Who is your Tommy?

Rotary International News -- 20 August 2009

William D. Pollard Jr. addresses the District 7600 (Virginia, USA) Convention during his year as governor. Photo courtesy William D. Pollard Jr.

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Most Rotarians have a story about what first attracted them to Rotary.

For William D. Pollard Jr., 2008-09 governor of District 7600 (Virginia, USA), that story includes a retired banker named Tommy. Pollard recounted the details when he visited clubs in his district during his term to stump for recruitment and retention.

He shared his address with Rotary International News in honor of Membership and Extension Month:

When I think of why we should ask someone to join Rotary, I think of Tommy.

Two years after starting my banking career in Richmond, I was asked to work in my hometown of Petersburg. One of the first people to visit me was Tommy Adkins, a retired banker, who asked me to attend a Rotary club meeting.

While I was growing up in Petersburg, Tommy lived on the same street as my family. I even delivered his newspaper. I had no idea what Rotary was but accepted Tommy's kind invitation to visit the Rotary Club of Petersburg.

Tommy passed away several years ago, and he probably never realized the impact he had on my professional and personal life:

Because of Tommy, I have participated in many service projects helping others.
Because of Tommy, I have tried to follow The Four-Way Test.
Because of Tommy, I have supported The Rotary Foundation.
Because of Tommy, I am going to help 2008-09 RI President Dong Kurn Lee reduce child mortality.
Because of Tommy, my mother is a Rotarian.
Because of Tommy, I stand before you today as our district governor.
Because of Tommy, I have made so many new friendships through Rotary.

So I have three questions for each of you:

Who is your Tommy?
What impact has Rotary had on your life?
Have you been or will you be someone else's Tommy?

30 Comments:

At 12:25PM on 28 June 2010, Mark Davidson wrote: I found this, completely by accident, but I wanted to add my two cents worth, as well. Tommy Adkins was my grandfather, as well; my mother is Elsa's mother's sister Eleanor. Like my cousin Elsa said, I remember clearly the Rotary emblem being on things around my grandparents' home, and I knew it was important to him. As a banker myself for many years, I got to meet several Rotary members, and I knew that they are a worthwhile organization. I am glad to know that, like myself, so many have been touched by my grandfather's wonderful spirit. I am glad I found this site!

At 8:53AM on 8 October 2009, Pradeep Mulay wrote: My Tommy is Rtn Vinod. We need to produce many more sincere Tommy like him to help Rotary movement grow!

At 4:47PM on 23 September 2009, Kitty wrote: Bill, You make me proud, and you would make our pal, Julia Knight, so very proud. ~Kitty

At 2:35PM on 22 September 2009, Billy Jane Ferguson wrote: My Tommy is Past President Minerva kemp whom I admire to this day even though she is no longer a part of our club. When I first became a Rotarian, I was introduce to "Service Above Self" by my TOmmy. I am greatful to her for being my sponsor and allowing me to serve as Comunity Director 08-09 . My plan is to be the best TOmmy I can be to future members of the Rotary Club of Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island District 6990.

At 9:02AM on 10 September 2009, Elsa Lazaron Berndt wrote: Hello, Tommy Adkins was my grandfather. I am Nancy's daughter, and my uncle Tommy Adkins sent me this link. It makes me so happy to read this about my grandfather. As child I remember seeing rotary emblems on different things in their house, and I knew that it was a club that he was involved in, but because I was so young I don't think anyone ever explained to what extent he as involved. I just love that he made an impact on your life, and that you have made a slogan that so many other people are identifying with, out of his name! That would make him smile. Thank you!!

At 11:06AM on 9 September 2009, Jim Adkins wrote: Thanks, Bill for honoring Tommy Adkins in this way. He would be proud indeed to know he had such a positive influence on some of the choices you have made during your life. My dad was consistently kind, fair, honest, and supportive - pretty much the embodiment of the Rotary principles, although he lived this way long before joining. I hope all Rotarians will honor their "Tommys" by, as well, being the embodiment of the Rotary principles, and teaching these to those around them. I'm lucky to be his son.

At 9:14AM on 8 September 2009, Ellen Adkins wrote: Although Bill Pollard's intent was to challenge Rotarians to identify their Tommy's and to be a Tommy to someone, I have a different reason for writing. Tommy Adkins was my father-in-law. I have never known a kinder, more decent gentleman than Tommy Adkins. I remember Tommy looking forward to the weekly Rotary meetings well into his retirement years. Thank you, Bill Pollard, for bringing memories of this wonderful man back for his family and for sharing how Tommy influenced his life. What a legacy to share with Tommy's grandchildren!

At 9:15AM on 8 September 2009, M. Adkins Butcher wrote: Hi Bill, Wow! You and I have the exact same Tommy! It's so great to read this story. It's a nice feeling to know that my dad had such an influence on you and impacted your life in such a way. I'm glad that our Tommy lives on in us and in others. He and my mom would would smile to see this! I'm smiling! Thanks

At 10:34AM on 26 August 2009, rhedgy hollero wrote: Inspiring story Bill. I hope, in behalf of my RC Mega EDSA, Philippines, as PE next year June, 2010, will be able to anchor on that experience. Our club membership had dropped tremendously last year for obvious reasons, petty bickerings and personal prides and agendas prevailed. What hit me most was my Tommy dealt me unfairly in our business transaction. Anyway, I'm still here doing services above self , looking forward to serve my term on 2010. Thanks a lot for your story and if you have a chance to visit the Philippines, we'll be greatly honored to have you as our very distinguished speaker. God bless! rhedgy

At 9:13AM on 25 August 2009, Joan Pollard wrote: Thank you for being "My Tommy" and inviting me to join Rotary in 1992. Dad and I are so proud of you - both as a Rotarian and as a person.

At 1:39PM on 24 August 2009, Carol Woodward wrote: It really is about one starfish at a time, isn't it Bill? You are an inspiration and a fine example for the rest of us.

At 12:59PM on 24 August 2009, Steve Silverman wrote: Bill, you do our class of governors proud (08-09). Sharing the passion of Rotary, sharing the service we do, and sharing our time and talents. Thank you for all you do.

At 9:15AM on 24 August 2009, Hassan Singh Mejie wrote: If your ever pass by India, do drop in at Rotary Club Chandigarh Dist. 3080, Home Club of past RI President Raja Saboo. We need a rotarian like you to give us a talk. Hassan Singh Mejie Jt. Secretary & Editor News Bulletin.

At 9:16AM on 24 August 2009, Ken Frantz wrote: Great message. We all remember our Tommy's. And a great way to remind Rotarians that need to be the Tommy's for all those we invite.

At 9:18AM on 24 August 2009, Naresh Roy wrote: Im member of Rotary Allahabad Elite, RI District 3120, part of Northern India. My Hometown boasts of holding the biggest congregation of People in the World at any one time - The Kumbh Mela. IMy Tommy was late PDG Rtn Manohar Lal Jaiswal.in 1980. Since then Rotary has become a inseperatable part of my life. I have realised that the more service I do I get back much more than I can ever think off. Rotary Motto SERVICE ABOVE SELF is 100% correct.. I have acted as Tommy to dozens of members of my club. I liked the thought behind 'Who is my Tommy'.

At 1:03PM on 24 August 2009, Manandi Suresh wrote: My Tommy was a Businessman B.L.Radhakrishna,he invited me to join Rotary 27 years ago and I was the president of Rotary Bangalore South DT.3190. Now I am the DGE DT 3190.I pray for my friend Radha for inviting me to Rotary

At 1:04PM on 24 August 2009, PP Chary Misa, D.3780 wrote: I was recruited by a CM and he is now in his late 80's. I am 17 years in Rotary and I find fulfillment in serving the marginalized society thru Rotary. We feel service in our hearts and that's when joy glows and we are like sugar being sweet and attracts many "why are you in Rotary" and the rest is history.

At 1:12PM on 24 August 2009, Girish Mittal wrote: Great stroy Bill...I do have a Tommy...he followed me for 2 years to make me member of the club...finally I relented..and there has been no looking back since last 5 years...I have been contribute to the comunity through 4 matching grant projects...with I am sure...several to follow....

At 1:34PM on 24 August 2009, Rafiq Ahmed Siddique wrote: My Tommy was Charter President of RC of Dhaka Midtown Dr. R.A.Ghani. Because of him I became a Charter member of Dhaka Midtown in January 1978 and a DG in 2007-08 of RID 3280, because of him the deadly disease Cancer did not stop me from living in service to society till today and I believe God let me live without pain and not handicapprd at all. Thank you Dr. Ghani.

At 1:19PM on 24 August 2009, Ed Betts wrote: Bill...I get a lump in my throat each time I read your Tommy speech...Great going.

At 1:19PM on 24 August 2009, Kim Garey wrote: Bill, You have been an inspiration to all of us in District 7600, and your Tommy story touched the hearts of many. Thank you for sharing the story, and reminding us of our challenge to make Rotary stronger by being someone else's Tommy.

At 3:38PM on 21 August 2009, Jayne Sullivan wrote: Bill .. All of your stories have been personal and meaningful. You continue to be a Rotarian extraordinaire.

At 3:38PM on 21 August 2009, Les Halstead wrote: Bill, you did a great job this past year. Because your dedication and committment are genuine you help others to understand what Rotary is about and to see a true Rotarian.

At 3:40PM on 21 August 2009, Dr.Monzur Choudhury wrote: My Tommy is Advocate N.H. Jaigirdar, who invited me to join Rotary 23 years ago. I have been a hundred percenter since then, and I enjoyed Rotary becoming President of a club in Bangladesh and two times president of a club in New York.I became GSE team leader,and now Governor Elect of D-3280. Through Rotary I was able to esteablish the second disabled rehabilitation centre and hospital in Bangladesh, organised open heart surgery of number poor young children and many things more. What a satisfaction ! I pray for Jaigirdar for inviting me to join Rotary.

At 3:41PM on 21 August 2009, Merle Hirschman wrote: Way to go Bill!!!! I have heard your Tommy story many times and never tire of it! It presents a challenge to all of us!

At 2:42PM on 20 August 2009, Lisa Hollier wrote: Bill, I'm so grateful that Tommy invited you to Rotary! You've been a great DG and helped our District achieve so many goals! My "Tommy" is a member of the club I have been active in for the last 17 years! Rotary is a part of my life and I do hope to share it with others and become their Tommy. Thanks again! Lisa

At 2:43PM on 20 August 2009, Jim Pierce wrote: "Who your Tommy?" was one of the most impactful catch phrases in our district last year. The excitement generated by IPDG Bill's personal story was very instrumental in the successful Club extension in the District and the net positive membership growth. Congrats Gov Bill on a great year.

At 2:43PM on 20 August 2009, Judy Cocherell wrote: Bill, I have heard you tell this story and it has high impact. We can make such a difference in our own lives and the lives of so many others by one simple act of asking someone to come to Rotary. Thanks for sharing.

At 2:45PM on 20 August 2009, Kenan Kern wrote: I also have a Tommy in my life that has been the same inspiration that DG Bill Pollared has experienced. Lynn Hadwin, a member of the Rotary Club of Savannah South became my friend and Rotary mentor following my relocation from Virginia to Georgia nearly 20 years ago. I had been a Rotarian previously and had not realized what an honor it was to hold membership in Rotary International. Lynn Hadwin eventually served as DG during my year as club president and he has continued to guide and set the bar high for me that resulted in me joining my classmate Bill Pollard as DG for D-6920 for 2008-2009. I owe much to my special friend Lynn Hadwin. He has been responsible for my great Rotary experiences and has provided similiar relationships to many other Rotarians. I hope I can serve someone in the future as PDG Lynn Hadwin provided for me.

At 11:42AM on 20 August 2009, John Smarge wrote: Bill: Great story. My Tommy is Dr. Phil Smith, who saw something in me as a 22 year old, and gave me the ultimate gift...an invitation to The Rotary Club of Naples, FL USA...I will work the rest of my life to repay him...

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