Category: Rotarian of the Year

  • 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.

  • June 28: Celebration Dinner & Fundraiser

    June 28: Celebration Dinner & Fundraiser




    Our club will NOT be meeting for lunch on June 28. Instead, we hope you’ve purchased your tickets for the Celebration Dinner, which will be a delightful opportunity to gather and celebrate the Rotary year. 

    Tickets are still available for the dinner. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, June 24 by 11 a.m. on Square. The public is welcome and encouraged to join us for this spectacular night. 

    Location: Tinker House Events, 1101 East 16th. Street, Indianapolis, 46202
    Cocktail Hour Sponsored by Gregory & Appel: 5:30 p.m.
    Dinner and Program with Title Sponsor – Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana: 6:30 p.m.
    After Party: The after party will take place at the Murat Shrine Oasis Lounge located at 510 N. New Jersey Street, Indianapolis. Registration is not required to attend the after party. 

    Please note: 
    – Onsite parking is free and the greenspace to the west of the building can be used for additional parking.
    – If you have any special dietary restrictions that you have not alerted to staff, please email Jamie. 
    – Each guest will receive two drink tickets good for wine or beer or use both drink tickets for our specialty cocktail. Cash bar will be available.
    – The silent auction is live and open until 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 28. Register and bid today! You do not have to attend the event to participate. 
    THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF THE CELEBRATION EVENT: 

    Title:
    Gleaners Food Bank of Central Indiana

    Platinum:
    Barnes & Thornburg
    Bedel Financial

    Gold:
    Indianapolis Colts
    RecycleForce & Keys2Work

    Danny Danielson Award:
    Stifel

    Reception:
    Gregory & Appel

    Silver:
    RJE Business Interiors
    Schuetz Insurance Services
    Woodard, Emhardt, Henry, Reeves & Wagner, LLP

    Bronze:
    Cape Fletcher & Associates
    FCCI Insurance Group
    Greenwalt CPAs
    Paramount Schools of Excellence
    Sutton Garten

    People of Action:
    Borshoff
    Ramona Adams
    Peggy Blackard
    Larry Brodnik
    Jenny Dexter
    Tom Fisher
    Stan Jacobs
    Jeff Moffatt
    David Stamper
    Don Steffy
  • Awards Presented at Celebration Dinner

    Awards Presented at Celebration Dinner

    On Tuesday, June 29 the Rotary Club of Indianapolis hosted their Celebration Dinner and Fundraiser. During the program, Rotarians were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Join us in congratulating the following award winners for the 2020-2021 Rotary Year.

    Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award
    Larry Brodnik
    Marie Koenig

    Spirit of Rotary Award
    Norm Melzer

    Service Above Self Award
    Stan Jacobs

    Power of One Awards
    Abigail Harlan
    Stacy Johnson
    Andile Songo

    Unsung Hero Award
    Jamie Hanan

    Check out photos from the event on our Facebook page.

  • 2021 Celebration Event & Fundraiser

    2021 Celebration Event & Fundraiser

    It’s time to celebrate the Power of One.

    Every year the Rotary Club of Indianapolis reflects on our impact over the prior year with a party!! 

    What to expect:

    • Camaraderie
    • Fun
    • Food
    • Silent auction* available online!
    • 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 Nick! 

    In-person Deets:
    June 29th, 2021
    Tinker House Events: 1101 E 16th Street, Indianapolis
    5:30 pm – cocktail hour
    6:30 pm – dinner served
    7:00 pm – program
    Cost: $60/per person – register at rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/

    After-party at Tinker Street Restaurant, 402 E. 16th Street, Indianapolis

    Check out photos from last year!

    *Please note: all contributions to this event (ticket price, silent auction, and virtual attendance donations) 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.

  • Recognition Awards Presented

    Recognition Awards Presented

    On Tuesday, June 30th, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis hosted their Virtual Celebration Event. During the program, Rotarians were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Join us in congratulating the following award winners for the 2019-2020 Rotary Year:

    Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition
    Bill Bubenzer
    Kathy Cookerly

    Game Changer Presidential Awards
    Jenni Agramonte
    Greg Albright
    Jeff Crane
    Ken File
    Leeanne Lollar

    Door Prizes
    Indianapolis Zoo Rhino Behind the Scenes tour: Karen Alter
    Vera Bradley – Beach Bag with accessories: Stacy Johnson

    We appreciate everyone’s participation, patience, and understanding during this year of change.

    Happy new Rotary Year!

    -Thriving Together: Opportunities to Connect Planning committee

  • June 30: Virtual Celebration

    June 30: Virtual Celebration

    We will NOT have a noon meeting on Tuesday.

    Instead, we’ll be meeting in the evening at 6 p.m. on Zoom. The last meeting of the Rotary year is always something special. Join us as we celebrate the year of President Michael Schiele and recognize our Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition recipients, Kathy Cookerly and Bill Bubenzer.

    We still have tickets available for our virtual celebration. Tickets can be purchased here. The public is welcome and encouraged to join us for this spectacular night.

    To join our Celebration Event starting at 6:00 p.m. go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83739674840?pwd=K0hUYXg0SWE5SmZqQmQ3cXA1OUU1dz09

    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: 837 3967 4840
    Password: 276138

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers:
    +13126266799,,83739674840#,,,,0#,,276138# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,83739674840#,,,,0#,,276138# 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)
    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
    +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

    Meeting ID: 837 3967 4840
    Password: 276138
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abV7RufTKj

    Go here to view instructions on how to prepare for your first Zoom call. If you have questions about joining the meeting contact the office at info@indyrotary.org.

  • June 30: 2020 Celebration Event

    June 30: 2020 Celebration Event

    You’re invited to our celebration event, Tuesday, June 30, “Thriving Together: Opportunities to Connect!” It’s going to be different than in prior years, but we’re so excited to celebrate with you! We’ll have a Zoom celebration, Online Auction, and after party – all from the comfort of your home OR from a small watch party hosted by a fellow Rotarian.

    Schedule of events:

    5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
    Settle in and get comfy – either in your home or at a watch party location.

    6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    The main event!
    Theme: “Thriving Together: Opportunities to Connect”
    Celebrate our accomplishments from the year, thank our leadership, swear in our new leaders.

    8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
    An extra helping!
    After Party with Vine Society (Additional Ticket Required)
    Participate in a guided tasting of three wines (delivered ahead of time to your home).

    Link to event page

  • Special Message from President John Mainella

    Special Message from President John Mainella

    By now, you have likely heard on the local and national news outlets that our beloved Rotarian and Senator Richard Lugar passed away Saturday evening after a short battle with the same syndrome that took his brother Tom.  He was surrounded by his loving wife of 63 years Charlene, four sons, and many other members of his family.

    We honored the Senator as Rotarian of the Century during our clubs centennial celebration and we recently joined with Gleaners to celebrate his work to eliminate hunger in the United States and across the world, as well as his efforts to promote global peace.  Many of us had the privilege and honor of hearing Dick and Tom share their brotherly love and their family’s story at a Tuesday meeting several years ago.  I was fortunate to receive several notes from him during this year as president and will cherish knowing and working with him for the rest of my life.

    To say that our club lost another giant is an understatement.  The entire world lost one of history’s greatest statesmen, advocates for peace, and incredible human being.

    There will certainly be many services and memorials, including something from our own club.  We will keep you apprised on arrangements as details become more clear. In the meantime, if you would like to send a note of condolence to the family, you can do so at The Lugar Center, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 1125, Washington, D.C. 20004.

    Please continue to keep the entire Lugar Family in your thoughts.

    With all best wishes,

    John Mainella
    President, Rotary Club of Indianapolis

  • Nominations Open for Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award

    Nominations Open for Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award

    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.

    Award Information:

    1. The ROAR Award Selection Committee for 2019 is chaired by Elaine Bedel.
    2. Completed nominations should be submitted no later than May 3, 2019, to Jamie Stahl in person at a Tuesday lunch or via email to jstahl@indyrotary.org.
    3. Public announcement of the ROAR Award will occur on May 21 and the award will be presented at the 2019 Celebration Dinner scheduled for the evening of June 25.

    Download the ROAR nomination form.

    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

  • Awards Presented at Celebration Dinner

    Awards Presented at Celebration Dinner

    On Tuesday, June 26th, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis hosted their Celebration Dinner and Fundraiser. During the program, Rotarians were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Join us in congratulating the following award winners:

    Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award
    Thomas Lugar

    Excite Engage Evolve Presidential Awards
    David Leonards
    Lisa Rollings
    Greg Albright
    Tracey Danner-Odenwelder

    Emerging Leader Award
    Troy Hollings