Helen Reisler, Past District Governor & President, Rotary Club of New York

This past Thursday, Paramus Rotary had the privilege of welcoming Helen Reisler, Past District Governor and the first woman to serve as President of the Rotary Club of New York. Helen delivered a powerful and deeply moving account of her presidency during one of the most defining moments in modern history: the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Helen described how, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the Rotary Club of New York was unexpectedly thrust into a global leadership role. As Rotary International designated her club the central coordinating hub for worldwide Rotary contributions, Helen found herself responsible for organizing, managing, and distributing support from Rotarians across the globe. Under her guidance, the club inspired and directed $1.4 million in relief donations, ensuring that funds were efficiently and compassionately delivered to victims and families in need.

Her presentation highlighted both the urgency of those early days and the long-term humanitarian commitment that followed. Helen’s reflections were accompanied by a special film documenting the club’s response, offering members a vivid and emotional window into the resilience, service, and unity that defined Rotary’s role during that crisis.

Helen’s leadership during 9/11 remains one of Rotary’s most extraordinary examples of “Service Above Self,” and her visit was a profound reminder of the impact one Rotary club, and one Rotary president, can have when the world needs it most.