My name is Melanie Dubendorff — I'm the President of MAD for Vets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Veterans and families across Greater Houston, and your fellow Rotarian as a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Houston Veterans. I'm reaching out on behalf of Rotary District 5890's Operation Turkey initiative, and I'd love to bring it to your club.
Operation Turkey is our annual Thanksgiving program that delivers over **13,700 warm meals** to Veterans, individuals, and families in need across the Greater Houston area each year on Operation Tailgate (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving) and Thanksgiving Day itself. It's a District-wide effort, and clubs across 5890 participate at whatever level works for them.
You may have already heard that Bob Gebhard is stepping down as District Chair for Operation Turkey after years of extraordinary leadership. Bob's impact on this program — and on Veterans across our District — is the kind that doesn't need elaboration to anyone who's had the privilege of knowing him. Rather than let one person try to fill that role, the District is moving forward with two of us at the helm: I'm covering the West/Northwest clubs, and Mark McVey, Past President of the Rotary Club of Greater Houston Veterans, is covering the South/Southeast side. Bob will remain involved as a Consultant, because once Operation Turkey gets in your blood, it doesn't let go. We're grateful to carry this forward with his continued wisdom in our corner.
This year, I'd love the opportunity to come speak at one of your meetings, introduce your club to Operation Turkey 2026, share how the program works, and talk about how your club might want to get involved. No pressure, no lengthy pitch, just a fellow Rotarian sharing something I think your members will care about.
Would there be a speaker slot available on your meeting calendar before October? I'm flexible on timing and happy to work around your program lineup.
Feel free to reply here or call me directly at 832-657-3805. Melanie or somone on her team will be making an announcement about this at our October meeting.