WE NEED FOUR MORE VOLUNTEERS: Signups are now open to assist with the Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk for Rotary on Saturday morning, October 18, 2025! We need water station attendants, course helpers, and folks to help cheer on our participants. Can help make this event great? Click below to help encourage a fun community event.
A BIG thanks to Steffen's Jewelers and Annie's Burger Town for their sponsorship of our event!!!
On Saturday, October 4, the Elkhorn Rotary gave away 25 coats for local youth from Pre-K to 5th Grade. Each recipient were able to "shop" from a new selection of coats thanks to donations from our club, community, and Rotary District grant. Volunteers and kids were thrilled to see an exciting new color palette of coat options, as well as a wonderful selection of hats and gloves too! Big thanks to Kristin, Heidi, Shelly, Chris C., Ward, Ted, Kathie, Sabura, and Deb for working the event, and to Katie Grafenhauer for her year-long effort to knit the hats.
We still have ONE more giveaway to go! Click below to volunteer and to part of the November 8 heartwarming event.
On Wednesday, October 8, the Club welcomed Palmer Hamilton Marketing Director Richard Hein to share more about their business model and work to design commercial spaces. As one of Elkhorn's largest employers - about 200 people - Palmer Hamilton (and its two subsidiaries) specializes in the design and fabrication of interior eating and work spaces. About 90% of their market is K-12 cafeterias, eSports and STEM/STEAM labs, and outdoor spaces.
A BIG thanks to Palmer Hamilton for their recent donation of the eSports lab at our local high school to support kids!
OTHER UPDATES:
The Week 3 Food Pantry debate winner was clearly ROCK over COUNTRY music!
October-December membership dues are due October 31. Please note that dues going forward will be $60. Lunch pricing remains the same.
Only more more Meals on Wheels date needed for 2026! December 1.
THERE WILL BE NO LUNCH MEETING NEXT WEEK. Instead, we will be hosting the New Member Orientation on Wednesday evening, October 22 for all members who have joined since 2022. Weekly meetings will resume on October 29.
Letters of interest are now being accepted for 2026-27 President! Please consider this opportunity to serve your club and community for a one year commitment. Includes extensive support and district training. See Katie or any board member by October 31 for more details.
ONLY TWO MEETINGS LEFT!
This Week's Pantry Debate:
Summer Heat vs. Sweater Weather
The Elkhorn Food Pantry is operating at dangerously low levels to address food insecurity in our community. The Elkhorn Rotary is going to collect needed items at our Wednesday meetings from September 24-October 29, 2025. Below is the HOT LIST of items needed most... Can YOU help this week?
Jelly - Grape or Strawberry
Juice - bottled not frozen
Soup - Chicken Noodle, Cream of Chicken, Tomato, Cream of Mushroom
Breakfast Cereal
Granola Bars
Pop Tarts
Canned good such as Chili, Sloppy Joe Sauce, Beef Stew, Sauerkraut, Spinach, Beets, Tomato Sauce, Pasta Sauce or Canned Pasta, Baked Beans, Pork & Beans, Refried Beans, Mandarin Oranges & Pineapple
Egg Noodles
Flour Tortillas
Microwave Popcorn
Brownie Mix
Pancake Mix
Syrup
Sugar
Flour
Oil
Condiments such as Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ Sauce
Toiletries such as Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Laundry Soap, Dish Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner.
No time to shop? No problem! Monetary donations are welcome too.
New Member Orientation October 22
If you became a new Rotarian within the last three years (since 2022), then this night is just for YOU!
The Membership Committee is welcoming our newest members for a fun evening upstairs at Friends on the Square (41 N. Wisconsin Street) on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:30-7:00pm to learn more about our club, talk through the expectations of membership, and discuss the future direction and goals of the Elkhorn Rotary - with your help! We hope to see you there.
The Rotary Foundation operates through a network of Rotary volunteers, which limits administrative costs.
In addition, it relies on partnerships with international organizations such as the WHO, UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
91% of donations to The Rotary Foundation are used directly to fund programs: grants for local and international projects, scholarships, public health initiatives (such as polio eradication), peace programs, access to water, etc.
Less than 9% is allocated to administrative costs (internal management, personnel, audits, infrastructure) and fundraising costs (donation campaigns, communications)
These figures come from the Foundation’s annual financial reports and evaluations by independent organizations such as Charity Navigator, which regularly awards the Rotary Foundation a 4-star rating (the highest), particularly for its effectiveness and financial transparency.
The Rotary Foundation therefore embodies an exemplary model of effective and responsible philanthropy.
