It's more than just a ride!
About Us
Our team works directly with community partners to ensure no one misses an opportunity for
safety, stability, or recovery because of a lack of mobility. Each trip offers far more than
transportation — riders are supported by a compassionate driver with lived experience and a
dedicated Navigator who connects riders to resources, relocation and ongoing care.
We also show up where people are.
Through proactive outreach, we distribute more than 500
essential items each week—socks, water, snacks, sandwiches, and more—thanks to the
generosity of our donors, partners and sponsors.
At Rotary Connection, we believe in meeting people with dignity, supporting them with hope,
and helping them move forward—one connection at a time.
Our Story
Rotary Connection was founded by four volunteers on a simple but powerful truth: people cannot rebuild their lives if they cannot reach the support that makes recovery possible.
Every day, individuals experiencing homelessness are ready to take the next step—enter
treatment, access shelter, attend vital appointments, connect with resources, or reunite with
family in another city or state. Yet one barrier consistently stands in the way: transportation.
Rotary Connection was created to close that gap.
Meet The Team
Gwynne Beatty
Co- Founder and Strategic Impact Architect
Gwynne Beatty is a social-impact and communications leader based in Fort Lauderdale. As Co-Founder of Rotary Connection—an initiative of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale—she played a key role in securing the corporate partnerships that helped launch the program.
Gwynne is a Restoration Specialist at FPT Environmental, an engineer-owned water restoration firm. Her career includes more than a decade leading corporate social responsibility initiatives in Haiti, work that earned the U.S. State Department’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). A seasoned publicist, she has directed national and international campaigns across social development, technology, music, and film. She holds a B.A. from Boston College and a J.D. from Washington University School of law.
Ralph Giachetti
Co- Founder and Operations
Ralph Giachetti is an experienced business leader, ordained minister, and co-founder of
Rotary Connection. He is the CEO and President of Go Therefore Ministries and
Executive Director of Changing Lives – North Broward, an outreach committed to
supporting individuals and families facing homelessness, hardship, and crisis. Ralph is
recognized for blending strong business discipline with deep compassion, designing
sustainable, community-centered programs rooted in faith and service.
His leadership background spans budgeting, team development, organizational growth,
and process optimization. Ralph prioritizes stewardship, collaboration, and building
systems that create lasting impact. Ralph lives in South Florida with his wife, Elizabeth.
They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to two grandchildren, united in their commitment to strengthening communities through generosity, faith, and servant leadership.
Rick Riccardi
Co Founder
Rick Riccardi is the Founder and Chairman of Fellowship Recovery Community
Organization, a nonprofit recovery community organization offering supportive housing,
peer support and transportation to adults in recovery from substance use disorder since
2005. A passionate advocate with 31 years in personal recovery, Rick’s mission is to
champion those rebuilding their lives and to expand access to essential support
services.
Rick is the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale and is
deeply involved in leadership across the region. He serves on the Board of Directors of
the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chair of the Broward County Sheriff’s
Re-Entry Program, Co-Chair of Florida Recovery Friendly Workforce and participates in
the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Broward County Community Response Team.
His past leadership includes serving as President of Unity of Pompano Beach Spiritual
Center, President of the Margate Chamber of Commerce, and Treasurer of the New
York City Police Athletic League (PAL). Rick has been recognized with the Mental
Health Association’s Epic Award, the Arc of Freedom Alliance Resilience Award, and
the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Light of the Community Award.
Before his nonprofit work, Rick spent over two decades as an Institutional Municipal
Bond Specialist in New York City. He is a graduate of Colgate University with a B.A. in
Economics, and is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of 18.
Garry Smyth
Co Founder & Executive Director
Garry Smyth brings experience as a leader in mental health, addiction recovery, and
community advocacy. A long-time board member and current Vice Chair of Fellowship
Recovery Community Organization, he previously served as President and CEO of Fifth
Street Counseling Center, a Medicaid Community Mental Health Center and is a
Certified Addiction Professional.
Garry is Chair of United Way Broward’s Board of Governors and is appointed by the
Broward County Commission to the Substance Use Advisory Board, which oversees
Broward Addiction Recovery Center (BARC) and the Community Response Team.
As Executive Director of Rotary Connection, Garry is focused on developing innovative,
mission-driven services for Broward’s most vulnerable populations. Earlier in his career
he brought stories to life on radio and television as an on-air reporter and radio
personality. He attended Ryerson University in Toronto and Nova Southeastern
University in Fort Lauderdale.
