The Rotary Club of Cleveland cultivates a diverse community of informed professionals working collectively to create a positive impact by exchanging ideas, forming meaningful, lifelong friendships, and giving back to our community.
Born in Tehran, Iran, Matt Ghaffari grew into a true American hero and set the standard by which all future U.S. Greco-Roman wrestlers would be judged. Ghaffari immigrated to the United States as a teenager, settling in New Jersey and competing for Paramus High School. Ghaffari won his first AAU Freestyle National in 1983 and qualified for the 1984 NCAA Championships at heavyweight while playing a key role in helping the Vikings earn a top-10 nations nal ranking.
After graduation, Ghaffari stepped into the world of international freestyle wrestling, rising as high as No. 2 in the U.S. rankings, and placing fourth at both the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Trials. In 1989, he changed directions, adding Greco-Roman wrestling to his repertoire, leading him to become an American legend.
Between 1990 and 1998, Ghaffari made seven World and Olympic Teams.
Ghaffari is best remembered for his silver-medal performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he took Alexander Karelin, Russia’s seemingly invincible superstar, into overtime before falling, 1-0. On the awards stand, he captured America’s heart as he saluted the flag of his adopted homeland with tears streaming down his face.
Lastly, he was inducted as Distinguished Member into the MOST Prestigious USA National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013. For advancing Greco-Roman wrestling through significant and groundbreaking achievements, Matt Ghaffari is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Membership Development Committee - May 6, 1:00 p.m.
Community Service Committee- May 13, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Service Committee - May 13, 1:00 p.m.
Vocational Service Committee - May 14, 12:00 p.m.
International Service Committee - May 20, 1:00 p.m..
Our Foundation recently approved a $3,100 grant to the YMCA in support of the West Park YMCA Beautification efforts - Please join us this Saturday for a volunteer day! (rsvp to the Rotary office)
Cleveland State University Foundation Virtual Event
"We're saving a virtual seat just for you on Thursday, May 6th, 6:00 p.m. for #CSURadiance. Tune in and join us as we celebrate 10 years of student success and philanthropic support". #RealizingThePromise https://supportcsu.org/radiance
CLE Rotary making an impact in our community!
GradePower Learning tutoring students through the Thea Bowmen Center
"The young lady (Sarah Bellmer) that is working with my granddaughter is great. You guys are the best - right on time."
Paul Qua giving blood every 56 days - "Thank you for giving blood with the American Red Cross on March 25, 2021. After first ensuring that local needs were met, your blood donation was sent to University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI to help a patient in need. Your donation is on its way to change lives!"
What are you doing? Please take the time to record your "Service Above Self" on this google document link:
Our Community Service Committee is doing a fabulous job providing volunteer opportunities for both those that are comfortable to go out and for those that want to volunteer right from their home. If you are doing something to help the community please send a picture and a description, we want to recognize you!!
Volunteer Tuesday, May 11th and Wednesday May 17th from 5-8pm.
Let Paul Qua know if you want to serve. (pqua@classicautocampus.com or call (216)544-7501
American Red Cross Blood Donor Day, May 20, 2021!
For every 1 donation, 3 lives can be saved! Need we say more? This is a great opportunity for the entire family, a friend, or colleague to join you and make a difference! Due to natural disasters and Covid - 19 the need has never been greater! If donating blood isn't possible, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities available.
