Speaker: Gregor Baum-The Inner Journey
After traveling across the pond to compete on a tennis scholarship in North Carolina, Gregor Baum’s athletic career was abruptly ended with an injury.
Far away from his home of Germany, Baum was chasing the “American Dream” when he came to Rocky Mount in 2021 to play alongside fellow students of North Carolina Wesleyan University. His story ever since took several turns—all of which led him to a reinvented version of that dream.
He experienced a career-ending injury, and Baum went through a time of serious depression. Seeking help and a path forward, he said he worked with a counselor which led to a new practice of journaling as a means to process the disappointment and shattered dream.
What started as a distraction for Baum in a difficult time turned into public speaking and community service interests. His travels through a student exchange program of Rotary International led him to Mexico and sparked an interest in him to create a student Rotaract Club on campus at N.C. Wesleyan University. The aim of the club was “to create a space where students could share the common challenges of college life, especially when faced with unexpected setbacks,” according to a release from Rotary Club of Crabtree.
"Through Rotary, I found a way to transform my pain into purpose,” Baum said. “What began as a Rotary exchange program in Mexico has evolved into a lifelong mission of service, mental health awareness, and the promotion of resilience. Rotary has not only changed my life but also provides me with the chance to uplift others, proving that through service, we can indeed change the world, one person at a time.”
Please invite a friend and come to lunch on Thursday to hear Gregor's extraordinary story of tragedy and hope and purpose.
New member Spotlight: Peter Saddler
Peter brings more than 30 years of sales and marketing expertise, providing enterprise, I.T. solutions to businesses and the American dream to consumers.
Navigating through the labyrinth of his own life lessons, he felt compelled to start a transformational coaching company, dedicated to co-partnering with people, to help them overcome fear, self-doubt and other barriers. Empowering people to achieve higher levels of leadership, a greater sense of accomplishment and deeper levels of fulfillment - is his purpose.
As he's been known to say, "great coaching is like sex. It's better to experience it, than to talk about it!"
Peter's previous involvement in charitable and community service projects included instructing "chair dancing" classes to the memory care side of Senior living facilities. He also served in leadership at a Ministry in Gainesville, performing various community projects including food banking and distribution to the homeless.
He has four incredible daughters - one a recent grad from Georgia Tech, another recent grad from Georgia State, a senior at Mercer and a MPH from Emory.
"I plan to leverage my sales, marketing and production skills to help Roswell Rotary Club."
"I joined Roswell Rotary Club to serve and make a positive impact and a measurable difference in the lives of the residents of Roswell, the city of Atlanta and beyond our borders!"
Last Chance to Donate for GRSP
Last week, we heard from our GRSP student Marie Sloth-Egholm before she returns to Denmark. What a great opportunity it has been for her and global friendship in the Rotary family.
This is last call for supporting the GRSP program this fiscal year. Awards will be given out on May 22 for various donation levels. We will also have a video from a GRSP student from 30 years ago!
Talk to Betty Price immediately to be part of a step up in contributing to this great cause!
After Hours 3rd Annual Comedy for a Cause!
Get ready to laugh for a cause!
Join us for our 3rd Annual Comedy for a Cause — where we turn laughter into support for those who need it most. This year, we’re proud to partner with Giving Grace, a local Atlanta organization dedicated to helping families with everything from child care assistance and rent support to securing housing for those experiencing homelessness.
Every need is unique, and Giving Grace is there to meet people where they are. Now it’s our turn to give back!
Come out for a Thirsty Thursday full of laughs, community, and purpose — and help make a difference, one punchline at a time!
When: June 12th, 2025
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Roswell Junction 340 S Atlanta St. Roswell, GA 30075
