Category: Latest News

  • April 23: Corporate Members Event

    April 23: Corporate Members Event

    Join us for an exclusive and highly educational event featuring Karen Alter, CEO of Borshoff, a premier PR and marketing agency known for helping businesses craft compelling narratives and navigate complex communication challenges.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • When does your business truly need PR? (It’s not just for crises!)
    • Is PR right for your company? Understanding the ROI of strategic communications.
    • Common PR mistakes that most companies don’t even realize they’re making.
    • How to control your story before the public and media do it for you.
    • The evolving PR landscape and why traditional marketing isn’t enough anymore.

    Whether you’re a CEO, business owner, or marketing leader, this event will provide practical insights you can implement immediately. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain expert PR knowledge and position your business for long-term success!

    Come ready to learn, engage, and take your business’s public image to the next level!

    *Corporate Members received a special invitation on February 27 via email from Rotarian Zack Conner with registration details. If you are interested in learning more about corporate memberships, please contact the Rotary office at info@indyrotary.org.

  • March 22: Flanner House Volunteer Opportunity

    March 22: Flanner House Volunteer Opportunity

    The Environment and Beautification Committee is seeking volunteers for a meaningful service project at Flanner House. On Saturday, March 22, from 9 am – 12 pm, we will be working together to install flower beds and build a shed – a project funded by the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation.

    This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community while helping to enhance the beauty of Flanner House. If you’re interested in lending a hand, we would love to have you join us!

    To sign up or for more information, please contact Charlie Meyer. 

  • March 12: 5:31 Club

    March 12: 5:31 Club

    Backyard Bonfire/St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests and anyone looking to enjoy a fun filled Wednesday evening.

    Location: Home of Rotarian Stan Jacobs and his wife Marilyn, 9008 Ironwood Court, Indianapolis, IN 46260

    Date: Wednesday, March 12 at 5:31 p.m.

    Featuring the Gordon Pipers performing around 6:00-6:30 p.m.

    For planning purposes, please RSVP to Stanton.Jacobs@gmail.com by March 10.

  • Rotary Club of Indianapolis Sponsors Two High Schoolers at District Speech Competition

    Rotary Club of Indianapolis Sponsors Two High Schoolers at District Speech Competition

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis proudly sponsored two talented high school students to participate in the Rotary District 6560 Speech Competition on Saturday, February 8, at Anderson University. The competitors, sophomore Avy Arun and senior Mayah Lopez, both from Westfield High School, were accompanied by the Club Speech Contest Chair, Tom Fodor, as they anxiously awaited the results.

    The competition was fierce, with twelve students representing nearly four dozen Rotary clubs in the district. All participants showcased exceptional skills, poise, and passion in their speeches. Among them, Mayah Lopez, who had previously won the Rotary Club of Indianapolis competition, secured third place overall at the district level, earning a $250 prize. Her powerful speech, titled “The Lungs Of Our World,” called for immediate action to address the alarming destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

    Both Mayah and Avy will be honored at an upcoming Club meeting, where they will receive the Club’s awards. Mayah will be awarded a $300 prize along with her high school which will further support the speech and debate program.

    A special thank you goes out to Westfield High School English, Speech, and Debate Teacher Holly Reineking, whose dedication and hard work always prepare her students to compete at the highest levels.

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to support young voices like Mayah and Avy, helping to inspire the next generation of leaders and advocates for positive change in the world.

  • February 12: 5:31 Club Wine Tasting

    February 12: 5:31 Club Wine Tasting

    Join us at this year’s 5:31 Club Wine Tasting event hosted by Rotarian Matt Burnett and his wife Jill!

    When: February 12, starting at 5:31 p.m., ending at 7:00 p.m.

    Where: The home of Rotarian Matt Burnett.

    The rules are simple:

    1. Bring your favorite bottle of red or white wine ($30 or less)
    2. Sample a few wines
    3. Vote on your phone
    4. Learn the results that evening.
    5. Have fun!!

    This is a wine TASTING, but just in case, ride shares from Uber or Lyft will be available. Drink responsibly.

    Questions? Contact Norm Melzer at normmelzer@gmail.com.

  • January 22: Corporate Members Event

    Corporate members are invited to a special evening as we learn about customer service from two experts in their field.

    You will not want to miss this event! Rotarian Kimble Richardson will be moderating a discussion with Tiffany Hanson (Morales Group) and Leanna Chroman (Huse Culinary) as we learn best practices on providing excellent customer service from hospitality experts.

    Corporate members received a special invitation on December 30 via email from Rotarian Zack Conner with registration details. If you are interested in learning more about corporate memberships, please contact the Rotary office at info@indyrotary.org. 

  • January 15: 5:31 Social Event

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 Club at Doc B’s Restaurant on Wednesday, January 15.

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

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

    When: January 15, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 pm, or whenever you can be there.

    Where: Doc B’s Restaurant, 8702 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis

  • Congrats To Our New Officers

    Congrats To Our New Officers

    The Rotary Board of Directors recently elected new officers Kelle Neibert and Dan Hamilton. Beginning on July 1, Kelle will be serving as Sergeant at Arms and Dan will be serving as Vice President (rising to President in 2027). We look forward to their leadership!

  • 2024-2025 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grants

    2024-2025 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grants

    Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Announces Community Grant Recipients
    $130,000 in funding distributed to seven Indianapolis nonprofits

    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 2024-25 Community Grants.

    • Child Advocates will receive $25,000 to provide legal representation for youth within the child welfare system facing immigration issues.
    • Medical Mutts Service Dogs will receive $25,000 to rescue dogs lingering in shelters, train them to detect glucose drops, impending seizures, anxiety/panic attacks and social emotional discomfort. The dogs will then be paired with their human companion and be of service to them for 8-10 years.
    • Pretty Passionate Hands will receive $25,000 to provide teen parents with parenting classes, education workshops to promote financial literacy and stability, mentorship programs, as well as access to food, household supplies, clothing, childcare, baby toys and equipment.
    • Westminster Neighborhood Services Inc will receive $25,000 to purchase a box truck. The truck will allow them to pick up food donations for their food pantry, soup kitchen, and youth programs, ensuring no neighbor goes hungry.
    • The Children’s TherAplay Foundation, Inc. will receive $10,000 for translation services that will assist their families during scheduling, evaluations and therapy sessions.
    • Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis Inc. will receive $10,000 to provide the residents of the Martindale Brightwood Neighborhood in need with a Day of Rest, a restorative healing circle, restorative activities and program materials that teach coping skills to address trauma, domestic violence, and self-care strategies.
    • Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, Inc. will receive $10,000 to support their Mobile Education Bike Lab program. The program is in Indianapolis area schools, youth development centers, libraries, parks and recreation services, and other community organizations strategically identified in “bike deserts” with less access to bicycle education programs.

    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 $250,000 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

  • January 18: Service Opportunity

    January 18: Service Opportunity

    The Community Service Committee is excited to announce a service opportunity with Gleaners Food Bank. They are looking for 25 volunteers to help serve on Saturday, January 18, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Friends and family ages 13+ are welcome to attend. To sign up to volunteer, please complete the online form. 

    What to expect during your shift:

    • Want a sneak peek of your volunteer project? Check out this video.
    • Volunteers will be loading cars, directing traffic, and bagging bulk food items for our food pantry drive-thru distribution
    • This project is indoors, with some positions outdoors directing traffic. The garage doors will be open on both ends of the building so the chute will be colder in the winter. Please dress for the weather.

    This project does require repetitive light lifting (think loading your groceries in the car) and bending, but some accommodations can be made. Please let Gleaners know prior to signing up or when you arrive if you need light-duty accommodations.

    Questions? Contact Community Service Committee Co-Chairs Autumn Bryant and Paul Sammons.