Firelight Marketing

As I sit here and cry reading this heartfelt story, it's not because I'm hurting it's because I am so very happy that god put a man in my life that let's me live mine and wants to live his with me. To finally have a partner that stands beside me in everything that I do, encourages me to do better and to try new things, to have a business partner, a travel partner, a best friend, a lover, a support system, and a confidant. I can not tell you what this means to me as a woman who has always put myself last in relationships. After my last relationship I swore to myself that I would never be that person again. When I met Styles I also let him know that I would never change my path for a man again and that is we couldn't walk our paths together then I couldn't be in a relationship with him. But to my surprise our lives wove together like a beautiful web. I am so very thankful each and everyday I get to wake up with this amazing human and will never take a moment that we get to spend together for granted. Thank you lord for blessing me with this man 🥰 Michael Larson

Tonight’s dinner was honestly one of those evenings that stays with you. We had the opportunity to hear from two incredible women whose stories reminded me just how much impact one person can have.
Jennifer E. Jones, the first woman president of Rotary International, shared stories from her time in Pakistan helping with polio eradication efforts. Hearing about children living in dirt-floor huts with open wounds surrounded by flies was heartbreaking. But what really hit me was her reminder that even with all the challenges those children face, because of Rotary’s work, polio is something they hopefully will never have to suffer from. It was emotional, eye-opening, and such a powerful reminder of why service matters.
We also heard from Sylvia Whitlock, the first woman to serve as president of a Rotary Club. She shared the story of the fight for women to be accepted into Rotary after the Rotary Club of Duarte lost its charter for admitting women. Her persistence and courage helped pave the way for the 1987 Supreme Court ruling that Rotary Clubs could no longer exclude women based on gender.
One thing that really stuck with me was hearing that it took 17 years before an article was finally printed recognizing women in Rotary and the impact they were making. Seventeen years. That kind of perseverance is hard to even imagine.
Tonight was a reminder that real change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens because people keep showing up, keep fighting for what’s right, and keep believing they can make a difference and I am so proud to be a part of it. Kayla Mauldin Rotary Club of Eugene After Hours

Tonight we had the opportunity to meet some truly inspiring students through the Rotary Youth Exchange program, including this amazing young woman from Ashland who will be heading to Belgium this August as an outbound exchange student.
It was incredible hearing the stories, goals, and excitement from both the inbound and outbound students. Programs like this do so much more than create travel opportunities — they build confidence, leadership, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Wishing her an unforgettable journey filled with growth, adventure, and experiences she’ll carry for a lifetime. Belgium is lucky to have her representing our community. 🇧🇪
A big thank you to Rotary International and all the local Rotary clubs that invest in young leaders and help make these opportunities possible.