Philosophers say that chance does not exist. Aristotle taught that “we are what we repeatedly do,” and perhaps that is why leaving home to sell a simple panettone turned into a small lesson on purpose, gratitude, and… chocolate.

I headed to downtown Formiga with the modest expectation of finding a buyer for the Rotary Christmas panettone campaign. No grand speeches, I thought. A panettone, a smile, and perhaps a “I’ll come back later.” Along the way, however, memory wrote its own script and led me to the Eye Hospital, across from Arlênio’s Store 505 — an old acquaintance, not only for fishing gear but, more importantly, for good conversations.

I went in just to say hello to a friend. One of those quick hellos that last five minutes and turn into half an hour. One story led to another, and we recalled a marketing idea I had suggested some time ago. He applied it, it worked, and to this day it still brings gratitude — practical proof that Confucius was right when he said that “a good idea, when shared, grows.”

As I was about to leave, already at the door, I remembered the real reason for my walk: the Rotary panettone campaign. It took only a brief explanation of its purpose for him to understand. Without much ceremony, he ordered a box with 18 panettones. He and his wife, in a perfect — almost rehearsed — duet, added: “All chocolate.” I replied, solemn and good-humored: “Perfectly fair.”

I left satisfied. I called Beatriz, coordinator of the campaign at Rotary Formiga, who noted the order with that quiet joy of someone who knows that doing good is working. A few days later, there they were: 18 panettones, all chocolate, waiting to be delivered.

Before handing them over, I decided to present the panettone for what it truly is. Not just a product, but a partnership between the Rotary Club and Agilmax Alimentos Ltda., carrying the symbol of a worldwide network with more than 1.4 million members. A network that includes Rotaract, Interact, and Rotary Kids — adults, young people, and children united by the same mission: to serve.

I explained, without haste, that Rotary works through its Avenues of Service: promoting peace; preventing and treating diseases; providing water, sanitation, and hygiene; supporting maternal and child health; advancing basic education and literacy; protecting the environment; and fostering community economic development. I spoke of the drop — oral or injectable — that helped fight polio around the world. I spoke of Rotary’s permanent seat at the United Nations, a rare privilege earned through service, ethics, and credibility.

When I finished, I realized that the 400-gram panettone had grown larger. Not in size, but in meaning. I silently thanked the farmer who produced the ingredients, the cocoa, the wheat flour, the packaging, the transportation, and every invisible step in this process of serving — a true silent collective effort.

I delivered the panettones with a heartfelt “Merry Christmas,” on behalf of all who will benefit from the resources raised. And I remembered Paul Harris, founder of Rotary, who said: “Rotary is not for the benefit of Rotarians, but for those whom we serve.”

In the end, I realized that I didn’t sell a panettone. I delivered gratitude. And, let’s be honest, few products on the market can do that — especially when they are made of chocolate