Category: Community Service

Thank you Community Service Committee Rotarians!

The Community Service Committee did it again! It was another successful project /clean up for a Tangram sponsored home. Tangram is a nonprofit that provides services for adults with disabilities. Thanks to Jim Bernhardt for bringing this amazing organization to our attention. His wife Kathy works in the corporate office and another Rotarian Connie Dillman is part of our club!

Over the years we have painted barns red, trimmed shrubbery, raked up stone in favor of mulch, planted flowers, picked up trash, cleaned up fence row and taken down old broken chain link fence. We even spent a couple rainy weekends painting the inside of one home!

Working on the east side of Indianapolis we did a lot of the above including rotor tilling down a mound of dirt on the front lawn from a broken water pipe so a lawn could be planted….we even did that! We even mulched around the big tree in the front yard. It was a morning well spent….we felt good and a lot dirty!!

Many thanks go out to all who participated: Jim Bernhardt, Zack Conner, Holly Dunn, Joe Gaafar, Jennifer Hobbs, Vern Hobbs (husband), Marie Koenig, Norm Melzer, Jim Narmore!

July 10, 2014
Our Rotary Racers Team of 15 raised a record $2,243 for the Cure!

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Thank you Rotary Racers! On April 12, 2014 Our Rotary Racers Team of 13 members raised a record $2,243 for the Cure! Plus Tutus and lots of pink adorned some of our Rotarians to recognize cancer survivors, loved ones, family members and friends. It’s a great cause and our club can be proud of our Rotary Racers! You can still donate to the Rotary Racers Team by clicking this link!

(L to R) Lauren Scheldrup, Dana Curish, Angie Ingalls, Jeff Lake, Sara Garrett (daughter of Angie), Sheila Carlson, Greg Albright, Thomas A. Mason, Donna Blake (Greg’s sister), Ralph Taylor, Cheryl Lake (Jeff’s wife). Not pictured Jeff Moffatt (and his family), Lucia Carter (slept in for the cure)

April 14, 2014
JA in a DAY
Rotarians made a difference in children’s lives at JA in a Day on April 10, 2014!

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- Where: IPS, Joyce Kilmer Academy #69
- When: Thursday, April 10 from 9am to 3pm
- Special Training Session: 45 Minute training session will be held directly after Rotary lunch on Tuesday, April 1.
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JA In A DayJunior Achievement is dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. JA programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action, and help strengthen their communities. In central Indiana, we provide in school education program to grades K-12 as well as our experiential capstone programs such as JA BizTown® and Finance Park® Virtual, which enforces the idea that kids learn by “doing.”

The following volunteers agreed to get on board for JA in a Day on April 10, 2014! Adam Cobb, Rada Cretu, Latonya Gaither, lMatt Will, Tom Fodor, Jennifer Butler, Jeff Lake, Bruce Glor, Bill Bubenzer, Evan Bedel, Marie Koenig, Don Dorsey, Andrea Geiger, Lauren Scheldrup, Norm Melzer

We Need You!
March 26, 2014
April 10 – JA In A Day
You can make a difference in a child’s life! Grab your favorite Rotarian and join us for JA in a Day.
- Where: IPS, Joyce Kilmer Academy #69
- When: Thursday, April 10 from 9am to 3pm
Junior Achievement is dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. JA programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action, and help strengthen their communities. In central Indiana, we provide in school education program to grades K-12 as well as our experiential capstone programs such as JA BizTown® and Finance Park® Virtual, which enforces the idea that kids learn by “doing.”
March 13, 2014
Rotarian Erik Johnson Nominated by Indiana Sports Corp for the Prestigious ROSE Award

The following article was written by Allison Melangton, President, Indiana Sports Corp

During our Executive Committee meeting earlier this week, we had a special visit from our partners at Visit Indy. They stopped by to surprise Erik Johnson, who has been nominated by Indiana Sports Corp for a ROSE (“Recognition Of Service Excellence”) Award. He’ll be recognized at the event next month.

The mission of the ROSE (“Recognition Of Service Excellence”) Awards is to honor hospitality employees or volunteers who provide excellent customer service. ROSE Award honorees are true goodwill ambassadors for their companies and the city. These industry champions, through one-on-one or behind-the-scenes contact, positively influence a visitor’s experience in Indianapolis. These interactions are really important touch-points with fans, and positively shape out-of-town guests’ impressions of Indy.

I’ve mentioned Erik’s selfless contributions in the past. His volunteer leadership as the chair of the local organizing committee for the 2013 NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships in the planning stages of the event was exceptional. On-site, he joined us for many early mornings to help manage the operational parts of the event, and did everything from entertaining guests from the NCAA to spreading straw throughout the Indianapolis Rowing Center to combat a week of rain.

Erik is just one example of the volunteers, facility and hospitality workers, and ambassadors who do so much to make our guests feel at home in central Indiana. Their work, their Hoosier Hospitality, and their attention to detail provide memorable and lasting experiences for our participating athletes and fans.

The four weeks ahead provide a significant opportunity for Indy to welcome more visitors and sports fans as we host the Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships at the IU Natatorium, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.

I also appreciated Mayor Ballard’s comments in the State of the City address last night – reminding us to be proud of Indy and to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for all the things that make Indy a great place to live, work and enjoy great events–like the March line-up mentioned above!

Thank you to everyone who volunteers in our community (whether it be for Indiana Sports Corp or other great organizations) and keep sharing positive experiences with our visitors!

Written By Allison Melangton, President, Indiana Sports Corp

March 2, 2014
Indy Do Day: The Largest Day of Service in Indianapolis to be Led by the Rotary Club of Indianapolis
The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is excited to announce the official adoption of its new Signature project – Indy Do Day. This is a Service Above Self initiative that will be managed by the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. The growth of this initiative will allow Rotary to continue Growing Indianapolis Communities for the next 100 years and beyond.

WHAT IS IT?
- It’s one day when the people of this city get to know their neighbors, take ownership of their neighborhoods and take care of one another.
- It’s decentralized, ground-up, people-powered community improvement.
- It’s about pride, shared ownership, and stronger relationships.
- It’s about building the most civic-engaged community in the nation where every day is a Do Day.
WHY DO IT?
- It’s good for everybody: Strong communities are built from the inside out…by people who are personally invested and can see their investments matched and multiplied by others.
- It’s good for neighborhoods: Committed residents and organizations build and renew partnerships to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
- It’s good for learners: When stewardship is regularly taught and modeled, it can become woven into how people interact, and care for, their communities.
- It’s good for the mission: Diverse community, cultural, and faith-based organizations can transform their commitments into tangible action, and unite the members along the way.
- It’s good for business: There is a growing consensus that giving employees a day, or even a few hours, to work in the community is good team building, good brand building, and good business.
January 21, 2014
Local Interact Club Raises Dollars for Relief Effort

Christel House Academy’s high school’s Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, mounted a campaign to raise money for the relief effort following the tragedy in The Philippines. The Christel House Interact Club raised $574, that students’ donated to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army teams in The Philippines are providing assistance to the thousands of people affected by Typhoon Haiyan. More than 6,000 people have lost their lives in the disaster and 4 million have been left with unsafe housing. In the attached photo, Interact Club leaders (Charlie, Kylien and Chantel) present a check to the Salvation Army Indiana Division’s Director of Relief Services, Jerry Larsen.

December 15, 2013
Rotary-Riley Annual Holiday Party A Huge Success

Yes, the snow outside was frightful, but the smiles and children indoors where delightful. And of course several hardy Rotarians can accomplish much with the reminder of “service above self.”

Melissa Sexton, (Riley) and her elves had all the ornament kits ready to go, the live band was tuning up and about a dozen Rotarians and family members gathered to host our annual ornament making party for the kids and their families at the Riley Children’s Hospital, Thursday December 5. Our own Jessica Bex was our organizer and beautiful cheerleader.

As snow and sleet blew around outside we had the privilege of helping precious children, their families and many of their caregivers create ornaments for a beautifully lighted tree waiting to be decorated.

Back for his second year as “official” photographer Bob McColgin took video and photographs of the event. See the video here or on the home page (scroll down) of the Indy Rotary website.

Thank you Rotarians – you are amazing members and we are an amazing Club doing good for the community.

December 7, 2013
Rotarians Are Ringing the Bells for Salvation Army

For years, Rotary Club of Indianapolis members have rung the bell for the Salvation Army. As you travel throughout the city, please look for your fellow members – you might see them asking for donations to help those in need!

And, in related news – as the holidays quickly approach, take some time to give back! Select a toy for the children at Riley Hospital, take a tag from the Plea Tree on Tuesday (set up in the lobby before and after our luncheons) and / or send your Salvation Army donations to the Rotary Office.

Happy holidays!

December 6, 2013
December 5, Tree Trimming Party with Riley Kids

It is time again to kick-off our Community Service Project, Rotary Christmas with Riley Kids. Our project consists of two wonderful opportunities to bring a touch of joy to Riley Kids and families who will be spending their holiday season at Riley Hospital. We will, once again, place our Plea Tree at the weekly luncheons through December 10th. We will also host Rotary Christmas with Riley Kids Party (Riley’s Tree Trimming Party.)

It is estimated that 200 children and their families will wake up Christmas morning in their hospital bed and room rather than nestled together in their own homes. The generosity of treasure and time that we can give this season may bring a smile to a child, but will also provide a touch of warmth in the heart of the giver.

Holiday Cards On Sale NOW!
Purchase your Riley Holiday Cards at Tuesday meetings (by the Plea Tree table). Proceeds to go to Riley and the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation. Packs of 10 are @20.00 each.

Plea Tree (Gift Donation):
The tree will be displayed at the weekly luncheons each Tuesday from November 12 – December 10th. We are asking for two volunteers to host the Plea Tree each week. Ornaments will adorn the tree displaying gifts for Riley kids selected from a Riley Gift wish list. You may pull off an ornament displaying the gift you would like to purchase or there will be a gift guide available at the table. Please bring the gift unwrapped to the Plea Tree table on or before December 10th. If you would like to contribute money, rather than purchase a gift, please feel free to do so and we will purchase the gift on your behalf. (Checks may be made out to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Please write, “Riley Project,” in the memo line).

The gifts will be presented at a formal presentation to the Riley Foundation Director along with Riley Kids on Thursday, December 12th by President Scott Armstrong and Executive Director, Susie Harmless.

Tree Trimming Party:
This is a party held for all Riley patients and their families in the Atrium of Riley Hospital. We host the party with our Rotarian volunteers. All of the Riley patients who are physically able to come out of their rooms and beds along with their loved ones join in the festivities of holiday music, ornament making and trimming of the tree. This is an experience that I assure you the treasure is not what you receive, but what you give.

We need 25 volunteers for the Tree Trimming Riley Christmas Party on December 5th from 5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. held at the Riley Hospital Atrium. Please contact Jessica Bex for additional information or to volunteer; jessicab[at]mhcc-indy.com or 317-860-1556

November 13, 2013