Category: News

  • March Membership Mania Tournament

    During March, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis is hosting our first ever March Membership Mania Tournament!

    We have planned special events to showcase the Best of Rotary during March. If you have been interested in ramping up your Rotary engagement, now is the time! All events require advance registration, but are free to attend. Below are the links to our special events. We look forward to March and helping our club excite, engage and evolve!

    March 6
    Wings and Conversation with Sports Writer Terry Hutchens
    Hutch has been writing about sports and IU Basketball for 20 years and is syndicated in 13 newspapers.
    Punch Bowl Social, 4-5:30 p.m.
    Register at https://marchmaniawings.eventbrite.com (limited space available)

    March 7
    Celebrity H-O-R-S-E Tournament
    Join local personalities for this BIG fun networking and social event.  Winner of the tournament will receive $500 for their favorite charity.
    Hinkle Fieldhouse, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
    Register at https://marchmaniahorse.eventbrite.com

    March 17
    Basketball Court Refresh- Service Project
    Families welcome at this service project to improve this community asset.
    Bethel Park Family Center, 10 a.m. – Noon
    Register at https://marchmaniaservice.eventbrite.com

    March 27
    Coffee Q&A with Hat World Founder Scott Molander
    Join us and walk away knowing a little more about Scott’s Hat World story, business acquisitions and perhaps create a networking connection with someone in the room.
    Spoke and Steele at Le Meridien Hotel, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
    Register at https://marchmaniacoffee.eventbrite.com.  (limited space available)

    March 29 
    Behind the Scenes at the Children’s Museum Sports Legends Experience
    This after-hours tour will showcase the amazing $35 million sports utopia opening next month. Adults only, please.
    Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
    Register at https://marchmaniamuseum.eventbrite.com (The event is full.)

  • 2018 Board of Directors Candidates

    2018 Board of Directors Candidates

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to announce the candidates for our Board of Directors. Fourteen candidates have been divided into two teams, the “Hubs” and “Spokes” and will be presenting their qualifications and passions during our lunch program on Tuesday, March 6. Rotarians will select seven directors on Tuesday, March 13. In the meantime, this is your chance to get to know some of the candidates by reading the info forms that each candidate completed. Go here to find out more about the candidates.

  • Chin Community of Indiana Receives 600 Backpacks

    Chin Community of Indiana Receives 600 Backpacks

    Last week, the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Legacy Grant recipient, the Chin Community of Indiana (CCI), was the recipient of 200 back to school backpacks and supplies for distribution to families in need. The demand was so great, CCI ran out of backpacks before the distribution was scheduled to begin, leaving hundreds of students without school supplies.

    Rotarian Jeff Lake, who chairs the Chin Support Committee, worked quickly to connect CCI with local nonprofit, and former Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis grant recipient, Teachers’ Treasures.  CCI accepted 800 backpacks from Teachers’ Treasures, with 400 going directly to CCI families and another 400 being distributed to Perry Township Schools. On Monday, all 400 backpacks were distributed at CCI in less than an hour.

    Lake’s quick action and using this Rotary connection allowed him to support CCI in a way that goes far beyond just giving a grant. “The Rotary Club is about building and connecting leaders through service. Jeff was able to leverage the networks we’ve created within Rotary to live out our motto, Service Above Self, so it is especially rewarding to see this success,” says Club President Ramona Adams.

    Margaret Sheehan, Executive Director of Teachers’ Treasures was also happy to be part of this effort. “Teachers’ Treasures is thrilled to have been able to help with this urgent need. Our mission is to provide free supplies to teachers and their classrooms so students can access the tools they need to succeed academically,” Sheehan said. “Partnering with the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and the Chin Community of Indiana to get supplies to those students and classrooms is powerful. We are all focused on that student and school’s success.”

  • April 25: Prep For Business Success- Part II, The Power of Networking

    April 25: Prep For Business Success- Part II, The Power of Networking

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis on April 25th as we host the 2nd part of a three part series, “2017 Prep For Business Success”.

    You will not want to miss Third Generation Rotarian Janet King Harris, Senior Franchise Development Specialist at CruiseOne Dream Vacations who will moderate this panel of business leaders. Find out best practices, aha moments, shared stories, and experiences from:

    • Billie Dragoo, President, Repucare, and past President of NAWBO
    • Steven Stolen, VP, Corporate Advancement, Indy Chamber
    • Rotarian Nikki Lewallen, CEO of Rainmakers, and Account Executive with Emplify
    • Moderator: Rotarian, Janet King Harris, Senior Franchise Development Specialist at CruiseOne Dream Vacations

    Learn more about where and how they spend their time, how they plan for events and listen as they share best practices for follow up. This Panel Discussion will lead us into our 3rd and final event “Speed Networking” on June 20th! You won’t want to miss out on this powerhouse panel, see you on Tuesday.

     

  • 2017 Membership Appreciation Reception

    2017 Membership Appreciation Reception

    In celebration of our members, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis invites you to a Member Appreciation Reception.

    Goodwill, networking, appetizers, cash bar and surprises available throughout the evening.

    All Rotarians and guests are welcome; the first 70 Rotarians who register using the EARLY BIRD option receive a free parking voucher for the garage at the Hilton Hotel and two free drink tickets.

    Dress is festive business attire.

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis wishes to thank
    Barnes and Thornburg
    and
    The Indianapolis Hilton Hotel and Suites
    for their generous sponsorship of the evening.

    DATE AND TIME
    Wed, April 19, 2017
    5:30 PM – 8:00 PM EDT

    LOCATION
    Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
    120 West Market Street
    Indianapolis, IN 46204

    Register For The Event!

  • A Special Message:

    A Special Message:

    Rotarians,

    The Scottish Rite Cathedral, built in 1929, is a remarkable building. As we all know, updates and renovations are necessary to keep a historic building in top shape. The Ballroom, where the Rotary Club of Indianapolis typically meets, will be undergoing a facelift for the next few months. During this time we will have the pleasure of utilizing the Grand Hall (located downstairs) for our weekly lunch and program. Once renovations have been completed, we will notify you that we can return to the newly updated Ballroom. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this change in location and I hope to see you at a meeting soon!

    And remember, in addition to our regular meetings held in the Scottish Rite, there are many other activities happening at Rotary! From basketball games at IUPUI with Rotarian Roderick Perry to Movie Night with Rotarian Matt Burnett to volunteering at the Marion County Spelling Bee… there are so many ways to get engaged! Watch our e-newsletter or visit our website at www.indyrotary.org to check out our calendar of events.

    Hugs,

    President, Sheila Carlson

  • 2016-17 Officer Elections

    On December 12, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Board of Directors approved the following slate of officers to serve for the 16-17 Rotary year.  Thanks to all who step up to serve in leadership!

      President:             Ramona Adams
    President Elect:    John Mainella
    Vice President:     Michael Schiele
    Treasurer:             Larry Brodnik
    Secretary:             Nick Reich
    Sgt. at Arms:         Marie Koenig

  • Welcome Jamie Stahl

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is excited to welcome Jamie Stahl as the new member services coordinator for the Club.

    She previously was the Development Officer for the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing and has worked in fundraising and development for over seven years.  She is an Indiana University graduate and has a master’s degree in public affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management.  Jamie currently serves on the board of directors for the Joyful Sound community handbell choir and is the treasurer for the Southside Parents of Multiples organization.

    Jamie and her twin boys, Evan and Liam, reside in Greenwood.  Jamie will start in the office on December 5 and her email address will be jstahl@indyrotary.org;  please show her a warm Rotary welcome!

  • 2016-21 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Legacy Grant Awarded

    2016-21 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Legacy Grant Awarded

    The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation awarded their Legacy Grant, a renewable five year grant of $50,000 per year, to the Chin Community of Indiana. Previous recipients of Legacy Grant funding have included the Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and the Riley Hospital for Children.

    The Chin Community of Indiana is a nonprofit organization based in a community center located at 2524 E. Stop 11 Road. The center serves as a hub for Chin families and hosts opportunities for English classes, job fairs and also celebrations to honor their rich culture. The Legacy Grant will be used to fund operations for increased programming and also provide upgrades to the community center to create a more welcoming, professional experience for Chin residents, community partners and employers. Additional support will come from individual Rotarians who have offered to provide advisory guidance and support as requested by the Chin Community of Indiana.

    “We are excited to partner with an organization that is playing such a vital role in the community,” says Matt Will, President of the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation. “During our extensive search for the right grant partner, we were impressed by how many connections the Chin have made in the City and the way they are committed to improve their education and job skills, while preserving and honoring the Chin culture.”

    “We are honored to receive this grant, but even more excited about working with the Rotary Club to expand our resources, networks and influence in Indianapolis,” says Kjack Williams, President of the Chin Community of Indiana. “The comprehensive attention they have provided will enable more Chin to not just “settle” in Indianapolis, but to “succeed” in Indianapolis with increased language and job skills.”

    The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is a private, stand-alone corporation that serves as the primary 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 Rotarian motto of “Service Above Self.”

  • Mayors Proclaims Lorene Burkhart (Rotarian) Day

    Mayors Proclaims Lorene Burkhart (Rotarian) Day

    Story Courtesy: Current in Carmel

    July 11 marked a joint celebration of Lorene Burkhart’s 80th birthday and an awards ceremony in her honor.

    Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard and Indianapolis Mayor Gregory Ballard proclaimed the day “Lorene Burkhart Day” for each of the two cities.

    Burkhart, a longtime resident of Indianapolis, recently moved to Carmel. Lorene Burkhart is a well-known philanthropist, author, publisher, radio and TV personality, civic leader and pioneer for women in the work place.

    After recent heart surgery, Burkhart appeared to be recovering well and in great spirits as friends Barbara Boyd, Alpha Blackburn, Janie Hodges, Pat Wachtel, Syd Steele, Donna Martz, Peggy Sabens, Sharon Hunt, Rosie Steinmetz, Jeanne Olson, Bob Olson, Jenny Jones, Jim Jane Gradison and Winnie Ballard, to name a few, joined the celebration.

    Mark Shunk, one of Lorene’s sons, flew in from Los Angeles to honor his mother at the ceremony. His wife, Suzy, joined him. Other family members enjoyed the celebration, as well. Shunk spoke briefly and noted that one of the most important lessons he learned from his mother was about giving back to the community.

    Lorene Burkhart graduated from Purdue University in 1956 and has been a loyal supporter of the institution ever since. In 1994, she donated $1 million dollars to establish the Center for Families. In 1997, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters for her many leadership contributions.

    In 1995, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the University of Indianapolis. In 2013, she was awarded an Honorary Associate of Science Degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Her passion for teaching and learning continues with her participation to further adult literacy through the Indy Reads program.

    When asked what stands out as the most important achievement to her personally, Burkhart said, “I was a pioneer for women, opening the door for achievement in the work place.”

    She also said several attributes helped to contributed to her success.

    “A positive attitude balanced with common sense and facts. Look at things as opportunity, then execute the tasks at hand,” she said. “Life is full of surprises. I recently survived heart surgery and drastic downsizing of my living space. It’s a time of transition. Who knows what’s next?”

    She will continue organizing projects and staying active, although, the immediate task at hand is cardio therapy. Living life well, for her, is identifying things that need to be done and doing it. It’s also about having fun.

    “Fun for me is being with family and friends. Funny people with good jokes make me laugh,” she said.

    At 80, Lorene Burkhart continues to live life well.

    ***