Derek and Brooke DeBoer have been awarded the prestigious Rotary International “Excellence in Service to Humanity” Award, recognizing their extraordinary commitment to making a positive global impact. This award is one of only 150 presented worldwide each year, and it honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in humanitarian service.
The DeBoers were recognized for their leadership and dedication to a transformative clean water initiative in Tanzania, a project that has brought lasting change to communities in critical need. Over the course of two years, Derek and Brooke helped raise significant funds and bring clean, safe drinking water to two villages in the Mairowa region of northern Tanzania — an effort that now supports better health, education, and opportunity for hundreds of residents.
The project was inspired by a partnership with Wine To Water along with Explore with Purpose and fueled by the DeBoers’ personal and professional networks, including support from their racing platform Fastlife TV and automotive dealership, TC Chevy. The initiative gained traction through a unique “donate-per-lap” campaign tied to Derek’s motorsport season, which engaged fans and supporters worldwide.
“We’re incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Derek DeBoer. “But the true reward is seeing the difference clean water can make in people’s lives — something so simple and essential that we often take for granted.”
“This project brought our family and community together with a shared purpose,” added Brooke DeBoer. “It’s proof that when people come together with compassion and vision, real change is possible.”
The Rotary Excellence in Service to Humanity Award highlights individuals outside of Rotary membership who exemplify the organization’s mission of “Service Above Self.” Past recipients have included global health advocates, education pioneers, and community leaders driving impactful change around the world.
The DeBoers’ clean water project stands as a model for grassroots international aid, showing how creativity, passion, and partnership can bridge worlds — and bring lasting hope to communities in need.
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