwalia and Mohit Pohani announced that the first meeting and celebration of the Southwest Florida Rotary is slated for May 1.
Ahluwalia, an entrepreneur serving as a mentor to young business owners and inventors in the area, said what makes SWFL Rotary in District 6960 unique is being regional and open to residents from Bradenton to Marco Island.
“Unlike traditional Rotary clubs, SWFL Rotary isn’t tied to one location. Instead, it will rotate meetings and service projects across the region, uniting Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Babcock Ranch, North Port, Bonita Springs and surrounding communities,” she said.
Ahluwalia and Pohani thought to start a regional Rotary club after hearing Rotary International President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo’s address during a Rotary training seminar last month in Orlando.
Camargo spoke about keeping Rotary relevant and having a Rotary club reflect the community, Ahluwalia said.
Visiting local Rotaries, the couple discovered that area clubs consisted of mostly older, retired members.
SWFL Rotary’s board is diverse and consists of members ranging in age from 23 to 75.
The club’s “intergenerational approach creates a space where families and professionals can serve together, learn from one another and build lasting community impact,” Ahluwalia said.
Its mission is to have a positive impact in Southwest Florida by uniting individuals and families already making progress independently and bringing them together under one Rotary roof.
“Rotary clubs should reflect the vibrancy of their communities and adapt to how people live and work today,” Ahluwalia said.
“With SWFL Rotary, we’re doing exactly that, creating a flexible, regional club that brings together movers and shakers, professionals, families and changemakers from all across Southwest Florida.”
Local businesses, including Publix, Carrabba’s Italian Grill at Gulf Coast Town Center, Concord Pools and Spas, M’Xuma Tacos Mexican Grill, CamJon Travel, The Lakehouse Kitchen & Bar, The Force Team at Keller Williams Realty, Solar City Carts, Cornell Bunting, Forever Fiore Tea Lounge, The Heights Foundation, Hale Law and Title P.A., The Getaway Spa and Blend Lab Cafe committed $5,000 in community sponsorships.
There are 59 businesses signed up for the May 1 charter meeting at Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St. in Fort Myers.
Ahluwalia said she has reserved space for 120, but more could be accommodated at the event that will have speakers, dinner and entertainment.
To register, click here.
