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. We can do it together!
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
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Joanne Alfieri | President
Rotary Club of Southington Connecticut, District 7980
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 | Vice President
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 | Treasurer
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.
Marty Schulman | Secretary
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.
Robert Friend | Marketing 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.