Rotary International's District 6840, comprised of 64 clubs in southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi, held its 2025 Annual Conference at Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis on June 5-8. See the photos of all of our fun below!
The Conference started with the third session of the Rotary Leadership Institute, followed by a luau lunch and gathering at the pool and lazy river.
The Lake Charles Rotary Club's sponsored Hospitality Suite opened that night, where vintage games, like Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots and Jenga were available.
Friday's activities included games testing our knowledge of the Wide World of Rotary and allowed for team competition among attendees and territories!
That afternoon, we gathered with volunteers from other local groups to pack 50,000 meals with Rise Against Hunger.
Immediately following that activity, we met at the historic train station for a Tailgate party that featured dishes made with the rice packets used by Rise Against Hunger. Our booth, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Slidell North Shore club, featured the now-famous "flick football game" and Blue Bell ice cream floats.
The whole crew here!!
Friday night the Hospitality Suite was really hopping with fun, fellowship, food and drinks!
The Conference got underway on Saturday with a variety of inspiring speakers, interspersed with Rotary moments where we learned more about Rotary International. Saturday night's Awards Banquet produced two special awards for the Rotary Club of Slidell:
- MVP for Service and Fellowship presented to Kenny Breaux for the club's many service projects and for his efforts promoting fellowship with the family of Rotary by traveling to other clubs to support and encourage them, and hosting other clubs at our meetings.
- The Ray Hymel Sustainer of Rotary Award was given to our very own Donald Bryan, who has been a leader in District 6840 for many years. He attends district and club events, offering his support and guidance. In the words of District Governor Samantha Walley, "(Don) is kind and generous beyond measure. His club president, Kenny, had glowing praise for his service to the club as secretary but also as a longstanding member. I consider Don a gentle giant...always there to lead but allowing others in his club and district to shine. Don is a true Rotarian".
Rotary Club of Slidell members Barbara Doyle and Linda Larkin served on the District Conference Planning Committee and secured the speakers for the event. Here are all of our club members with their awards!
We look forward to attending the 2026 District Conference next year!