• December 18: Shannon Forsell  Artistic Director and CEO, The Cabaret, Holiday Program

    December 18: Shannon Forsell Artistic Director and CEO, The Cabaret, Holiday Program

    Welcome Shannon Forsell
    Artistic Director and CEO, The Cabaret
    for our Annual Holiday Program

    Join us for our Holiday Program featuring Shannon Forsell. Shannon is heading into her 10th year as the Artistic Director and CEO of The Cabaret, a nationally recognized performing arts organization with a mission to elevate and promote the cabaret art form by presenting the finest in professional performances and developing the next generation of cabaret artists

    A graduate of DePauw University, Shannon is a former Miss Indianapolis and first runner up to Miss Indiana, where she won the talent competition. She performed as leading lady in nearly every show for over ten years in the repertory company at The American Cabaret Theatre.

    In addition to the entertainment, you’ll want to attend because the program is one of the most popular of the year- you’ll see old friends and make new ones. The Past Presidents Chorus will also regale us with their singing and there will be a cash bar for those that may want to make their lunch more festive. We are delighted to announce that there will also be a guaranteed 50/50 winner of over $2,000- we’re going to keep pulling those cards until we hit the Ace of Spades!

    The public is always welcome at Rotary! Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. The program will begin a bit earlier this week, so be sure to arrive around 11:30-11:45 and know that we always conclude by 1:15.

  • December 11: Jennifer Pope Baker, Executive Director of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana

    Jennifer Pope Baker, Executive Director of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana since 1998, has dedicated her career to creating transformative and sustainable change for women and girls. Under her leadership, Women’s Fund has become the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana and a leader in seeking solutions in helping emerging adult women move from economic instability to economic security.

    Jennifer led the Fund’s endowment growth from $3 million to its current total of nearly $16 million and has implemented a “best-practices” grant-making process with a focus on research that has resulted in distributions of over $6 million to 109 effective women and girl serving organizations.

    Jennifer is active in many volunteer activities, currently serving as IWIT LPGA Tournament, Local Organizing Committee Chair 2018, Co-Chair 2017. Her past engagement includes: DePauw University, Board of Visitors; P&G Gymnastics Championships, Local Organizing Committee; multiple NCAA Women’s Final Four Local Organizing Committees; Children’s Museum Guild Member, Treasurer & Board of Directors; Super Bowl XLVI, Indy’s Super Cure Committee & NFL Team Liaison; United Way of Central Indiana, Executive Women’s Leadership Series Moderator.

    Jennifer has been named a “Woman of Influence” by Indianapolis Business Journal; she is a Hoosier Fellow, a member of Class XXIV of Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, a member of the FBI Citizen’s Academy, and was named by Indianapolis Business Journal as a member of the 2002 class of “40 Under Forty.”

    The public is always welcome at Rotary! Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. It’s best to arrive by noon and know that we always conclude by 1:15.

  • 2018 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Annual Report

    2018 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Annual Report

    The Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis is a private, stand-alone corporation that serves as the primary community charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

    Annual contributions to the Foundation are added to an eternal endowment fund and allocated income from that fund is utilized to support grants for charitable and educational purposes, primarily in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana areas. Download the 2018 Annual Report.

  • December 4: Vop Osili, Indianapolis City-Council President

    Vop Osili is President of the Indianapolis City-County Council, representing District 11 which covers much of downtown Indianapolis and parts of the near west side, including the campus of IUPUI. He is chairman of the Council’s Rules & Public Policy Committee and also serves on its Public Works Committee.

    First elected to the Council in November, 2011 Osili has worked extensively with community groups, civic organizations, other public sector officials and the business community on the expansion of work opportunities, skills-training, and disadvantaged small business financing. Vop helped establish the first City-funded microloan program targeting residents and businesses operating in neighborhoods with households well below area median income, and continues to implement new initiatives to incentivize fair wages. He is a champion of urban and economic development, empowerment of distressed and economically-challenged communities, and is committed to ensuring the successful reintegration of those formerly incarcerated.

    Osili is an architect who has led urban design and architecture projects in the U.S., Africa and the Middle East. He serves on a number of civic boards in the community and co-chaired the City of Indianapolis’ Urban Design Review Committee. In 2010 he was the Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State. He received his Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon University and his Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. He and his wife Una are parents of two amazing children, Arinze and Tasia.

    The public is always welcome at Rotary! Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. It’s best to arrive by noon and know that we always conclude by 1:15.

  • Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Announces Community Grant Recipients

    Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Announces Community Grant Recipients

    Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Announces
    Community Grant Recipients
    $70,000 in funding distributed to four Indianapolis nonprofits

    Indianapolis, IN (December 4, 2018): 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 2018-19 Community Grants.

    WFYI Public Media will receive $25,000 to fund a recurring, interactive program at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center that will feature the “Eva” documentary, a half-hour discussion and an interactive exhibit. The “Eva” documentary brings difficult topics to the forefront as it features the life journey of Eva Mozes Kor, Holocaust survivor.

    Fight for Life Foundation will receive $25,000 to expand the Building Dreams program to serve an additional 1,500 vulnerable students at five K-8 schools within the Indianapolis Public Schools boundaries. The program works to overcome trauma and build social-emotional competencies.

    Dove Recovery House will receive $10,000 to support “Steps to Success,” a community outreach and housing initiative to expand programming for women who are taking the first step toward recovery, financial stability and securing safe, affordable housing. In addition to two years of support at the House, participants also receive a rental subsidy towards permanent housing.

    Central Indiana Police Foundation will receive $10,000 to equip 110 local police officers with Trauma Kits that provide training and tools to help address immediate needs of those who are injured during a first response call. With the Kits, police officers can provide life saving treatment until ambulatory services arrive.

    “We had over 100 applications submitted this year. The number of applicants highlights 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.”

    With almost 300 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.

  • November 27: Midterm Election 2018 with Jennifer Hallowell and Jennifer Wagner

    November 27: Midterm Election 2018 with Jennifer Hallowell and Jennifer Wagner

    With the Midterm Elections weeks behind us and most election results certified, it’s a perfect time to truly evaluate the impact the Midterm Elections will have on our City, our State and our Country.  Join two of the brightest political analysts in Indy, Jennifer Hallowell and Jennifer Wagner, to learn the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for policy and politics over the next few years. The conversation will be moderated by FOX59’s Dan Spehler, evening news anchor and also host of IN focus, an Emmy-award winning politcal issues program seen on Sunday mornings.

    Jennifer Hallowell has spearheaded successful advocacy and consulting efforts at the federal, state and local levels. After launching Hallowell Consulting LLC in 2009, she served as the consultant for Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson, U.S. Congressman Luke Messer and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. Hallowell was the political advisor to former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and the architect of his re-election. During that time, she served as a consultant for the Michigan Republican Party during the 2010 gubernatorial election and later coordinated digital advertising for a successful multimillion-dollar ballot referendum in Michigan. Hallowell was also active in Indianapolis in the Citizens for Wishard Hospital public referendum which resulted in the construction of Eskenazi Health.

    Jennifer Wagner is the Vice President of Communications for EdChoice, a national nonprofit that focuses on K-12 educational choice for all families. She is a former Indianapolis Star reporter who has previously served as communications director for the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and deputy director of public affairs for National Nuclear Security Administration, which oversees the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile and the largest nonproliferation program in the world. Before joining EdChoice, Wagner ran her own public relations consulting firm, serving a number of public, private and nonprofit clients. She also served for several years as spokesperson for the Indiana Democratic Party and has worked on a number of issue-based and political campaigns.

    The public is always welcome at Rotary! Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. It’s best to arrive by noon and know that we always conclude by 1:15.

  • Ways To Give This Holiday Season

    Ways To Give This Holiday Season

    Riley Trim-a-Tree

    Please join us at the 2018 Riley Trim-a-Tree on Thursday, December 6th, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. as we join with Riley children and their parents to make Christmas ornaments and decorate the Christmas tree in the lobby at Riley Children’s Health. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Matt Wilhelm at matt@walkeragency.com or 317-759-9310. We are seeking 15 volunteers for this fun event!

    Salvation Army Bell Ringing

    The bells will be ringing again for the Salvation Army. This year as we celebrate the Holiday Season, we can bring a little joy into many families by collecting monies in the Red Kettles. Please participate for 1 hour, with another Rotarian on November 29th , December 6th or 13th from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.. We are in the downtown Mall Parking Garage Level (all location info will be sent to you) as always and are a delight to many shoppers and small children! Please see or contact Stacey Robinson or Jennifer Hobbs (or any Community Service Committee member) to be sent the Google Doc sign-up sheet. It is easy and the giving is so meaningful!

    Riley Plea Tree

    November 27th kicks off our annual gift drive for Riley Hospital. Look for the Riley Plea Tree at our regular Tuesday luncheons on November 27th, December 4th and December 11th. The gifts we provide are much needed and so appreciated by Riley patients and families, and are distributed directly to patient rooms by the Riley Cheer Guild. More information to come soon and we hope you include this as part of your giving this holiday season.

  • November 20: Matt Bell President, Casino Association of Indiana

    On May 14, 2018 the United States Supreme Court ruled the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the federal law that essentially limited legal sports betting to one state for 25 years, to be unconstitutional. The ruling offers each state the opportunity to authorize and regulate sports betting within its borders. Indiana legislators will take a close look at the issue of authorizing legal sports wagering during the 2019 Legislative session.

    Matt Bell, President and CEO of the Casino Association of Indiana, will offer the Casino Gaming Entertainment Industry’s perspective on authorizing legal sports wagering in Indiana. Matt served as the President of Ivy Tech Corporate College and also previously served as the Executive Director of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana.

    Matt was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2005 and rose to the rank of Ranking Minority Member of the Public Policy Committee, and served on the Labor and Employment Committee; and the Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee. Matt was honored to conclude a four year term as a Commissioner of the Indiana Gaming Commission in October of 2014.

    The public is always welcome at Rotary! Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. It’s best to arrive by noon and know that we always conclude by 1:15.

  • November 13: Richard Griffith Chief Strategy Officer, US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

    Richard Griffith is a career healthcare administrator with service in both the United States Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was commissioned in 1997, deployed in 2003 as the administrator of the Air Force clinic at Baghdad International Airport, and then conducted humanitarian relief operations following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After transitioning to the civil service, Richard served in Research administration and then as Executive Officer to the medical center director in Indianapolis. His current portfolio includes strategic planning, capital investment, business intelligence, public-private partnerships, public relations, outreach, and Congressional and state government relations. He received a master of Healthcare Administration degree from the US Army Baylor program, is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and holds an Adjunct appointment at Indiana University’s Fairbanks School of Public Health.

    Richard will share about his military experience, the military’s response to disaster relief and how we can better serve Veterans. He provides hope for future Veterans through unique partnerships such as the YMCA and how they are leading the way to serve our Veterans with much needed services.

    The public is always welcome at Rotary and this Tuesday we encourage Veterans especially to join us! Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. It’s best to arrive by noon and know that we always conclude by 1:15.

  • November 6: David E. Sumner Author and Journalism Professor

    Join us on Tuesday when David E. Sumner will talk about his book, Fumbled Call. A week before the 1962 Georgia-Alabama football game, an Atlanta insurance salesman unintentionally overheard a telephone conversation that thrust him into a scandal that captured national headlines. He thought he overheard Wally Butts, the Georgia athletic director, give Paul “Bear” Bryant, the legendary Alabama coach, play formations that helped Alabama win the game 35-0. The Saturday Evening Post published “The Story of a College Football Fix” a few months later, which led to libel lawsuits by both coaches. Fumbled Call shows how two prominent college football coaches covered up the truth.

    David E. Sumner was head of the magazine journalism program at Ball State University for 25 years before retiring in 2015. He published Fumbled Call in March and is currently working on his eighth book, The Coach Who Wouldn’t Quit, a biography of the legendary football coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. He does freelance writing for magazines and newspapers and has published four articles on the Indianapolis Star’s “Faith and Values” page. He and his wife, Elise, a retired Spanish teacher, have been married for 35 years and he is a member of the Anderson Rotary Club.

    The public is always welcome at Rotary. Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. It’s best to arrive by noon and know that we always conclude by 1:15.