CATANZARO – 26 JULY 2025. In the evocative setting of Villa Chorisia, the Rotary Club of Catanzaro celebrated one of the most emblematic events on the Rotary calendar: the Handover Ceremony between the outgoing president, Elena Grimaldi, and the new president, Ferdinando Saracco, appointed to lead the club for the 2025/2026 social year.
The evening, full of emotion and participation, reaffirmed the importance of the founding values of Rotary — friendship, service, and mutual support — emphasized by both presidents during their speeches. Saracco declared his intention to continue the path started by Grimaldi, with attention to the needs of the area and an openness to innovative and charitable initiatives.
Elena Grimaldi's address was introduced by an emotional video retracing the Club's twelve months of activities, marked by commitment, passion, and participation. A heartfelt thanks was extended to all the members who, with dedication and a spirit of service, contributed to the success of the projects launched, including at the district level. Grimaldi, who faced objective logistical difficulties in the first months of her term, concluded by recalling the words of the dean of Calabrian Rotary, Vito Rosano: “Rotary is outside,” open to dialogue and the community, far from any associative closure.
In his inaugural speech, the new president Saracco outlined the objectives for the new social year, actively involving all members in the Club's thematic activities. A touching moment was dedicated to the memory of Professor Umberto Platì, a charismatic figure and former president of the Rotary Club Catanzaro, recently deceased, whose memory remains strong in the hearts of Rotarians.
During the ceremony, awards were given to some leaders for their association merits. In particular, two members — Francesca Ferraro and Vito Verrastro — were awarded the prestigious title of Paul Harris Fellow, in recognition of their significant contribution within the Club.
District Governor Dino De Marco — concluding the ceremony — expressed appreciation for the dynamism of the Catanzaro Club, highlighting the presentation of the strategic plan for the next three years, in line with the directives of Rotary International. A concrete sign of efficiency, foresight, and Rotary spirit that characterizes the work of the Catanzaro members.