Category: News

  • November 8: Indiana Diaper Bank Volunteer Opportunity

    November 8: Indiana Diaper Bank Volunteer Opportunity

    Looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back? Join us on Saturday, November 8, from 10 am to noon at the Indiana Diaper Bank! We’ll be helping pack and organize supplies to support families in need across central Indiana.

    📍 Location: 5248 W. 79th Street, Indianapolis (volunteer entrance at Door 5246)
    🚗 Parking: Plenty of parking is available right in front of the building.
    👕 What to Wear: Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. We’ll be moving around the warehouse. It can get warm in the summer and chilly in the winter, so dress for the weather!

    👉 Sign up here: Indiana Diaper Bank Volunteer Registration

    Come ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference. We’d love to see you there!

  • Rotary Career Chat Draws Dozens!

    Rotary Career Chat Draws Dozens!

    On October 20, Rotarians Tom Fodor, Ken Barlow, Zeelyn Stutz, Autumn Bryant, and Dr. Dre Knox visited Perry Meridian High School for our first-ever Rotary Career Chat. The goal was simple: to give students a glimpse into their future careers and to remind them that every professional journey starts where they are now.

    The Rotarians shared stories of challenges overcome and the importance of hard work and perseverance. More than 60 students attended the session, where careers in law, education, nonprofit management, architecture, and professional sports were highlighted.

    Special thanks to Perry Meridian Interact Club President Bryan Nguyen and Co-Advisor Joseph Bird for their warm welcome and for truly living the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”

  • September 10: 5:31 Social Event

    September 10: 5:31 Social Event

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 Club at the home of Marie and Gary Koenig on Wednesday, September 10. 

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

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

    When: September 10, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 pm, or whenever you can be there.

    Where: 1335 E. 77th Street, Indianapolis

    Beer, wine, smoked salmon, a charcuterie board, and chips with dip will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite libation. Please park on the street.

  • 2025 Community Grants: Apply Online

    2025 Community Grants: Apply Online

    The 2025 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grant guidelines have been posted. The Foundation intends to award three grants of $25,000 and two grants of $10,000.

    The online grant application can be found here. Applications are due by June 18, 2025. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits who serve the charitable and educational needs of Central Indiana.

    You can find out more about the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation here.

  • 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

  • Sargent Road Beautification Project

    Sargent Road Beautification Project

    Last Saturday, our dedicated team of ten Rotarians from the Environment & Beautification Committee, along with five enthusiastic guests, gathered at Sargent Road Nature Park for a rewarding day of service.

    We undertook two significant projects aimed at enhancing the park’s accessibility and beauty. The first project involved improving the new entrance to the park. We moved earth, secured landscape fabric, and added fresh mulch, creating a welcoming entryway for visitors.

    Our second project focused on the gravel path, which had been affected by heavy rain. We cleared away the washed-out gravel, laid down a plastic lattice for stability, and then carefully replaced the gravel, ensuring a smooth and safe walking surface.

    While the tasks were physically demanding, the camaraderie and shared purpose made the experience truly enjoyable. A heartfelt thank you to Ben Miller and Mud Creek Conservancy for partnering with us and enabling our volunteer efforts to have a positive impact on the community. Together, we’re making a difference!

    Sargent Road Nature Park is located at the southeast corner of 82nd Street and Sargent Road in the Castleton area and is open from dawn to dusk.

  • 2024 Celebration Event & Fundraiser

    2024 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 Patrick! 

    Event Info:
    June 25th, 2024
    Gainbridge Fieldhouse
    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/

    Check out photos from last year!

    *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 or go to rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/ to reserve your sponsorship today.

  • Nominations Open for Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award (ROAR)

    Nominations Open for Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award (ROAR)

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to announce that nominations for the Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition (ROAR) Award is open (formerly called Rotarian of the Year). Nominations for Rotarians in good standing who have demonstrated “Service Above Self” during his or her lifetime are being accepted. This award recognizes a life devoted to reflecting the Four Way Test, not just within the Club, but in their career and community life as well. This is considered a lifetime achievement award.

    Completed nominations should be submitted no later than May 15, 2024, to Jamie Hanan via email or by completing the online form below.

    Public announcement of the ROAR Award will occur on June 4, 2024, and the award will be presented at the 2024 Celebration Event scheduled for the evening of June 25, 2024.

    Past Recipients:
    2007: Marge Tarpley and Danny Danielson
    2008: Dr. Tim Dudley
    2009: Hugh Baker
    2010: Bill Batt
    2011: Bill Ervin
    2012: Gene Busche
    2013: Club celebrated 100th anniversary and named Rotarian of the Century: Senator Richard Lugar
    2014: Paul Raikes
    2015: Club celebrated retirement of Executive Director, Susie Harmless, and, therefore, no ROY named
    2016: Judge Tom Fisher
    2017: Elaine Bedel
    2018: Tom Lugar
    2019: Jeff Lake
    2020: Kathy Cookerly and Bill Bubenzer
    2021: Marie Koenig and Larry Brodnik
    2022: Peggy Blackard and Norm Melzer
    2023: David Leonards

    ROAR Award Nomination

    This is the nomination form for the ROAR Award (Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition)
    • All nominees must be a current member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis
    • Why you think this person is deserving of being honored as Rotarian of the Year
    • You must be a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis to nominate a ROAR nominee. All submissions will remain confidential.

  • Rotary Golf League

    Rotary Golf will start on Monday, May 13 at River Glen. Save the date for our Outing at The Fort on August 7. You do not have to be a good golfer as all events are handicapped. For more information or to sign up to receive the weekly golf newsletter contact David Leonards at ieb@prodigy.net.