Bellaire

 

We had a nice visit with the Bellaire club. The club has struggled coming out of the pandemic as many clubs have. President Melissa Kowalski has them on track to reach out to new prospective members this fall. The Bellaire club has had a very successful golf fundraiser for several years. They have the support of many business sponsorships. They continue to expand their reach in the Bellaire area.

 

Cadillac

The Cadillac club is guided by President Anja Wing. The club has participated in the District Matching Grant Program for a number of years. Recently they raised a total of $15,000 through various grants to help fund a pickleball court. The Cadillac community continues to enjoy Rotary Park which the club helped to fund. The club is also active in several youth-related activities.

 

 

Manton

The Manton club has a lot to be proud of. President Bill Colvin and his fellow Rotarians are well known in their community. Rotary Park is one example of their impact. We walked around the park which boasts 30 different varieties of trees that they have planted including a giant Sequoia. They sponsor youth programs as well. Kudos to the Manton club for Creating Good in Manton.

 

Grand Rapids

 

The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids was founded on March 29, 1913.  The Club is the 2nd

Club formed in Michigan and is the 77th Rotary International Club established.

 

President Shaun Shira says the club has 12 service projects for the year. Some of the are, Oak Hill Cemetery Clean Up, DEI - Rock the Block Festival, Disability Advocates Ramp Build

INTERACT Student Program, Disability Advocates wheelchair ramp build, Central States Rotary Youth Exchange, and Rotaract at Grand Rapids Community College

 

Through their Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation fundraisers in the past year. The Service Above Self Award and Dinner had a net of $80,148, individual member contributions $18,060, and senior neighbors’ sponsorships $5,375. The Grand Rapids club is well known in the Grand Rapids area.

We took part in the presentation of several Paul Harris awards during our time with the club.