WHO WE ARE
EPIC Day of Service Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization powered entirely by passionate Rotarian volunteers. Founded just three years ago on the Northeastern United States, EPIC has experienced extraordinary growth, expanding across the Colorado districts in the West and reaching six additional countries internationally.
VISION
To bring together 1.2 million Rotarian members and countless community members worldwide for an extraordinary day of transformative service projects--an unmmissable opportunity to be part of a global movement showcasing the very best of humanity in action.
MISSION
To inspire and create a worldwide EPIC Day of Service, uniting Rotary clubs and community members in collective action to make a tangible difference in communities around the globe. Through this initiative, we aim to provide an accessible platform that empowers clubs to promote their projects, elevate Rotary's visibility, and amplify the incredible work being done in communities everywhere.
HISTORY
The EPIC Day is a grassroots event founded in 2022 by two Rotary District Governors -- Jeff Krause and Joanne Alfieri -- in Connecticut and Massachusetts. They were responding to Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta's call for all clubs to do a Rotary Day of Service. Under the coordination of Robert Friend, a broad team of Rotary leaders has grown the EPIC Day exponentially. In 2024, Districts in Colorado and Wyoming joined the team, bringing a new global website to help support public involvement and add fundraising.
OUR IMPACT
Currently in 7 Countries:
United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, England, The Netherlands, and Bermuda
21 Districts with over 1200 clubs
10 States:
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Colorado, Wyoming, Michigan
1264 Projects
Over 36,000 Rotarians and Community Members
Last year the fundraising component was implemented in the Colorado district and successfully raised over $150,000
THE EPIC FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Pat McGuckin | Board Co-Chair and President
Denver Southeast Rotary Club, District 5450
Pat is a 3rd generation Rotarian. An entrepreneur, he built and sold four companies in the engineered construction and environmental information industries. Pat is now working full-time to help the EPIC Team bring the EPIC Day of Service to Rotary Clubs and communities worldwide
Robert Friend | Trustee and Board Co-Chair
Rotary Club of Madison Connecticut, District 7980
Robert friend, a 24-year Rotarian and current District Governor for Rotary Southern Connecticut (District 7980), has worked alongside fellow Rotarians on initiatives that inspire both global and local impact. Since its inception in 2021, he has served as project manager for the Day of Service, which has grown to include 20 districts across six countries, engaging over 30,000 Rotarians. Robert values collaboration and storytelling as key tools in strengthening Rotary's mission to create lasting change worldwide.
Joanne Alfieri | Trustee and Vice President
Rotary Club of Southington Connecticut, District 7980
Robert Joanne is a retired Financial Services Executive with over 18 years of dedication to the Rotary Club of Southington. As past District Governor (21-22) and former Chair of Northeast Pets 2024, she also serves as the District membership Chair for District 7890. With a passion for Rotary and service to her community. Joanne values family, travel, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Mark Laitos | Trustee and Secretary.
Mark has been a Rotarian for almost 2 decades, and is a Past President of Denver Southeast Rotary Club. He's a family physician who cared for patients in his 4-doctor group in Longmont Colorado for 30 years before becoming Cigna Healthcare's Medical Executive for the Mountain States. He's been retired since his first grandchild came in 2021. Mark is thrilled to help bring an EPIC Day of Service to Rotary clubs worldwide.
Jeff Krause | Trustee
Rotary Club of Stratford, District 7980
Retired as a YMCA professional serving 39 years in various capacities.
A Rotarian for 20 years serving as District Governor for District 7980 (Southern Connecticut) in 2021-22
District responsibilities include District Service Chairperson and 4 way speech contest chair. Jeff is a proud member of the Stratford, Connecticut Rotary Club.
Jeff lives in Stanford, Connecticut with his wife Eileen of 37 years and their Golden Retriever Abbey Rose.
Brianna Sherman | Trustee, Outreach Coordinator
Denver Metro South Rotary Club, District 5450
Brianna Sherman has been an entrepreneur who has successfully built two businesses and is now embracing an exciting new career adventure. A dedicated Rotarian she has achieved remarkable milestones, including serving as her club's president and being named District 5450 Rotarian of the Year (2022-2023). With an unparalleled passion for service, Brianna is committed to making a lasting impact in her community and beyond.
Dan Ouweleen | Trustee, Marketing Coordinator
Rotary Club of Fullerton, District 5320
Dan, a member of the Rotary Club of Fullerton in District 5320, is the Zone 26 Rotary Public Image Coordinator (2024-27). With a 46-year career in marketing and operations, he co-owns PacMin Inc. As a dedicated Rotarian, Dan has served as Club President, District Governor (2021-22), and spearheaded a campaign that boosted membership in his district. During COVID-19, he led Project Shield, donating over 90,000 PPE shields to first responders.
Marty Schulman | Trustee
An accomplished business owner and Rotarian since 1983, Marty has managed Trapp Optical Group since 1982. He has held key Rotary leadership roles, including District Governor (2022-23) of RI District 7230, where he drove record membership growth and implemented innovative initiatives. Currently serving as Vice Governor (2024-25) and Zone 32 Chair for the Empowering Women and Girls Committee, he is also a Major Donor and Paul Harris Fellow +10. Married to Dr. Lois A. Schulman, he is a proud father and grandfather.
Greg E. Podd |Senior Advisor to the Board of Trustees
Rotary Club of Evergreen, District 5450
Greg is a C.P.A. (Certified Public Accountant) and a P.F.S. (Personal Financial Specialist) having operated his own practice since June 1979. He was also the President and owner of a very large metal fabrication firm for the telecommunication industry and an international healthcare software development firm.
Greg became a Rotarian in May 1982, and served as a Rotary International Director during the Rotary years 2015 – 2016, and Vice – President in 2015 – 2016.
Greg is currently serving a 4-year term as a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation. In addition to his duties as a Rotary Foundation Trustee, Greg is serving as the Chair of the Investment Committee, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Rotary Foundation Finance Committee. In the Rotary year 2025 – 2026 he will serve as the Vice-Chair of the Rotary Foundation
Greg is the recipient of the “Service Above Self Award” and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious service. Greg and his wife Pam are both Arch C. Klumph Society Members.