Giving is receiving?
We’ve heard that before. I never understood it. I practiced law in New York for 13 years, then started 22 years ago a specialty finance company. Who has time for volunteer work? “Time is money” was a phrase I better understood.
Ten years ago, I left New York and moved to Marblehead. Eventually, I joined the Rotary Club of Marblehead — less so to serve on its charitable missions (convinced I had zero time for that); more so, to meet people. And I did — awesome people. Weekly lunch meetings in the Boston Yacht Club, interesting guest speakers, bonding. Months later, the unimaginable happened. I raised my hand and said, “OK, I’ll join a committee.” That moment, I remember moaning to myself — this is never going to work, I shouldn’t have joined the Rotary.
And then, the magic began:
1. I became a book buddy for a third grader. I provided books and we exchanged letters, all via the student’s teacher, encouraging reading on topics the child expressed interest in. The child wrote back about the books he read. It worked!
2. Every December, the Rotary assists the Edith Dodge Memorial Fund with holiday cookie deliveries to local seniors. I greeted about 30 local elderly residents on their doorstep. Many were widowed, living alone and likely hadn’t gone out much due to wintery conditions. I showed up with a giftwrapped box of cookies and a holiday card. The light in the eyes of the elderly people I visited filled my heart.
3. We are grateful for the annual assistance of Marblehead’s Little Harbor Lobster Company, which donates 80 pounds of lobster to Rotary’s Lobster Raffle in July.
All proceeds from ticket sales and donations from locals are applied to college scholarships and camperships for Marblehead’s youth. I joined the effort for the last two years. This year’s ticket sales are just two weeks away.
4. I’m co-leading the Rotary’s annual 5k race (Sunday, Nov. 1, 11:30 a.m.) starting and finishing in Crocker Park. Runners of all ages run through Old Town and beyond. All funds raised support multiple charitable causes, including programs addressing mental health for Marblehead students.
I’m a believer now: Giving is receiving. Donating time and effort to charitable causes gives me the privilege of touching the heart and soul of our community. Should I be enjoying this as much as the beneficiaries of my donated time? I am.
I’m now serving on The Rotary Club of Marblehead’s Board and I’m the president elect for the 2027-28 term. Do I have less time to devote to work, family, playing? The math says yes. But not really, because somehow, I’m getting it all done, and here’s the key: I’m a role model to my son, I’m a happier person, I’m contributing to the community and I’m helping people.
Now here’s a call to action: Join the Rotary Club of Marblehead. Make an impact on people’s lives, including your own.
With over 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members worldwide, our global community impact is soaring. The Rotary Club of Marblehead has been serving local and international communities since 1923.
Help send a child to camp or college: Buy lobster raffle tickets July Fourth weekend at Rotary tables outside Crosby’s, Old Town House and Abbot Hall. Also, visit marbleheadrotary.com.
Peter J. Speziale is the president-elect of the Rotary Club of Marblehead.
