Volunteers Needed for State DECA Competition Tomorrow!
Badger High School DECA Advisor Phil Huff reached out to the Walworth County Rotary clubs for assistance with DECA's upcoming State Career Development Conference on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 7:30am-1:00pm at the Grand Geneva. DECA is a career and technical high school student organization that teaches leadership, teamwork, networking and other skills needed for success in their future careers.
30 volunteers are still needed: The organizers are specifically looking for current or retired business/finance professionals, tourism and marketing advisors, and those in retail and restaurants to evaluate these students' critical thinking skills... BUT truly anyone is welcome to help! No prior experience or DECA background is necessary, and lunch will be provided.
CLICK HERE for all the details and to sign up. List your affiliated school as "Badger HS - Rotary".
WEEKLY MEETING RECAP: Strategy to Address Hunger Locally & Statewide
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Feeding America Donor Services Administrator Mariann Hunter and The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank Development Director Elizabeth Russell-Jones jumped in after a last-minute speaker cancellation to share the processes and efforts being made around Wisconsin to fight hunger. These organizations are critical to Walworth County: Elizabeth reported that in 2024, 33% of area households reported food insecurity. In response, 4,000 pounds were shared with families and pushed to the 15 area food pantries each month for distribution.
When asked the best way to help, Mariann and Elizabeth both shared appreciation for local food drives, but stressed that cash donations allow them to purchase food at bulk rates unavailable to the general public through their corporate partners to maximize inventory and assistance.
OTHER UPDATES:
We will be doing a special Brag Bucks bucket collection on Wednesday, March 4 to raise money for a special guest speaker at Dawn's District Governor Induction ceremony. Please bring $$$ to overflow the Brag Bucks and support our friend and future District Governor - from Elkhorn!!!
"A Rotary Toast to John" Henderson will be held after the funeral service on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Final details are being worked out - please give Mariann any photos you have to include in the photo slideshow. Per the family's wishes, please consider making a donation in lieu of flowers to the Rotary Foundation.
Shelly is collecting basket raffle items for TriCon's silent auction. Can you provide something great to help? All the proceeds will go toward Elkhorn's Rotary Foundation tally for the year. Please see Shelly with items or questions.
We only need one more volunteer to help at the March 7, 2026 Solo & Ensemble Breakfast Concession Stand at Elkhorn Area High School. Proceeds will support the Music Department. Click below to sign up:
The Rotary Club of Elkhorn's sponsored organization, Cub Scout Pack 225, is again running their Spring Flower Sale fundraiser to support their Summer activities. The Pack is selling bed flowers and hanging baskets from Clark's Greenhouse in Edgerton. Print out the linked form and order from February 6 to March 11. Please reach out to club pack liaison Kristin with completed forms, payment, or questions.
See the below for all the details and flowers available for order:
The first gift to the Rotary Foundation dates back to 1917, when Rotary President Arch C. Klumph proposed creating an endowment fund dedicated to “doing good in the world.”
That same year, the foundation received its very first contribution: a modest donation of 26.50 US dollars from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri.
Though small in amount, this symbolic gift marked the beginning of one of the most influential philanthropic efforts in global civil society.
Arch Klumph envisioned a fund that would support education, peace, and humanitarian action beyond local club projects.
Over time, the foundation grew steadily, fueled by Rotarians’ belief in international understanding and service above self.
From that humble first donation, the Rotary Foundation evolved into a major force supporting scholarships, health campaigns, and global initiatives such as the fight against polio, demonstrating how a small act of generosity can inspire lasting impact.
