• Indy Rotarian helps brings clean water to thousands

    By Mark Ambrogi

    farrarAs a youth growing up, Bill Farrar attended 10 work camps, some as a student and some as a counselor, with Carmel United Methodist Church.

    “I developed a passion helping other people,” the Carmel resident said. “There is nothing like being a help to other people. I’ve been blessed to be a blessing to others.”

    After being laid off from his job as mechanic at United Airlines after a facility shut down, Rev. Reid Walker invited Farrar to go help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Walker thought Farrar could help in installing water purification systems to make the drinking water safe.

    In July 2009, Farrar, a 1978 Carmel High School graduate, founded Fountains of Hope International, which installs water purification systems in countries that need them. The purifier can treat 55 gallons per minute or 1,200 gallons in 20 minutes with 1/3 cup of salt.

    Read Full Story…

  • Rotary International Foundation – Doing Good In the World – Donate Now

    The Rotary International Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International and is supported solely by contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

    Through Foundation Grants, Rotarians are able to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

    Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of Polio. Polio Plus is Rotary’s most recognized program, and through Rotarians’ fundraising efforts, Rotary has contributed over $1.3 billion to the campaign. Since 1985, Rotary members have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio. Today all but three countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria) are free of polio. Every $1 Rotarians donate is matched 2 to 1 by the Gates Foundation. Your donation works three times as hard.

    We are happy to report that our Club Rotarians have given 25% more this fiscal year to the Rotary International Foundation than last year. But we can and should do more. While 75 Rotarians have taken the step of being Every Rotarian Every Year giving to the Rotary International Foundation, 275 have given nothing. We welcome a contribution of any amount. The Club is providing matching Paul Harris recognition points for any donation through June 30, 2015. Now is the perfect time to get double points toward your first or subsequent Paul Harris Fellow award level. YOU MUST SEND YOUR PAYMENT TO THE ROTARY OFFICE TO GET YOUR PAUL HARRIS MATCHING POINTS CREDIT. Make your check payable to Rotary International Foundation and send it to the Rotary office at 650 North Meridian Street, Suite 1A, Indianapolis, IN 46204.  Or, call the office and provide your credit card information for your donation, today.

    Thanks in advance for your, service above self, contribution.

  • Rotary NCAA Bracket Challenge!

    Rotary NCAA Bracket Challenge!

    For the first year ever, your club will be holding a Bracketology contest FOR INDY ROTARIANS! Hosted by President Matt Burnett (with prizes to be determined), we want your brackets filled-out today!

    Just send us an email (please let us know you want to play in the body of your email, and we will send a special message with your invitation and password to join our private Fightin Rotarians group!

  • Seeking Volunteers for Habitat Project. DEADLINE March 13

    Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis is on a journey that has completed nearly 400 homes for local residents since 1987. But their journey is far from over. Few communities are untouched by poverty, housing, and homelessness; Indianapolis is no different. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis builds homes, but the more important thing they build is hope.

    Those in our community with resources: time, money, skills or products to share, are joined with local families who desperately need a simple, decent, affordable place to call home; a place where they can be a part of our community.

    Fellow Rotarians, here’s another chance to give back to the community! Download the Flyer.

    Please join the Community Service committee members on Saturday, March 28 from 7:45 until 2:30 at 7414 Twin Beech in the Lawrence area. We will be painting the interior/exterior of the house. We’d like 4-5 more volunteers registered by MARCH 13.

    To register and reserve your volunteer spot go to http://rotary.indyhabitat.volunteerhub.com/

    By having each volunteer register, Habitat will be able to collect their Emergency Contact Information and have them electronically sign Habitat’s Volunteer Release Waiver.

  • Better Know a Member – Angie Ingalls

    Better Know a Member – Angie Ingalls

    Describe your profession and what is your favorite part of it?
    I am a Personal Lines Insurance Advisor. I enjoy helping my clients find solutions to property and casualty insurance needs. I like to problem solve and feel accomplished when I help others.

    What do you like to do when you are not working?
    Anything involving time with my family & friends.

    What is the most satisfying benefit you get from being a Rotarian?
    Service Above Self! The community service that I’ve been allowed to participate in has been very satisfying. I enjoy interacting with people and helping on a personal level.

    Tell us about your family.
    I’m a single mom of two terrific kids! Sara is 19 and a psychology student at Purdue University. Cody is 17 and a Junior at Ben Davis High School. I couldn’t be prouder of the two young Rotarians I’m privileged to raise.

    Share one thing people do not know about you.
    I’m left-handed.

    Share some “words to live by,” or your favorite quote.
    SUCCESS isn’t a destination it’s a journey…

    What would you be doing if you were not in your present profession, today?
    I’m pretty sure I would be working with a Not-for-Profit Organization. It’s where my passion is.

    Outside of Rotary, please share other interesting civic or community involvement of which you are a part.
    Both of my children have been/are currently involed with high school theater and marching band and by association, I’ve also been involved.

    Where do you see yourself in ten years?
    Working at a Not-for-Profit Organziation and enjoying grandkids!

  • March 29, 2015 Susie Harmless Night with the Indiana Pacers

    harmlessThe Indiana Heroes Award program presented by Citizens Energy Group serves as one of the premier community outreach programs of the Indiana Pacers. This program honors individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others and who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community and our state. Please join us as we honor Susie Harmless and the Rotary Club of Indianapolis for all their fantastic work in the Indianapolis community! We have a special ticket offer for you. Download this flyer for more information or to order your tickets!

  • Rotary Business Exchange – Tim Clinch, F.C. Tucker, Inc.

    Rotary Business Exchange – Tim Clinch, F.C. Tucker, Inc.

    Rotary Club of Indianapolis business networking is a vital part of being a Rotarian. When you do business with a Rotarian, you can feel confident you are working with a hard-working, trustworthy and respected member of Rotary, the business community and professionals who care about their community in Indianapolis, Indiana. Check out this video spotlight on Rotarian, Tim Clinch with F.C. Tucker.

    Check out the Video!

  • Big Programs Coming to Indy Rotary!

    Big Programs Coming to Indy Rotary!

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to announce some fantastic upcoming programs you may not want to miss! For any further information, visit our calendar page or call us at 317-631-3733.

    • 2/24/2015 Gregg Doyel, IndyStar Sports Columnist.
    • 3/16/2015 SPECIAL MONDAY PROGRAM (seating may be limited. Call the Rotary office if you are interested in attending), Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner. This program will take the place of our normal Tuesday program.
    • 3/21/15 Gleaners Service Project.
    • 3/24/2015 Betsy Blankenbaker, Documentary Filmmaker and Producer. The Rise of Crispus Attucks High School, 1955 State Champions.
    • 3/31/2015 Bart Peterson, former Mayor of Indianapolis.
    • 4/7/2015 Packaway Hunger Service Project.
    • 4/21/2015 High School Honors Day
    • 5/19/15 Off-Site Meeting at the NCAA Hall of Champions with Oliver Luck.
    • 5/12/15 NFL Colts Quarterback, Andrew Luck. This will be an evening event with details on costs, forthcoming.

    Download the Flyer.

  • Rotarian Dr. Mercy Obeime works tirelessly on behalf of underinsured (with Video)

    obeimeINDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Dr. Mercy Obeime knew she wanted to help other people, and she knew she would use medicine to do that. But what she didn’t realize is that her degree from Indiana University was not only going to make a difference here in Indiana, but many thousands of miles away. “Poverty is a huge reason that people have poor health,” said Obeime. “And that’s one of the reasons that people do not address their health issues.” Read full story with video.

  • March 16, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Coming to Rotary

    Adam_Silver_(15847004771)This will be a SPECIAL MONDAY PROGRAM. Adam Silver (born April 25, 1962) is an American lawyer and the commissioner of the National Basketball Association. He has held this post since February 1, 2014.

    Before joining the NBA, he served as a litigation associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, a law firm in New York, and worked as a law clerk to Judge Kimba Wood, a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

    Silver began working for the NBA in 1992. Before assuming his current role, Silver held the positions of special assistant to the commissioner, NBA chief of staff, senior vice president of NBA Entertainment, and president of NBA Entertainment. Silver was an executive producer of the IMAX movie Michael Jordan to the Max, as well as the TNT documentary Whatever Happened to Micheal Ray? He also worked on the production side of Like Mike and Year of the Yao.