Generosity funded 12 additional scholarships, transforming a tragic loss into a lasting legacy that empowers local youth. Read the blog to see how your support is creating a powerful ripple effect in the community.
The Ripple Effect: How United Donors are Creating Lasting Impact in Lori Burke’s Memory
On Tuesday morning, Summit Rotary members received a powerful reminder of what happens when a community unites for a common purpose. Club member Julie Hicks shared an inspiring reflection from her recent June 28th visit to Young RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, beautifully illustrating the profound impact of our youth programs:
"The theme of the week was 'Be the Pebble That Makes the Ripple'—the idea that one small act sends ripples outward in ways you can’t always predict.Here’s what struck me first: the camp is run almost entirely by kids. Junior Counselors—teenagers just a few years older than the campers—planned and led every activity, with adults stepping in only when needed. Hand young people real responsibility, and they rise to meet it.I watched thirteen-year-olds solve problems together in real time and answer the hard question: How will you apply this when you get home? And they had answers. Thoughtful ones—about pushing past comfort zones, respect, and serving their communities. They could already recite the Four-Way Test. Our support of Young RYLA is one pebble—and the ripples are already spreading."
From "Unite For Good" to "Create Lasting Impact"
This past Rotary year, the global theme was "Unite For Good." When we tragically lost our extraordinary youth champion Lori Burke on October 20, 2025, our community did exactly that—we united. Donors and members stepped up to meet a $2,500 SIR Giving matching challenge, pouring resources into the Lori Burke Memorial Fund to honor a woman who spent countless years transforming thousands of young lives. [1]
Now, as we cross into the new Rotary year, the international theme transitions to "Create Lasting Impact."
Through your united support, we are doing precisely that. Lori always believed that leadership isn't about titles—it's about inspiring others and solving problems creatively. By funding an additional 12 YRYLA scholarships this year, our donors have ensured that Lori’s passionate commitment to developing the next generation of leaders will create an uninterrupted, lasting impact for years to come.
Adults Transformed: District Governor Cindy Rold Shares Her Vision
The inspiration at camp did not stop with the eighth graders. Immediate Past Rotary District 5450 Governor Cindy Rold also served on the ground as a RYLA Senior Counselor. At our club meeting, Cindy said “I was privileged to watch high schoolers hone their leadership skills and have breakthroughs about what it means to be a leader and how leadership can look different for each individual.”
Carrying the Torch: A Call for Leadership and Volunteers
Lori Burke gave middle and high school students the opportunity to discover their true potential regardless of financial circumstances. To keep this momentum going strong, we must fill the leadership gap left behind.
Summit Rotary is actively looking for a new RYLA program head to step forward and coordinate this life-changing initiative, alongside volunteers to fill critical roles:
- Senior Counselors to volunteer at camp, guide workshops, and mentor the kids.
- Rotary Committee Members to assist with local planning, student recruitment, and execution.
If you want to experience the inspiration Julie and Cindy described, we invite you to help us carry the torch. Explore our opportunities on our Rotary Youth Page or contact Cathy Fogel to learn how you can help us shape the leaders of tomorrow.