Author: Indy Rotary

  • Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Invests $100,000 in IMPD CARES Program

    INDIANAPOLIS, Ind (June 23, 2026) — The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation has awarded a $100,000 Legacy Impact Grant to the Central Indiana Police Foundation in support of IMPD CARES, a prevention-focused initiative that uses mentorship, education and community engagement to strengthen relationships between young people, families and law enforcement.

    The grant will support two key components of the program: $50,000 to expand youth initiatives, including the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program and summer camp, and $50,000 to purchase and customize a new community-engagement gaming trailer to be deployed throughout Marion County.

    “The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation supports organizations addressing challenges at every stage, from food insecurity and foster care to workforce development and public safety,” said Erin Smith, president of the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation. “This investment reflects our belief that prevention, mentorship and community engagement are essential components of a stronger Indianapolis.”

    Each year, IMPD CARES programs reach approximately 1,200 young people across Marion County. Administered through IMPD’s Community Engagement Office, CARES includes the Police Athletic League, Books and Badges, Play It Smart, G.R.E.A.T., SLYDE (School-Led Youth Development & Engagement) and adult education programming.

    “We often talk about public safety after something bad happens,” said Lisa Rollings, executive director of the Central Indiana Police Foundation. “These programs are about creating positive connections long before that point. This grant allows us to expand opportunities for young people and officers to engage in meaningful ways throughout Indianapolis.”

    The new community engagement gaming trailer represents an innovative approach to outreach. By meeting young people in a setting that feels familiar and inviting, officers can create opportunities for conversation, mentorship and relationship-building with youth who may not otherwise participate in traditional programs. Each deployment will include educational programming alongside opportunities for positive engagement between officers and the community.

    “Enforcement is one part of public safety. Prevention, mentorship and trust-building are equally important,” said Lt. Allen Tuttle, manager of IMPD’s Community Engagement Division. “Programs like CARES and G.R.E.A.T. give officers opportunities to connect with young people outside emergency situations and help strengthen the communities we serve.”

    Awarded every two years, the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation’s Legacy Impact Grant supports transformational projects that address significant community needs and create lasting impact throughout Central Indiana.

    ###

    About Rotary Club of Indianapolis
    Founded in 1913, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis brings together leaders from business, government, nonprofit organizations and the community to address challenges facing Central Indiana through service, philanthropy and civic engagement.

    Through the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Foundation, the organization provides more than $260,000 annually in grants, youth programs and charitable initiatives that strengthen communities across the region.

    Learn more at indyrotary.com.

    About the Central Indiana Police Foundation
    The foundation started in 2013, focused on the Indianapolis Police Department. We are now serving 70 police departments in central Indiana. The mission is to foster community-wide support for law enforcement, providing supplemental resources, and building positive officer-community partnerships.

  • August 11: Indiana Fever Game

    August 11: Indiana Fever Game

    Join fellow Rotarians for a fun night of basketball as the Indiana Fever take on the New York Liberty!

    Game Details:

    • Date: Tuesday, August 11
    • Time: 7:30 pm
    • Location: Section 208 (balcony, center)

    Ticket Information:

    • Price: $59.50 per ticket
    • Rotary seats will be grouped together for this event.

    If you would like to attend, please complete the ticket form. You will receive an invoice for your tickets in June, as payment to the Fever is due by June 26.

  • Rotary Golf Season Tees off May 11

    Rotary Golf Season Tees off May 11

    Rotary Golf returns on Monday, May 11 at River Glen. Whether you are a seasoned player or just enjoy getting out on the course, all skill levels are welcome. Every event is handicapped, so there is no need to be a pro to participate.

    Please also save the date for our annual Rotary Golf Outing at The Fort on Thursday, August 6.

    For more information or to sign up for the weekly golf newsletter, please contact David Leonards.

  • 2026 Celebration Event & Fundraiser

    2026 Celebration Event & Fundraiser

    It’s time to celebrate! Every year the Rotary Club of Indianapolis reflects on our impact over the prior year with a celebration! 

    What to expect:

    • Camaraderie
    • Fun
    • Food
    • Silent auction
    • Reflections on our community impact, community beautification, world community service over the last year
    • Installation and celebration of our new president and board
    • Celebration of President Charlie! 

    Event Info:
    June 23, 2026
    The Columbia Club
    5:30 pm – cocktail hour
    6:30 pm – dinner & program


    Cost: Early Bird $65/per person, $75/per person starting June 1 – register at rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/

    *Please note: all contributions to this event (ticket price, silent auction, and sponsorships) go to benefit the club. The club is not a 501(c)3 and thus gifts made are not tax deductible.

    Sponsorship Opportunities

    We hope you or your business will consider sponsoring the dinner. Multiple sponsorships are available if you’re interested in supporting your club in this way. 

    This fundraiser helps to support our club’s bottom line so we can provide better experiences for Rotarians as we learn about and support our community. Thank you for your consideration. 

    Contact the office at info@indyrotary.org if you’re interested in this opportunity.

  • Rotarian Bill Ervin Passes Away

    Rotarian Bill Ervin Passes Away

    William C. Ervin (Bill) from Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on December 15, 2023. He was born June 18, 1939, in Terre Haute Indiana to Alberta and William C Ervin. Bill, was married to his wife of 66 years, Joan (Baumann) Ervin.

    Bill was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, attended Wiley High School and Indiana University for undergraduate and law school where he graduated with a Bachelor of laws degree in 1964 and became a lifelong member of the bar association. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Baumann, who joined him at IU earning her undergraduate degree and Master of Education.

    Bill, expressed that he never would have imagined that his life would be as richly blessed as it was. He was raised in a caring atmosphere, blessed with lifelong friends from his high school years and challenged and encouraged in his education through college. Along the way he was lucky enough to work at many different jobs and with many people who touched his life. He delivered newspapers, cut grass, caddied, served ice cream, installed seat covers, was a Kroger stock boy, rolled whisky barrels, shoveled snow, loaded anti-freeze, ran a coffee concession, and for six years worked in the pool room at Indiana University and repaired pool tables during which he became the 1961 Intercollegiate Three Cushion Billiard Championship.

    After graduation Bill joined the FBI and the Ervin family commenced moving around the country for the next 26 years. His career in the FBI he labeled knowingly and with great care; challenging, rewarding, frustrating and exhilarating. FBI assignments took the family to New Orleans, Columbia and Aiken, South Carolina, Boston, Washington D.C., Richmond Virginia, Honolulu and Indianapolis. Bill retired in 1990 as Special Agent in Charge of the Indianapolis FBI Field Office. After retiring he continued his interests as an account executive at Dean Witter; Co-founder of 19th Star Productions, a documentary production company, and an adjunct professor at Butler University in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

    He was a prolific reader with a love for history and especially WWII history.

    The blessings in his life included a 42-year relationship with Rotary International in Honolulu and Indianapolis, 31 years as an Advisory Board member of the Salvation Army, 18 years as a board member of the John Weidner Foundation; being a co-founder in 1987 and Board member since of the Indianapolis World War II Roundtable; and being a Life Master bridge player.

    His relationship with each of these organizations exposed him to people who are the heart and soul of society. He experienced unstinting kindness, a penchant to do good from people he met, so many curious and inventive minds, and unlimited graciousness. His work with these groups contained some of his proudest moments.

    Throughout his life Bill was associated both professionally and personally with many organizations including the Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel ; FBI Citizens Academy :The Federal Executive Association, President; Indiana Law Enforcement Academy; Indiana Communities for Drug Free Youth , Governors Commissions for a Drug Free Indiana. Indiana High School Basketball Historical Society. Hook’s Discovery Learning Center; C.H.A.N.C.E.S for Youth Board.

    As he said. “I am a lucky, lucky man. God has granted me a life richly blessed by family and friends, especially my wife Joan whose patience is unmatched”.

    Bill is preceded in death by his mother Alberta (Schnell) Ervin, his father, William C. Ervin and his younger brother Fred Ervin. He is survived by his wife Joan Ervin; children Catherine E. Costlow (David); Bryan D. Ervin (Suzan) and grandchildren Sarah Ervin and Laura Ervin.

    A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E Main St, Carmel, IN.

    Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the John Hendy Weidner Foundation for Altruism – Butler University Weidner Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund. Address envelopes to: Office of University Advancement, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208. (Checks may be made out to Butler University with the name of the scholarship fund in the memo line).

    You may also make a contribution to the Salvation Army, 6060 Castleway West Dr., Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. ( https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/indiana/ )

    Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.

  • Long Time Rotarian, George Dingledy Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, George Dingledy Passes Away

    November 26, 1923 – March 26, 2023

    Former Wabash mayor George Henry Dingledy, age 99, died unexpectedly March 26, 2023 in Indianapolis. He was born on November 26, 1923, and grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. He was one of 6 children born to Frederick and Florence (Moran) Dingledy.

    Dingledy was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 19 and joined the 164th Infantry (American Division.) He landed on the Solomon Islands on Christmas Day 1943. The unit moved in January 1945 to the Philippine Islands (where MacArthur landed) and then to Cebu Island; both places were Japanese strongholds. World War II ended on September, 1945 and Dingledy, was sent to occupy Japan. Following his discharge after 33 months of active duty in the Pacific Theater, Staff Sergeant Dingledy used the GI Bill of Rights to attend college. Through a visit to the hometown of a fellow student at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, he met the student’s sister Rita Ann Fedewa whom he married in 1948. He graduated from the University of Tampa in 1950. Dingledy was employed as a sales representative for the Sunbeam Corporation from 1951-1958, in Jacksonville, Detroit and Memphis. He moved to Wabash, Indiana in 1958 when he bought the Fedewa Appliance Store with his brother-in-law Tom Fedewa from his father-in-law Arthur Fedewa. For the next 30 years, Dingledy served his community in a variety of ways. He was president of the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce, and also president of the Wabash County United Fund. Dingledy was named the Chamber’s Distinguished Citizen in 1974. Dingledy was a strong supporter of education, serving eight years on the Wabash City Schools board and six on the board of the Upper Wabash Vocational School. He was also on the board of directors and an officer of the Wabash Valley Dance Theater, as well as president of the Honeywell Swim Team Booster Club for two terms. He was a long-time member of the Wabash Toastmasters Club where he served as president, and also served as commander of Post 286, VFW. Dingledy was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history. With this in mind, he became the Oral History Project Director, compiling oral histories of local citizens in Wabash for the public library. These included veterans of wars from the Spanish-American through Vietnam. When he moved to Indianapolis in 1989, there were over 100 accounts on file documenting the city’s history.

    During 1979 Dingledy served as president of the Indiana Oral History Roundtable. Dingledy served four years on the Wabash Carnegie Public Library board of directors, including one as president. In addition, he was a member of the board of directors of the historical society for many years. Dingledy joined Rotary in 1958, and served as President of the Wabash Rotary Club. Dingledy was Rotary District Governor from 1987-1988 in Rotary Zone 30 and was a member of the Rotary Council of Past District Governors. Dingledy remained an active member until his passing. He was the oldest active Rotarian WWII veteran in the state of Indiana. Dingledy served as Mayor of Wabash, Indiana from 1979-83. For this and his other community, business and military service, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb honored Dingledy last August with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.

    He was survived by his three children, John (Carol) Dingledy of Columbus, Indiana, Thomas (Lucy) Dingledy of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and James Dingledy of Indianapolis, Indiana; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. Dingledy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife (1924-2006), son George Henry Dingledy II (1953-1981) and daughter Christine Thieroff (1952-2020).

    Services will be 10:30 am Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash, with Father Jay Horning officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7 pm Thursday at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash.

    The preferred memorial is the Wabash Carnegie Public Library.

    To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of George Henry Dingledy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

    VISITATION
    Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Inc. – Manchester Avenue Chapel
    Thursday, March 30, 2023
    5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    1241 Manchester Avenue
    Wabash, Indiana 46992


    FUNERAL SERVICE
    Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum
    Friday, March 31, 2023
    10:30 AM
    1100 Manchester Avenue
    Wabash, IN 46992


    BURIAL
    Memorial Lawns Cemetery
    Friday, March 31, 2023
    1100 Manchester Avenue
    Wabash, IN 46992

  • August 5:31 Club: Indianapolis Indians Game!

    Indianapolis Rotarians and Indianapolis Baseball!  Can you imagine a better way to spend you Sunday afternoon?!  Come join your fellow Rotarians watch the Indianapolis Indians trounce the St. Paul Saints at the August 5:31 Club!

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests and anyone looking to enjoy a fun filled Sunday afternoon

    What: Baseball!!!

    When: Sunday August 15th @ 1:35pm (gates open at 12:30pm)

    Where: Victory Field, 501 W Maryland St, Indianapolis IN 46225

    What Else: Tickets can be purchased online for $12, be sure to select “Lawn” seating.  The game starts at 1:35pm.  Plan to arrive early, meet in the outfield, and bring a blanket for seating. Kids eat free!

    Ticket Sales: https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/tickets/single-game-tickets

    FAQs: https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/ballpark/faq

    More information can be found at https://www.milb.com/indianapolis

  • July 5:31 Club: Blind Owl Brewery

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 Club at Blind Owl Brewery on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.

    The Blind Owl Brewery has become a staple in the Binford Neighborhood. They are serving some of Indy’s best handcrafted brews and food, a full bar with 26 taps, seasonally rotating craft cocktails

    We will be playing Bocce Ball, Corn Hole, and other lawn games

    WHO: Rotarians, friends, guests, and anyone wanting to learn more about Rotary.

    What: No agenda, just the regular monthly social get-together.

    When: July 7th, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 pm, or whenever you can be there.

    Where: Blind Owl Brewery is located at 5014 E 62nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46220

    Free parking!

    #happyhour #Rotary #531Club

  • May 5:31 Club: Hotel Tango Zionsville

    WHO: Rotarians, friends, guests, and anyone wanting to learn more about Rotary.

    WHAT:  Strategically located on the north-side of Indianapolis, Hotel Tango Zionsville is a lively craft cocktail lounge for spirit lovers. This location has an industrial vibe, but still pays homage to our military background with each branch being represented in art, an honor wall for community members that have served, and a wall honoring our very own Hotel Tango service members.

    WHEN: Wednesday, May 5th, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 or 7:30 pm, or anytime in between.

    WHERE: 10615 Zionsville Road, Zionsville, Indiana 46077

    WHY: Fellowship, fun, and frivolity during our monthly social get-together.

    Masks and social distancing will be enforced for your safety.

  • April 6: Bart Peterson

    April 6: Bart Peterson

    Join us on Tuesday at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center or on Zoom to hear from Bart Peterson the President and CEO of Christel House International, an international network of primary and secondary schools serving children from predominantly disadvantaged backgrounds. Peterson retired in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Eli Lilly and Company, where he also served as a member of the company’s executive committee. Prior to joining Lilly, Peterson was Managing Director at Strategic Capital Partners, LLC, from June 2008 to June 2009.  Peterson received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1980 and earned his law degree at the University of Michigan Law School in 1983.

    From 2000 to 2007, Peterson served two terms as Mayor of Indianapolis. He also served as President of the National League of Cities in 2007. As mayor, Peterson led a transformation of public education in Indianapolis as the only mayor in America with the authority to create new schools by issuing charters. He was responsible for 16 charter schools and won Harvard University’s prestigious Innovations in American Government Award for the initiative in 2006. As mayor, along with Indiana University, Purdue University, Lilly, and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, he created BioCrossroads, a focused effort to push Indianapolis to the forefront as a life sciences capital. He was also instrumental in the business expansions of FedEx, Rolls Royce, and Anthem in Indianapolis, and the construction and development of major projects such as Lucas Oil Stadium, the Conrad Indianapolis, Simon Property Group’s world headquarters, Indianapolis International Airport’s Col. H. Weir Cook terminal building, and the Indiana Convention Center expansion and J.W. Marriott Hotel.

    During spring 2008, Peterson was a fellow with the Institute of Politics of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. During the 2008-2009 school year, Peterson was a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Policy at Ball State University. In 2012, he was appointed by the US State Department to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council and served through 2016. For twelve years, Peterson served as the founding Board Chair of The Mind Trust, an education reform and support organization, and he currently chairs the Board of Directors of the Regenstrief Foundation and the Advisory Board of the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health. He is also a member of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs Dean’s Council and serves on the 16 Tech Community Corporation Board of Directors, which guides the development of the 16 Tech innovation district located on Indianapolis’s near northwest side.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are required. Due to current guidelines only 50 seats are available. 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/. 

    Registration is not required to join the meeting. If you’d like to join via your mobile phone or tablet you can download the free Zoom app. 

    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