• December 16: Annual Holiday Program

    December 16: Annual Holiday Program

    Join us Tuesday for our Annual Holiday Program benefiting the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation. This festive event will celebrate the incredible work of the organizations supported by our Foundation and help raise additional funds to ensure the continued success of our Club’s philanthropic efforts.

    We’ll enjoy special entertainment by Charlie’s Pocket featuring Kimble Richardson, along with a small live auction. Items include Indianapolis Colts suite tickets, tickets to Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers games, and a special gift basket.

    We’re also excited to share that an anonymous donor will be matching gifts made to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation during the program, providing an amazing opportunity to double your impact.

    We hope you’ll join us for this wonderful chance to celebrate the season, make a difference, and support our community.

    Can’t Attend but Still Want to Contribute?
    If you’re unable to join us for the program but wish to support the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation, you can make a tax-deductible contribution online or by mailing it to:

    Indianapolis Rotary Foundation
    133 W. Market Street, Suite 232
    Indianapolis, IN 46204

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗 Zoom Link

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)
  • 2025-2026 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grants

    2025-2026 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grants

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis Foundation has awarded $140,000 in Community Grants to eight Indiana nonprofit organizations for the 2025–2026 funding cycle. The grants support programs addressing youth wellbeing, foster care, housing stability, cultural preservation, and workforce development across Central Indiana.

    The Community Grants program is part of more than $260,000 in annual charitable support funded by the Foundation’s nearly $9.5 million endowment, one of the largest Rotary club foundations in the United States. Established in 1947 and supported by more than a century of Rotary leadership in Indianapolis, the Foundation provides stable, long-term investment in the region’s most critical community needs.

    2025–2026 Community Grant Recipients

    $10,000 Grants
    • Indiana Historical Society – Supporting a major exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
    • Jameson Camp – Funding summer programming for youth ages 7–17, emphasizing confidence, belonging, and outdoor experiences.
    • KIC-IT – Furnishing transitional homes for youth and young adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Johnson County.
    • The Milk Bank – Launching a volunteer initiative to expand awareness and support for milk donation across Indiana.

    $25,000 Grants
    • Foster Success – Supporting LEAD, a civic engagement program empowering young adults with foster care experience to develop and present policy recommendations to Indiana lawmakers.
    • Happy Hollow Children’s Camp [happyhollowcamp.org] – Providing scholarships for summer camp and leadership programs for families facing economic hardship.
    • Isaiah 117 House – Restocking essential clothing, hygiene items, and care supplies for children entering foster care in Marion County.
    • Latinas Welding Guild – Expanding advanced welding courses to increase access to skilled-trades training for Latina women and other underrepresented groups.

    These grants reflect the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening multiple community sectors, including youth development, food access, cultural preservation, foster care, housing stability, environmental initiatives, and the arts.

    The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is a private, stand-alone corporation that serves as the community charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Each year, the Foundation generously donates over $260,000 annually to projects and organizations in the Central Indiana Area that promote the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

    Want to contribute to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation? Donate here.

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is one of the largest and most active Rotary Clubs in the world. Founded in 1913, the club has compiled an extensive record as one the leading supporters and contributors to the quality of life in Indianapolis. For further information about the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, visit indyrotary.org

  • December 9: World Community Service Panel

    December 9: World Community Service Panel

    December is Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Month, and this Tuesday we’re highlighting the global impact of our Foundation through the work of the World Community Service Committee.

    We will welcome a panel of international partners whose projects have been supported by our local Indianapolis Rotary Foundation, including:
    • Deborah Payne, CoCoDa
    • Audrey Jones, Natun Guatemala
    • Princess Telo, Garmbo Care for Kids
    • Alyson Small, Sustainable Connexions International
    • Nikki Garland, Indianapolis Public Schools, Education Project in Senegal

    Our discussion will be moderated by Nick Reich, Past President of our Club and Co-Chair of the World Community Service Committee.

    Join us at the Rathskeller to hear firsthand how your support of the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is making a meaningful difference around the world.

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗 Zoom Link

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)
  • December 2: Mario Rodriguez

    December 2: Mario Rodriguez

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director and CEO of the Indianapolis International Airport. A nationally respected aviation leader with more than 30 years of global experience, Rodriguez will take us “behind the gates” for an inside look at IND’s growth, operations, and community impact.

    Under his leadership, IND has earned recognition as one of North America’s best airports, driven record-breaking economic impact, and invested heavily in local businesses and workforce pathways. His vision positions airports as vital public assets that fuel opportunity, innovation, and community pride.

    We hope you’ll join us for an engaging and inspiring program with one of Indiana’s most visionary leaders.

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗Zoom Link

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)
  • December 10: Corporate Members Event

    December 10: Corporate Members Event

    Join us Wednesday, December 10 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at Elevate Ventures for an exclusive session with Toph Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Chief Visionary Officer of Rally, the world’s largest cross-sector innovation conference. Toph leads the most active seed and early-stage investment firm in the Great Lakes Region and has co-founded eight companies across industries from AI to real estate, with multiple exits to Fortune 500 companies.

    In this session, Toph will explore:
    ✅ How AI is transforming business leadership
    ✅ Practical AI applications across industries
    ✅ The entrepreneurial mindset driving innovation in Indiana
    ✅ Insights from his 30-year journey as an innovator and community builder

    Agenda:
    4:00 pm – Arrival & Check-In
    4:15 pm – Icebreaker: Rose, Bud, Thorn
    4:30 pm – Conversation with Toph Day
    5:30 pm – Closing & Networking

    Event Details:
    Location: Elevate Ventures, downtown Indianapolis (overlooking Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
    Parking: Street parking available
    Registration: Corporate Members received a registration link via email on November 5. To learn about Corporate Membership, email info@indyrotary.org.

    Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow Corporate Members and gain insights from one of Indiana’s leading innovators.

  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing

    Salvation Army Bell Ringing

    It’s fast approaching that time of year—Salvation Army Bell Ringing! Please sign up to “ring the bells” for the Salvation Army and help continue one of our Club’s longest-standing traditions. In recent years, we’ve turned it into a friendly competition with Kiwanis, and it’s no secret we’d love to win again this year.

    When & Where:
    We’ll be ringing at the entrance of Kroger (71st & Binford Ave.) on December 4, 11, and 18, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm. Each time slot is one hour, and all are welcome to sign up for more than one!

    The Salvation Army will drop off the Red Kettle at noon and pick it up at 7:00 pm.

    Please sign up using the Google Sheet and help make a difference this holiday season.

    Questions? Contact Rotarian Jennifer Hobbs.

  • November 25: No Meeting

    November 25: No Meeting

    There will be no formal program on Tuesday. Instead, members and guests are invited to meet at noon at the Rathskeller Restaurant for an informal lunch. It’s a great chance to connect with fellow Rotarians, share ideas, and stay engaged with the Club. Prospective members are welcome to join us as well.

  • December 10: 5:31 at Winterlights

    December 10: 5:31 at Winterlights

    Experience the wonder of nearly two million lights glittering in the garden this holiday season at Winterlights on Wednesday, Dec. 10th at 5:30 pm.  

    Dress warmly for this outdoor walking event. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase, and there’s a firepit where we can linger and warm up. This is a family-friendly event. 

    We’ll meet in the Museum & Garden Shop for the 5:30 pm admittance. Grab your tickets right away, as Newfields always sells out. Be sure to purchase tickets for the 5:30 pm time slot (Wednesday, Dec. 10th)

    Learn More & Get Your Tickets: Winterlights | Newfields

    Afterward, we’ll head to the Aristocrat for dinner and drinks.

  • November 18: Evan Bedel

    November 18: Evan Bedel

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Evan Bedel, President of Bedel Financial. Evan will share insights on how to evaluate and improve your financial health, including what to consider and how to determine where you stand.

    Evan is a Certified Financial Planner with a master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning and nearly 20 years of wealth management experience. Bedel Financial is a Fee-Only Wealth Management firm with over $2.5 billion under management. Along with leading the firm, he is a Wealth Advisor for local high net worth clients. He’s a past member of our Club’s Board of Directors and currently serves as Chair of the Investment Committee for the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation.

    Come ready to learn some practical tips for your own financial health!

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗 Zoom Link

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)
  • November 11: Veterans Day Program

    November 11: Veterans Day Program

    Join us Tuesday as we celebrate Veterans Day with a special program featuring Commander Jeff Tilbury. Commander Tilbury proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, with assignments that included the USS O’Bannon, USS Nimitz, and USS Monterey. Following his distinguished military career, he continued serving his country in a different capacity through a nearly twenty-year career with Rolls-Royce, where he held a variety of roles in both the Defense and Naval Marine sectors.

    As we prepare to welcome Commander Tilbury to our Club, we encourage you to invite any veterans in your life to join us for this meaningful program. Let us come together to honor their service and remember to wear your patriotic colors in recognition of Veterans Day.

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗 https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)