Our office will operate on modified hours over the next few weeks and please note there will be no Rotary meetings on December 21 or December 28. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, January 4!
Want to make that year end gift to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation (Our local foundation) click here
Want to make that year end gift to The Rotary Foundation (Rotary International Foundation) click here
| Join us for our Holiday Program with entertainment from Ballet to a Barbershop Quartet. The Past Presidents Chorus will also regale us with their singing. We will highlight the recently announced community grant recipients from the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation’s support and raise additional dollars to keep the Club’s philanthropy strong and enduring. Don’t forget to order your holiday centerpieces donated by Tiffany Wesseler from Eagledale Florist by Monday at noon.100% of the funds collected are donated to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. You can order your centerpiece here. Centerpieces can be picked up at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center after the holiday program. All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York) You can also join us from a landline phone. +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 |
Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Announces Community Grant Recipients
$80,000 in funding distributed to five Indianapolis nonprofits
Indianapolis, IN (December 7, 2021): The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation awards annual Community Grants through a competitive application and review process. The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021-22 Community Grants.
• 100 Black Men of Indianapolis will receive $25,000 to support their Financial Literacy Program. The Financial Literacy program is a 16-week co-ed program designed to educate high school students in the areas of financial management and basic investments.
• Playworks Indiana will receive $25,000 to relaunch a development league program with ten partner schools that will expand to a city-wide league program focused on learning sports and developing social emotional skills. Leagues are non-competitive and focus on building skills so that students have confidence, and often first, positive team experience. The sessions will include co-ed soccer, flag football, kickball and girls basketball.
• Assistance League of Indianapolis will receive $10,000 to purchase supplies for Assault Survivor Kits which includes a complete outfit of warm, comfortable, and new clothing. The kits are utilized at nineteen Central Indiana hospitals, emergency rooms, and domestic violence shelters in nine counties.
• Circle City Clubhouse will receive $10,000 to rebuild and expand their capacity for transitional and supportive employment programs post pandemic. Circle City Clubhouse is a vocationally based psycho-social rehabilitation program for adults living with serious mental illness.
• Saint Florian Center will receive $10,000 for their year-round program focusing on youth leadership development, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education, college preparation, lifetime fitness, life-long reading, cultural heritage and pride, crime awareness and drug-free prevention.
“We had nearly 100 applications submitted this year. The applicants highlight the incredible needs and services provided throughout Central Indiana,” says Indianapolis Rotary Foundation President Bill Bubenzer. “We appreciate the hard work of all those who submitted applications and are confident that our Community Grant recipients will use their funding to make a significant community impact.”
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 almost $200,000 annually to projects and organizations in the Central Indiana Area that promote the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”
Want to make a contribution to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation? Donate here.
With almost 200 members, 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 www.indyrotary.org.
| Join us Tuesday to hear from Doug Boles the President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. Boles is responsible for the daily operations of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and all three world-class racing events at the facility – the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the Indycar Grand Prix, and the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard. He also is responsible for exploring and expanding business opportunities for the Speedway. In 2017, IMS hosted more than 275 event days of activity, including the newly created Lights at the Brickyard holiday experience that started in 2016. Boles served as chief operating officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from January-June 2013 along with his role as vice president of communications for Hulman & Company, which he assumed in November 2011. Boles joined the company in November 2010 as IMS director of public relations after more than 15 years of executive-level motorsports experience in team operations, marketing, sponsorship and public relations. During his time as president, Boles oversaw the investment of over $100 million in the highly publicized Project 100 renovation of the 108 year old venue, the largest sporting venue in the world and the implementation of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. He and his team also secured and executed the first ever, standalone music event at IMS when it played host to the Rolling Stones on July 4, 2015. Recently, IMS secured a multi-year agreement to host an LPGA golf tournament beginning in 2017 at the facility’s Pete Dye designed golf course. A Butler University graduate who also earned a law degree from the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis, Boles served as executive vice president of the marketing and advertising agency ignition, Inc., from 2006-08. He then became partner in the marketing agency i3Worldwide while conducting his own private law practice, primarily representing drivers, race teams and sponsors. The Indiana native was a founding partner of Panther Racing, at the time one of the IndyCar Series’ most successful teams, and served as a co-owner and team chief operating officer from 1997 until early 2006. Boles also served as director of governmental and corporate affairs for Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith from 1992-97, where he spearheaded the nation’s first government-led effort to attract motorsports companies and jobs to a community. Boles serves on the boards of the 500 Festival, IEEI/GSF Center Advisory Board, Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and United States Auto Club. He has previously taught courses at his alma mater, Butler University, and was selected as a member of the first group of “50 Under 50” highlighting Butler graduates. All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York) You can also join us from a landline phone. +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 |
 Join us next Tuesday to learn about the many ways the Rotary Club of Indianapolis makes an impact in our community and around the world. Hear from leaders in our club about the various way you and others can get involved. Have you thought about becoming more engaged in the club or becoming a Rotarian? This is the perfect program for you to attend. We hope you will join us on Tuesday and please invite a friend or colleague to be your guest. All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York) You can also join us from a landline phone. +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 |
| Join us Tuesday to hear from Julie Goodman the President & CEO of the Arts Council of Indianapolis (ACI). She is responsible for the implementation of ACI’s strategic plan, organizational administration, and programming priorities including grants and fellowships, services and support for artists and arts organizations, the city’s public art program, the Indianapolis Artsgarden, Gallery 924, the Indy Arts Guide, and Any Given Child in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools. As President and CEO, Julie specifically leads stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and resource development required to advance ACI’s mission of fostering meaningful engagement in the arts by nurturing a culture where artists and arts organizations thrive. Most recently, Julie served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Strada Education Network, a national social impact organization headquartered in Indianapolis dedicated to strengthening America’s pathways between education and employment. Prior to moving to Indianapolis in 2017 to assume responsibilities with Strada, Julie spent more than 25 years advocating for the arts through staff and board leadership roles with numerous Cincinnati organizations including Cincinnati Opera, ArtWorks (responsible for the city’s public art program), MUSE Women’s Choir, Madcap Puppets, the Chamber Music Society, and Linton Music Series. She also served as an arts organization liaison and representative for the region’s arts agency, ArtsWave. Julie began her career consulting for nonprofit and national consumer brand clients with a large, regional public relations firm. She led marketing for Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (similar to Downtown Indy, Inc.), and managed corporate communications for Luxottica North America where she was promoted to lead global communications and fundraising for its OneSight foundation (a vision care nonprofit). She is a graduate of the Cincinnati USA Chamber’s “Leadership Cincinnati” program, and a recipient of the Cincinnati Business Courier’s “40 Under 40” award. Julie grew up in Indianapolis where her parents served as elementary school educators and administrators. She graduated from Carmel High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University with a major in communications and a minor in music (voice and piano). All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York) You can also join us from a landline phone. +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 |
Every year, The Rotary Club of Indianapolis competes with our friends at the downtown Kiwanis Club to see who can raise the most for The Salvation Army! Last year, we won the beloved trophy. Help us this year to keep our title.
This year we are “ringing” at the Kroger, located at 5810 E. 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN
There are two ways to support the effort:
1. Sign up for a 1 hour time slot to help ring bells at Kroger on December 2nd, December 9th & December 16th. Sign up here – these spots fill up fast!
2. Make your donation! Checks can be written to The Salvation Army and mailed to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis office at Glossbrenner Mansion, 3202 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 or contribute online here.
Let’s work together to support the work of The Salvation Army and make it the best season ever!
Cal Burleson, 71, died on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, with his wife and daughter bedside at his home in McCordsville, Ind. He admirably fought small cell bladder cancer, an extremely rare diagnosis he received in December 2020. Cal was born Dec. 14, 1949, to Mack and June Burleson in Akron, Ohio as the first of two boys in the family.
Cal was a stranger to nobody and connected with all walks of life, from the kids participating in his self-started RightFit program to first-time attendees at an Indianapolis Indians ballgame and his front office colleagues. He made Indianapolis his home in 1975 – his rookie season as ticket manager with the Indians – and left it a better place.
Cal graduated from Tallmadge High School in the Class of 1967 and went on to Ohio University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973 before earning his master’s degree in sports administration the following year. Even as an OU graduate, Cal was a passionate fan of everything Ohio State Buckeyes.
Following college graduation, Cal moved to Indy and spent most of his time at West 16th Street, and later at the corner of West and Maryland. He experienced eight league championships during his 45-year tenure with the Indians and was often seen on field and in the clubhouse during postgame celebrations. In the office, two claps from Cal meant one of two things – the day was going well, or the Indians were playing up to or exceeding his expectations. He loved a veteran closer, left-handed hitting first baseman and glove-first center fielder who could cover Victory Field’s spacious alleys.
After spending his first two years as ticket manager, Cal transitioned to business manager (1977-80) and publicity director (1981-86). He then became assistant general manager with his marketing prowess contributing greatly to the ballclub’s successful move from Bush Stadium to Victory Field. In 1998, he was named the third general manager in Indians history and held that title through the 2014 campaign while twice earning International League Executive of the Year honors. Under his leadership the Indians were Triple-A recipients of the Bob Freitas Award in 2013 – presented to the organization with the best overall operations – and helped the club soar to franchise-record attendance levels in 2014 and ’15. He assumed duties as the team’s vice president of baseball and administrative affairs from 2015-16 and spent his final three years as senior vice president of community affairs, expanding his efforts of relating Indians baseball to community leaders and civic groups.
Away from the ballpark, Cal was actively involved at Grace Church and enjoyed fishing, attending sporting events and watching his granddaughters participate in youth sports. He was a loving, dedicated father and grandfather, and found the perfect balance between his personal and professional life. In the community, he devoted time and energy to RightFit, co-chaired the Community Resource Development Commission – IMPD Downtown District, and had previously served as chairman of the board for the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis along with being a board member of the Indianapolis and Indiana Chambers of Commerce, Indianapolis Urban League, Military Family Research Institute, Jump IN for Healthy Kids and Triple-A Marketing Committee.
Cal’s final days were much like the Indians trailing in bottom of the ninth. He may have been behind on the scoreboard, but until that final out was made, he believed he could will the Indians – or himself – to victory. He fought until the very last strike.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and June Burleson. He is survived by his wife Maimouna Coulibaly of Malvern, Pa.; daughter Heather (Brian) Homan of Fishers, Ind.; stepdaughter Alicia Stevance of McCordsville, Ind.; stepson David Stevance of Malvern, Pa.; brother Paul (Jill) Burleson of Hartville, Ohio; niece Ashley Childress of Murrieta, Calif.; two granddaughters Brenna Siminski and Lyla Homan of Fishers, Ind.; and grandniece Cosette Childress of Murrieta, Calif.
A Celebration of Life for Cal will be held at Grace Church (5504 E. 146th St., Noblesville, IN 46060) on Wednesday, Nov. 17. The visitation is from 4-6 p.m. and will be immediately followed by the service from 6-7 p.m. Flowers may be sent to Grace Church. Memorial donations may be made to Cal’s most recent contribution to the community, RightFit, at rightfitindiana.org/get-involved.
| Join us Tuesday to hear from Vop Osili the President of the Indianapolis City-County Council. Osili was elected President by a unanimous vote in 2018. He is currently Chairman of the Council’s Rules & Public Policy Committee and also serves on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Working with his fellow public servants on both sides of the aisle, President Osili is committed to addressing the important issues – equity, fair and affordable housing, homelessness, reentry, police/community engagement, inclusive urban development – impacting the daily lives of Indianapolis citizens. First elected to the Council in 2011, Osili has collaborated extensively with community groups, civic organizations and the business community on the expansion of work opportunities, skills-training and disadvantaged small business financing. He helped establish Indianapolis’ first city-funded microloan program targeting residents and businesses operating in neighborhoods with households well below area median income, and he continues to implement new initiatives to incentivize fair wages. Osili serves on a number of civic boards in the community, working at various times with organizations like the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, the United Way of Central Indiana and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. With a background in architecture, Osili has led urban design and architecture projects throughout the United States, Africa and the Middle East. He was a founding partner of A2SO4, an Indianapolis-based architectural design company that was one of the first LEED-certified firms in the nation. He also served as a missionary to Haiti and other developing countries. Osili graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and earned a master’s degree in architecture and urban design from Columbia University. All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York) You can also join us from a landline phone. +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 710 170 874 Password: 821795 |