Four or five years ago Gary Kennedy, a Rotary Registered International Volunteer, convinced his Lewiston/Auburn Rotary Club that one of the greatest things the club could give for an international project was sports to a worthy village in Southeast Asia.

The club authorized Kennedy to purchase hundreds of dollars in baseball equipment. Kennedy continued to store the equipment because he couldn’t find a worthy venue for what he had believed originally to be an easy task. Kennedy had no problem finding children who would love to learn and play the sport. His greatest challenge was to find children who had access to a playing field.

Kennedy stated, “There are always obstacles to overcome when you deal with those who are extremely poor. You would think giving is easy but such is not always the case. There are always those who want to change your mission to benefit their own agendas as well as other natural unforeseen calamities.”

Since the beginning of this mission Kennedy has started a Rotary club in Hallowell and became its charter president. However, he never lost sight of his previous club’s donation and its intended use.

When telling this story in Southeast Asia, Kennedy stated, “In Rotary we live by a moral code known as the Four Way Test. 1. Is it the truth?; 2. Is it fair to all concerned?; 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?; 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? How could I possibly live within the constraints of this test if I didn’t fulfill my assigned mission, given by my previous club, The Rotary Club of Lewiston/Auburn?,” he said.

Although it has taken some time to complete this mission it has been accomplished in a grand manner. The recipient of all the equipment is the hamlet of Amadeo Cavite, Philippines. Also, Kennedy promised them that he would make every effort to continue to support them and others in their area so the sport would grow. There was enough equipment given to allow for two teams both in baseball as well as softball after The Rotary Club of Hallowell contributed softball equipment.

Amadeo’s Mayor Benjo treated Kennedy and his wife, Celestina, to a meal, native coffee and an invitation to join him and his wife at some future local events. Also Mayor Benjo showed some interest in starting a Rotary Club in his area.

Kennedy is a Registered Rotary International Volunteer, a Paul Harris Fellow, Charter President of the Rotary Club in Hallowell and the recipient of the prestigious President’s Award for Volunteerism.