Category: Latest News

  • MHAGI Receives Grant from The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation

    Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis is Indianapolis’ leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. Mental Health America represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis.

    MHA Indy, a United Way of Central Indiana community partner, is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

    MHA Indy is also an affiliate of the national Mental Health America and a chapter of Mental Health America of Indiana.

  • Rotary Conducts 4-Way Test at Christel House

    Rotary Conducts 4-Way Test at Christel House

    On September 5th, the Rotary Education Committee and 12 Rotarians volunteered to assist  Christel House Academy with the 4-Way Test for the first time!

    The 4-Way Test Middle School Program is an amazing opportunity which allows Rotarians to interact with students in the 7th grade giving them ideas/techniques and tactics for great decision making throughout their lives! And all it costs you is a couple hours of your time.

    These activities are vital to the students growth and foundation and we promise the experience is rewarding, eye-opening and fun!

    Watch a video about the 4-Way Test.

    Rotarian Michael Salemi is pictured with a group of students as they discuss this ethical way of making decisions.

    A huge thank you to everyone who helped at this event. I heard nothing but glowing comments from everyone. Please know that this kind of work is such a tremendous investment in our students. It was tremendous to have had so many Rotarians help. And, a special thank you to Dene Nidiffer for leading the charge! Rotarian, Carey Dahncke

  • Rotary Club of Indianapolis Recognized in Forbes Online!

    Rotary Club of Indianapolis Recognized in Forbes Online!

    In a piece titled, “What is Rotary International? Your Local Rotary Club Is Doing More Than You Think,” Devin Thorpe, Contributor to Forbes Online reached out to the Rotary International community to learn about the sorts of things clubs are doing around the world. And, Indianapolis was one of the featured clubs!

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis described it’s contribution to feeding the hungry in Indianapolis by raising 1.5 million dollars, to help fund the building of the new Gleaners Food Bank that houses more food and has the ability to serve many more hungry citizens. And, in 2012 the Gleaners Food Bank would be renamed to be the Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Rotary Club of Indianapolis Food Distribution Center. This goal of raising $1.5 million was accomplished in January 2013.

    You probably know that Rotary International is the group to which Bill Gates and his foundation turned years ago to fund the global battle on polio. In the mid-nineties Rotary helped to immunize 165 million children in China and India in a single year. Rotarians themselves have contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the fight against polio. Rotary is winning this battle: in 1988 when Rotary launched their global initiative (individual clubs had been active in the effort long before) there were 125 “polio endemic” countries in the world; today there are just three.

    Check out the article on Forbes Online!

  • Rotary Golf’s “Fun Day,” September 19

    Rotary Golf’s “Fun Day” outing is at the famed Broadmoor Country Club (2155 Kessler Blvd W Dr  Indianapolis, IN 46228) on Thursday, 9/19/13. Bankers Handicap will be the format and tee times will be assigned starting at 1:45 pm. There will be the Etica Group putting contest run by Dr. Divot (Ron Baker) with cash prizes that will start at 1:30 pm. There will also be the litany of contests including: “shortest drive,” “closest to the near side of the creek in two,” “highest gross,” “closest to the pin in two,” “longest drive,” etc.

    Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Ramona Adams) will be providing food. Rumor has it Somerset CPA’s (Debbie Hyde) will be providing “Sneaky Pete’s” again; come and play to verify!

    There are only 32 slots so don’t delay…please make your check out for $75 payable to the “Rotary Club of Indianapolis” and mail it to Dave Leonards at 3612 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46205-3592 today or give it to me at Rotary Golf on Mondays or at Rotary on Tuesdays.

    We are still soliciting sponsors for this outing. Already signed up are: the Etica Group (Ron Baker) as the Putting Contest Sponsor, One America (Dan Shelly), Williams Randall Markering (Charlie Williams), PNC (Joe Gaafar), Harrison College (Ken Konesco), Economy Plumbing (John Strong), Blue & Company (Jeff Moffatt) and International Entertainment Bureau (David Leonards). We have plenty of room for more; $75 for a Platinum Sponsor; $50 for a Gold Sponsor; $40 for a Silver Sponsor; $25 for a Bronze Sponsor or any prizes or golf goodies qualifies. Of course, we will accept any beer and/or food sponsor too.

    Rotary Golf continues its weekly play this Monday, 8/12/13, at River Glen just North of 116th off Allisonville Road. Be sure to tell them in the Clubhouse that you are with Rotary to get the discount – $26 for riders or $20 if you want to walk.

    Come down to the tee at 3:07 pm and get paired up. If you are running a little late, that is OK; but please try to be there by 3:30 pm. We socialize in the Clubhouse after the 1st nine which counts for League play (we have a handicapped League so you don’t have to be good), collect the scores, and then, those that want to, play the back nine for no additional charge. Guests (and they do not have to be Rotarians) are welcome. Furthermore, you don’t have to play every week; come when you can.

    Remember, “We always finish at Rotary Golf!”

  • New Grants Application System Through Rotary International

    New Grants Application System Through Rotary International

    Rotary International has changed how they structure Rotary grants. The new system (previously known as Future Vision) focuses primarily on three grant types—district, global, and packaged. It is both more efficient and sustainable, and will help make a greater impact around the globe.

    There is now a new website for all Rotary grants information. Looking to learn about the new grant system? Applying for a grant? Get information on managing your grant? You’ll find it all here.

    In Grant Basics, you can learn more about the grants offered to Rotarians and how to apply for them. The Learning & Reference section houses an extensive resource library, including useful reference documents, training materials, and much more.

  • Indianapolis Rotarian Betty Tonsing Exchanges Banner with South Africa

    Indianapolis Rotarian Betty Tonsing Exchanges Banner with South Africa

    Trading banners when visiting clubs in other cities and countries is a long-standing tradition. Recently, Rotarian Betty Tonsing, Executive Director of Right Sharing of World Resources, visited Grahamstown, South Africa for a banner exchange with President Les Roberts. We look forward to Betty’s return to see the banner from South Africa and hear her stories of the wonderful things Grahamstown Rotary is doing in the world!

    Betty has also traveled to other parts of the world doing good things. Please see the video about her trip to Kisumu Kenya to talk with Rotarian Rosa.

  • Another Wonderful 5:31 Event, with a Twist!

    Another Wonderful 5:31 Event, with a Twist!

    On Wednesday, August 7th the Rotary Club of Indianapolis held another successful 5:31 Club event. The “twist?” Originally scheduled to take place at the Blue Crew Sports Grill in Fishers, the event had to be moved (at the last minute) to Wolfies Grill just down the road. The Rotary Club of Indianapolis cannot thank Wolfies enough for accommodating large party of Rotarians – at the eleventh hour. THANK YOU WOLFIES! And, thank you Rotarians who helped come through with this venue change!

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 events are becoming a very popular “outside the norm” way to meet and greet. Including fellow Rotarians, new member prospects and familiar faces. Check out all the  images on our Facebook Fan page. Everyone is welcomed. The only requirement is that you be there between 5:31 and whenever! Our venue may change, but the good cheer and fellowship never changes!

  • Conner Picnic August 24, 2013

    Conner Bros Present:

    THE GREATEST PICNIC ON EARTH

    Saturday, August 24th from 12–5 pm

    Food and dessert provided by Country Boys BBQ and Ritter’s Ice Cream

    Don’t miss our magic show by Johnny Magic at 2:30 pm!

    Activities Include: Bounce House, Basketball Bungee, Dunk Tank, Miniature Horses, Face Painting, Swimming, Photo Booth

  • Participate in a Polio Immunization Exercise in Togo, West Africa!

    Participate in a Polio Immunization Exercise in Togo, West Africa!

    Play a part in an upcoming trip to Togo, West Africa in October 2013 to participate in a polio immunization exercise, attend the 9th Annual West Africa Project Fair, and engage in a hands-on work project.

    Trip Dates: October 15 – 24, 2013
    Travel to: Lomé, Togo, West Africa
    Per Person Price: $1,689, double occupancy

    Program includes: Hotel accommodations, transfers, most meals, polio immunization exercise, hands-on community service field work, West Africa Project Fair registration, special Rotary and fellowship events, sightseeing, etc.

    Have you ever heard a Rotarian speak about their personal experience participating in a polio eradication exercise, a cleft lip/cleft palate mission, or work on a humanitarian grant? These trips have a profound effect upon the individual. For those of you who have gone on one of these trips you know, and for those of you who have yet to enjoy this experience, you should.

    The experiences you have on one of these trips stay with you forever. You get up early in the morning, travel with local Rotarians to a village, health clinic or impoverished neighborhood, and for the next few hours, you change. Small children come up to you to say thank you. Mothers and fathers smile at you knowing that you are giving their child a chance for a better life. You meet with the leaders in the village to learn of their needs and their hopes. It is hot; it is dusty; it makes you uncomfortable; it is exquisite.

    The West Africa Project Fair is endorsed by Rotary’s Reach Out to Africa Committee (ROTA), who is trying to generate greater connectivity between the African and North American Rotarians to generate greater support of the projects of Africa. Your involvement, or your club’s involvement, in this Fair would not only provide an opportunity for project support, it would also help your members to grow and to understand the benefits of being a Rotarian. Involvement in Rotary gives the ordinary Rotarian extraordinary opportunities to do things that they could never do anywhere else. This trip is just such an experience.

    For more information contact Bradford R. Howard, PDG:
    Phone: (510) 834-2260
    FAX: (510) 834-1019
    E-mail: Rotary[at]HowardTours.net

  • Sponsoring An Outbound Club Responsibilities: Help Students, Pay The Fee, and Sign the Forms For Sponsorship

    • Fee — $550 (Central States Rotary Youth Exchange, (CSRYE) and District Costs)
    • To qualify, a student should be between the ages of 15 and 16, a freshman, in the upper-third of his or her academic class, of good character and emotionally stable and be in good physical condition. Most importantly, he or she must be able and willing to be a good ambassador.
    • The student, or the student’s family, is expected to pay Rotary Fee, $950 (Insurance and District Costs), plus travel, as well as provide some spending and emergency money. Room, board, and schooling are provided by the host Rotary club and family. Total cost $5,500 to $7,500. Please talk to your schools and Rotarians – this is one of the few Rotary programs that our own kids can participate.