• January 19, 2015 – Rotary and Devour Downtown

    The Social Committee invites you to:

    2015 DEVOUR DOWNTOWN

    Monday, January 19, 2015, 6:00 pm
    Ruth’s Chris Steak House Downtown (45 S. Illinois Street)

    Devour menu is $35/person and includes choice of: Steak House Salad or Tomato Basil Bisque • 6 oz. Filet, 10 oz. Ribeye, Stuffed Chicken Or Salmon • Mashed Potatoes or Creamed Spinach • Duo of Cheesecake and Chocolate Pecan bark

    (Beverages, tax and gratuity not included. Each will pay on site; pre-payment is not necessary)

    RSVP by emailing David Leonards at ieb[at]prodigy.net

    Deadline to register is Friday, January 16

  • 2014 Rotary and Riley Ornament Making, Tree Trimming and Gift Giving

    2014 Rotary and Riley Ornament Making, Tree Trimming and Gift Giving

    On December 16, 2014, Indianapolis Rotarians donated their dollars and gifts for one special day at Riley Hospital for Children.

    Pictured from left to right: Lauren Scheldrup (Indianapolis Rotary), Riley Children’s Hospital representative, Jenny Conder (Indianapolis Rotary), Matt Burnett (Indianapolis Rotary President), Susie Harmless (Indianapolis Rotary Executive Director). Thank you Rotarian John Bragg (John Bragg Photography) for the photo!

  • 2014 – Rotary Club of Indianapolis – The Year That Was

    2014 – Rotary Club of Indianapolis – The Year That Was

    As we close-out 2014, we wanted to share some highlights of “The Year that Was at the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.”

    While we kicked-off 2013 with a cancelled program due to weather on January 07, 2013, we eventually rescheduled that program a few months later (with Governor Mike Pence) and had a year worth remembering! Below, are some  of the highlights with apologies in advance if your name or project is not shown below. With nearly 40 committees and 350 members, it can be difficult to report on all the things we do. But we KNOW that all you do, matters  – and we appreciate all Indianapolis Rotarians! Thank you Indianapolis Rotarians for a great 2014. Here’s to you and to the upcoming 2015 Rotary year!

    buchmanSpeakers or programs (in order of appearance). Jamal Smith, Derek Daly, Billie Drago, Martha Hoover, Ron Brumbarger, Bob Bryant, Purdue Football Coach Darrell Hazell, Hubs and Spokes Campaign Day, Ted Bishop and Board Election Day, Caring for the Elderly Panel Discussion, Carey Hamilton, Success Stories with Rotarians Harriet Ivy and Eric Ellsworth, Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Mayor Greg Ballard, High School Honors Day with Glenda Ritz, James C. Conwell, Dr. Patrick Loehrer, Ersal Ozdemir, Offsite program – Orangutan at the Zoo, Jeff Mittman, Congresswoman Susan Brooks, Justice Loretta Rush, Kim Brand, Michael Goldsby, Annual Rotary Celebration Lunch, Dr. Lisa Harris, Angela Buchman (pictured left), Governor Mike Pence, Erin Albert, Carl Erskine, Ask the Healthcare Experts – Indy Chamber Panel Discussion, Glen Kwok, Don Fischer, Debra Hearn-Smith, Healthcare for the Elderly Panel Discussion, Mario Rodriguez, Lewis Ferebee, Dr. Jeffrey Proudfoot, PDG Jim Graham and Past Presidents Lunch, Chris Talley, Donald E. (“Don”) Knebel and Miki Mathioudakis, James C. Danko, Ed Bonach, Carver McGriff, Rudy Lewis, John Aleshire, DG Tom Branum, Dan Elsener and our Annual Holiday Program with Time for Three.

    We’re not all just about Tuesday programs! Our most popular after-hours get-togethers, the 5:31 Club, continues on strong! This past year we met at many local and fun places including: Mixology Lounge at The Alexander, McCormick and Schmicks, Northside Social, Weber Grill, La Revolucion, Fireside Brewhouse, Claddaugh, Triton Tap, 9 Irish Brothers, Hotel Tango Whiskey. Our most well-attended 5:31 was the a Chili cook-off at Triton Tap. President Matt Burnett was pitted against Past President Matt Will and fun was shared by all Rotarians. We also recognized our newer members with New Member Certificates.

    Orangutan at the ZooMattsCommittee and Individual efforts. It’s no secret that we have a large pool of members who like to do fun AND meaningful things for our community. Many of these events occur outside the club on weekends, evenings, etc….Some of these events included: Rotary verses Kiwanis Bowling (Bowl-A-Thon, sponsored by Junior Achievement) and a Rotary Bowling Mixed League for men and women; the annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing contest against Kiwanis occurs this month (December); Devour Downtown; participated in two Discover Indy trade fairs; new member receptions (McCormick and Schmicks and Triton Tap); two Gleaners days in March and September; JA Day; the Race for the Cure; Mutt Strut; New Member Recruitment event at Flat 12; participated at IndyVolved; IndyPride; Symphony on the Prairie; the Annual Rotary verses Kiwanis softball game at Victory Field; visited Steel Dynamics; participated in the Thanksgiving Drumstick Dash; downtown Jingle Bell Run; Rotary Education Weekend Equity Awards; Rotary Golf at River Glen and outings at the Brickyard and Broadmoor Country Club.

    Of course, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis also adopted its first-ever signature effort, Indy Do Day. And, held the first pre-Indy Do Day event occurring at the Sisters of St. Benedict in late July. Then, we carried on with the most successful Indy Do Day ever, from October 2 to 4.

    Paul RaikesIn July we also inducted our new leadership at the annual Celebration luncheon and recognized Paul Raikes (pictured left) as our Rotarian of the Year. Rachel Conner hosted her annual family picnic in August; the dedication of the Rotary-Riley Building was made on the campus of IUPUI; In October, our club conducted a Strategic Planning session that will help shape the club for many years to come.

    Volunteer work throughout the year included locations and efforts at: Willard Park, Riley Children’s Hospital for Tree Trimming, Tangram, Pedal for Peace, Make a Difference – Second Helpings, Meals on Wheels, Peace Through Service, READUP, JA BizTown, JA in a Day, F.I.D.O. program to donate food, Habitat for Humanity, 4 Way Test (Irvington Community Middle School, Christel House Academy), Christel House Academy Science Fair and RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award).

    Committee-specific. There have new committees created or updated: Business Network Exchange and Health and Wellness. Many of the efforts of our committees are listed above, but below please check out some specific committee projects and accomplishments.

    While not necessarily a “committee,” our local Foundation, and Indianapolis Foundation President Matt Will, will award grants to several Indianapolis organizations and continues it’s outstanding Entrepreneurial Grants program for Indianapolis Rotarians. Developed earlier this year, the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation also has a new identity and brochure. And, the 2013 Annual Report was redesigned and is available for download.

    The Membership committee conducted a membership contest and awarded prizes such as an overnight stay a the Conrad, ISO concert vouchers, Bath Junkie gift certificates, a painting created by the elephant at the Indianapolis Zoo. There was also a new Corporate Membership initiative created that markets the benefits of being a corporate member.

    Guatemala 1The World Community Service committee conducted lots of good things in the world for 2014, including: funding for the Msamaria Street Children’s Center in Moshi, Tanzania; Calnali, Mexico micro-financing project; Williamson, Haiti – HOPE – Helping Other People Everywhere; Sierra Leone – Training and leadership development; Antigua, Guatemala, Funds to provide critical medications in the nonprofit Pharmacy, Common Hope; Hyderabad, India – Fountains of Hope International is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, life-giving water to those in need around the world; Archaie Haiti, Rotaract IUPUI to provide health and hygiene training and the installation of one water purifier system at the Mejan School; Helped secure an $84.000 Rotary International grant for a Kilimambogo, Kenya project.

    Conclusion. It is fair to say there are many things our club did in 2014 that may have not been covered in this article. Send us a note (info [at] indyrotary.org) and we will add it! We want to make a difference in our community and because we are a large club, we believe it is possible to have a large influence. If you are not a member and are reading this, please consider becoming a member. We are growing our membership and want you to be a part of something special! And, if you are a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis – thank you, Rotarian for all you do and will continue to do in 2015 and beyond!

  • World Community Service Committee Grant Helps Children in Guatemala

    World Community Service Committee Grant Helps Children in Guatemala

    [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”3″ gal_title=”2014 Guatemala”]

    Rotarian, Debra Des Vignes recently returned from a trip to Guatemala where she presented a check from the Rotary Club of Indianapolis’ World Community Service Committee to Common Hope, a nonprofit that empowers families. Funds will make possible the purchase of much-needed medicine and supplies for the clinic. Each member of the clinic spoke about how the funds from Rotary will greatly aid in their work especially since they are seeing roughly 100 extra (unexpected & not in their budget) patients each month. Check out one of the blog posts from Debra Des Vignes about her experience in Guatemala.

  • Rotarians at Riley and Plea Tree for Riley Hospital

    Rotarians at Riley and Plea Tree for Riley Hospital

    On December 4, Rotarians helped with tree trimming and Arts and Crafts at Riley (pictured: Vice President, Sheila Carlson, Angela Ingalls and Past President, Matt Will). Check out more photos on our Facebook page!

    Rotarians! Continue supporting the cause and the Family Life Center at Riley Hospital for Children by donating a new, unwrapped gift! Gifts will be collected at Rotary programs on Dec. 9 and 16. You will help put smiles on the faces of those who won’t be able to spend the holidays at home.

  • Sat, Feb. 7, 2015 Butler Bulldogs against DePaul Blue Demons

    SOLD OUT! On Saturday, February 7, 2015 (3:30pm) Rotarians will be at Hinkle Fieldhouse cheering on the Butler Bulldogs against DePaul Blue Demons! $3.00 of every ticket purchase will be going toward the local Indianapolis Rotary Foundation! Gametime is 3:30pm. Tickets will be handed out closer to game date.

    Come join us and Go Dogs!

  • Dec. 3rd, 5:31 Club at Hotel Tango Whiskey

    willseyRotarian and Owner Brian Willsey says “Don’t Miss it!” Reservations and punctuality not required. Stop by between 5:31 and 7 p.m! Location: Hotel Tango Whiskey, 702 Virginia Ave.

    Hotel Tango has arrived to Indianapolis and ROTARY WILL BE THERE ON DECEMBER 3! Indiana’s first disabled veteran owned and operated artisan distillery is here in the Fletcher Place neighborhood, about 1 mile southeast of downtown Indy

    Hotel Tango Whiskey is Indiana’s and the Nation’s first service disabled veteran owned artisan distillery. We are located at 702 Virginia Avenue, in historic Fletcher Place, Indiana — 1.5 miles from the center of downtown Indy and 0.5 miles from historic Fountain Square. Established in 2013, Hotel Tango will be the first craft distillery to operate in the downtown area. With the ability to not only offer tastings of our spirits, we’ll also offer bottles for sale directly to the public. We were able to take advantage of a newly passed Indiana law allowing–for the first time since Prohibition–artisan distilleries the ability to sell their spirits directly to the consumer. Our goal is to create the highest quality spirits, sourced from Indiana and Midwestern raw materials.

    We are a veteran owned small business and proud of it! We also plan to hire disabled veterans as we grow and grow. All the more important for our fans and following to help us to be able to give back to those veterans. So, remember, every bottle that you buy gets us closer to hiring one more veteran.

    We are currently finishing up the construction of our building and our website. Hotel Tango swag is available at our online store. Check back soon to see how you can reserve a bottle from our first batches of Victor Vodka and Romeo Rum!

  • SIGN-UP! Saturday, Nov. 22, FREE Steel Dynamics Tour

    Join the Social Committee for a UNIQUE Rotarian and Adult Family Event (18 years and older) – a tour of the Steel Dynamics plant on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Brownsburg. This FREE event begins at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 12 p.m. with FREE lunch! For more details and to register, please e-mail Jenny Conder at jconder@arthritis.org. Space is limited to the first 20 people. Ages 18 and above only. Not handicap accessible.

  • Dec 16, Time for Three

    Registration Closed for this Event. On December 16, 2014 join ISO Artists-in-Residence Time for Three as they present selections from this year’s Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

    Dubbed a “classically trained garage band,” Tf3 members Zach DePue, Nick Kendall and Ranaan Meyer perform many genres of music from Bach to Brahms to The Beatles and Katy Perry. Their award-winning residency with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra allows them to bring their unique style to audiences throughout central Indiana.

  • Rev. Dr. Carver McGriff, Annual Veteran’s Day Program

    PLAY the audio from this program:



    Rotarian Kent Millard’s predecessor as pastor of Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church and an infantry veteran of the Normandy Invasion. Carver McGriff received a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He spoke to Rotary in 2004 and possibly in 1988.

    In 2003 Carver McGriff received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, from which he earned his Master of Divinity degree “With Distinction” in 1962. McGriff also received the Kidder Prize at Garrett, awarded to the best student preacher in the graduating class.

    McGriff returned to Indiana to earn a degree in business administration from Butler University. In 1959, after ten years in the business sector, he entered Garrett Theological Seminary. Subsequently he served five years in an Indianapolis suburban church. He earned an MS at Christian Theological Seminary in 1965 and was recognized by that seminary in 1993 with their Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 1970 he received a Doctor of Divinity from Indiana Central University (now the University of Indianapolis).

    He served as senior pastor at Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church from 1967 to 1993. After retiring, or rather changing careers, he became an author with at least eight books to his credit, including Making Sense of Normandy: A Young Man’s Journey of Faith and War (2007). He continues to be active through writing, teaching, and leading study groups.