Welcome to The Rotary Club of Louisville

With approximately 350 members, the Rotary Club of Louisville is one of the largest clubs of Rotary International’s 46,000+ clubs around the world. Our Club has been serving others in this community and worldwide for more than 110 years.

We welcome guests and visiting Rotarians from all over the world at our weekly Thursday luncheon meetings. Our programs involve prominent leaders in every field, and our membership represents the business and civic leaders of our community and our state.

We are connected with each other, our community and with other Rotarians worldwide.

OUR MEETINGS

Savor at River House

Thursdays at 12:00 PM (networking/lunch begins at 11:30am)

See upcoming speakers here: https://louisvillerotary.org/our-meetings/

Savor at River House

3015 River Rd
Louisville, KY 40203

Mail:
Rotary Club of Louisville
657 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Ste D-226
Louisville, KY 40222

CLUB NEWS

This Week's Meeting - Greg Galiette, President of Louisville Bats

Greg Galiette, President of Louisville BatsThis week's meeting at Savor at River House (our final one before we move to The Woman's Club of Louisville!) will feature Greg Galiette, President of the Louisville Bats. His topic will be:

The Evolution of Pro Sports in Louisville Over the Last 50 Years”

The menu will be Pork Chop. The normal River House vegetarian option (vegan and gluten-free) is available upon advance request. We will have a limited number of salad w/grilled chicken plates, but must guarantee that number by Monday at noon - there will be no additional salads available to reserve after that time.

RSVP by NOON Monday: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCL032323

There is a $5 meeting fee for those who choose not to purchase a meal - this will include a dessert and unlimited tea/coffee/water - and of course a fantastic view and program. You can pay in advance via SurveyMonkey or with cash, check or scan the QR code at check in to pay with a credit card.

Click below for the speaker bio.


Read More

IN MEMORIAM: Bishop David Reed

Reverend David Benson Reed
The Right Reverend David Benson Reed, the Sixth Bishop of Kentucky and the senior Episcopal Bishop of the Episcopal Church, died Saturday March 11, 2023 at the age of 96.

He joined our club in 1974 and was a Paul Harris Fellow. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 14th with a funeral at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, April 15th.

Please take the time to read the full obituary HERE... he was an incredible man and servant.


 

March 27th FUNdraiser: Online Auction is LIVE!

Rotary FUNdraiser Graphic

Just 12 days until our big event... BUY YOUR TICKETS!

Tickets are $125 per person...ask a friend to join you: https://bit.ly/FUNdraiserTicket

This is more than a fundraiser; it's a FUN-draiser!

What do you get when you throw together juggling, tap dancing and a botanical garden? A super fun, entertaining event! Not just any old boring event. Something fun that you will enjoy and go home feeling good about.

But I have MORE surprises for you and your guests...I just can't tell you yet. 

We have accumulated over $10,000 in amazing prizes and experiences...including a Finish Line suite at Churchill Downs, a package for two to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, and staycations around the city, just to name a few. The auction is LIVE here:
 https://rotaryfundlouisville.betterworld.org/auctions/rotary-2023-fundraiser-auction 
Note: we are updating details and packages constantly, so check back and bid often!

AND - Purchase your WALTO Ticket! $111 each, only 111 will be sold, and only 40 more left! Drawing to be held at the event (you don't have to be present to win) with the winner choosing from one of these dream vacation trips (click Read More for package details):

  • Four-Night Stay in Cortona, Italy for Two (everything but airfare)
  • Two-Day / Three-Night Stay in Romantic Savannah, Georgia for Two (includes room and airfare)
  • Three-Night Stay in New Orleans for Two (includes dinner, room and airfare)
  • Five-Night Stay in Sydney, Australia for Two (everything but airfare)

Remember, you need not be present to win!

And look at those odds - based on tickets sold as of right now, each ticket has a 1 out of 71 chance for a package worth about $4,000!

Nope, I'm not kidding - this is a great deal - don't miss out!

Help make our work of Service Above Self possible - buy your raffle ticket now: https://bit.ly/WALTO.

Bring your smile, your happy dance, and yes - your wallet - and come to the best fun you'll have all year. See you there!

Greg Braun,
Party Meister / FUNdraiser Chair



Read More

April 6th Meeting - Brooke Pardue, President/CEO at Parks Alliance of Louisville

Brooke Pardue, President CEO Parks Alliance of LouisvilleThe April 6th meeting at The Woman's Club of Louisville, 1320 S 4th Street, will feature Brooke Pardue, President/CEO at Parks Alliance of Louisville. Her topic will be:

Parks For All - A Call to Action

The menu will be meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, and carrot cake, and a salad or vegan/gluten-free option is available upon advance request.

There is a $5 meeting fee for those who choose not to purchase a meal - this will include a dessert and unlimited tea/coffee/water - and of course a fantastic program. You can pay the $5 in advance via SurveyMonkey or with cash, check or scan the QR code at check in to pay with a credit card.

RSVP by NOON Monday: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCL040623

For the speaker's bio click below.


Read More

Re:Center Ministries Dinner March 22nd

By: Larry T. Sloan
Our fourth Wednesday monthly meal at Re:Center Ministries will be March 22nd at 5:30pm. Please join us to set up the meal at 5:00 pm. Typically, I bring meat loaf, scalloped potatoes and steamed vegetables. Others supply the soft drinks, bread/rolls, salad and desserts of fruit pies.

The men we serve are going through the LifeChange program recovering from addiction. Those of us who do this regularly always feel like we get more out of it than the effort we put into it. Our club has supported this program with funds and volunteers since 2015. Below is a photo of the meal from December: Left to right, David Snyder, Rudy Moeller, Harry Stephenson and Ron Jones, who is Jackie Jones' husband.


Re:Center Ministries Dinner

Events and Opportunities: IFMA Active Shooter Training

What: Active Shooter Training Event
Organization: International Facilities Management Association (IFMA)
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 19th, 8:15am - 2:00pm
Location: University of Louisville Shelby Campus
Description: This event will be open to the general public. The course will cover how to understand, plan and react in a mass-shooter event.

More information : https://ifmalouisville.org/
Member to contact: Craig Mooney, cmooney@bosseconstruction.com (past president, current board member and program committee chair for the IFMA Louisville Chapter)


Aaron McGahee Rhinox Research Group

Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.


2023 Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring Schedule

By: Craig Mooney
Please consider volunteering some of your time and expertise to support our signature service project - mentoring Rotary Honors Scholars. No experience necessary!
  • Friday, March 17 from 8:15am - 9:00am at Western Early College, JCTC Southwest Campus, 1000 Community College Dr, SOAR Room Building A
  • Tuesday, March 28 from 8:15am - 9:15am at Western High School, 2501 Rockford Ln, Shively
  • Friday, April 14 from 8:15am - 9:00am at Western Early College, JCTC Southwest Campus, 1000 Community College Dr, SOAR Room Building A
These are fun sessions and offer a great opportunity for those that have not participated in the mentoring program yet to come out and give it a try. We always give new volunteers the opportunity to sit with an experienced mentor for the first session or two so that they can get a feel for how it works. 

Please contact cmooney@bosseconstruction.com to volunteer or with questions.
 

Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring at Iroquois HS

By: Linda Bartrom-Moore
Teachable moments of the final Iroquois High School meeting of our amazing Rotary Club mentors and our ROTARY HONORS SCHOLARS! An outstanding session with outstanding students!

Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring at Iroquois HS

Volunteers Needed: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

RYLA dates have been set: May 4-7, in Greenville, Kentucky and District Co-Chair Gail Story needs your help! Twenty Team Leaders are required to put on this camp, along with Jr. Team Leaders. Watch this video from last year's camp to see what it's all about or click Read More below. This program not only changes the lives of our youth, it will also change your life. It is an amazing event that you will forever cherish. Contact Gail at gail.rotary6710@gmail.com to learn more or to volunteer.
 

Read More

Rotary Day at the Downs - May 3, 2023

***We have a handful of tickets left; please email rotary@rotary45.org if you are interested.

Join on Wednesday, May 3rd for our annual Rotary Day at the Downs! This year we will be in the brand new First Turn Club Dining space, which has access to the rail for great viewing. Tickets are $140 per person and include admission, racing program, 4-hour Chef's Table Buffet, coffee, tea and soft drinks, and an OPEN BAR and fun prizes! 

Parking has not been finalized but I believe that the free parking included this year will again be at the Kentucky Exposition Center, with continuous shuttles to/from the Paddock Gate at Churchill Downs. Onsite parking passes can be purchased separately once I have that info.


Churchill Downs First Turn Club Dining

Rotary University: Next Session April 13th

We will meet IN PERSON following our meeting on April 13th. Completion of Rotary University is required for new members, so please prioritize these sessions!
 
January 12 Session 1 - What is Rotary?
February 9 Session 2 - Committees
March 9 Session 3 - Rotary Honors Scholars
April 13 Session 4 - Service Projects
May 11 Session 5 - Rotary International
TBD New Member Celebration / Mixer (location TBD)

Contact Chris Manzo for details cmanzo@sndbx.design

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

March 22nd 2023 at 5:30 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info

March 23rd 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting Speaker: Greg Galiette
Speaker: Greg Galiette
Louisville Bats President
More info

April 6th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting Speaker: Brooke Pardue
Speaker: Brooke Pardue, Parks Alliance of Louisville

More info

April 12th 2023 at 5:30 pm
Business Synergy Event at Kentucky Science Center
Speaker: Business Synergy Networking

More info

April 13th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Annual Meeting (Speaker Demetrius Gray)
Speaker: Demetrius Gray, Founder & CEO, Captain
In addition to our regular weekly meeting agenda, we will hold our Annual Meeting at this event and the incoming slate of officers and directors will be announced.
More info

April 13th 2023 at 1:00 pm
Rotary University Session 4: Service Projects & Grants
Speaker: Rotary U Led by Steve Eggers and Alice Bridges
Service Projects & Grants
More info

April 20th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting Speaker: Dan Maloney
Speaker: Dan Maloney, Louisville Zoo

More info

April 26th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info

April 27th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting Speaker: Ursula Madden
Speaker: Ursula Madden, External Affairs Manager for Blue Oval SK and Blue Oval City

More info

May 3rd 2023 at 12:00 pm
Day at the Downs
Speaker: Day at the Downs

More info

May 4th 2023 at 8:00 am
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Speaker: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

More info

May 11th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Rotary Honors Scholars Luncheon
Speaker: Scotty Davenport

More info

May 11th 2023 at 1:00 pm
Rotary University Session 5: Rotary International
Speaker: Rotary U Led by Rick Harned & Susan Zepeda
Rotary International
More info

May 12th 2023 at 10:00 am
District 6710 Conference
Speaker: District 6710 Conference

More info

May 17th 2023 at 8:00 am
Honor Flight Bluegrass
Speaker: Honor Flight Volunteer Opportunity

More info

May 18th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting Speaker: Dr. Eli Capilouto
Speaker: Eli Capilouto, University of Kentucky President

More info

May 24th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info

May 27th 2023 at 12:00 am
Rotary International Convention
Speaker: Rotary International Convention
https://convention.rotary.org/en
More info

June 7th 2023 at 5:30 pm
New Member Celebration
Speaker: New Member Celebration

More info

June 8th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Dr. Marty Pollio
Speaker: Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS Superintendent

More info

June 11th 2023 at 4:00 pm
Craig Scherman's Fabulous House Party
Speaker: Summer Social

More info

June 28th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info

July 11th 2023 at 5:30 pm
Business Synergy event at Signarama
Speaker: Business Synergy

More info

July 26th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info

August 23rd 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info

September 9th 2023 at 11:00 am
Rotary Picnic with Ponies and Puppies
Speaker: Rotary Picnic with Ponies and Puppies

More info

SPARKS NEWSLETTER

People of Action

Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change

The Rotary Club of Louisville has supported over 40 International Youth Exchanges.

Youth
Service

The Rotary Club of Louisville is a strong supporter of people with special needs.

Community
Service

The Rotary Club of Louisville has supported the End Polio Now campaign since 1979.

International
Service

The Rotary Club of Louisville is a leader in supporting the community.

Vocational
Service

Imagine Rotary - 2022-23 Theme

WE CONNECT PEOPLE

Rotary unites more than a million people

Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, and form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world.

WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

We take action locally and globally

Each day, our members pour their passion, integrity, and intelligence into completing projects that have a lasting impact. We persevere until we deliver real, lasting solutions.

WE SOLVE PROBLEMS

No challenge is too big for us

For more than 110 years, we’ve bridged cultures and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, promote clean water and sanitation, and fight disease.

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.