Welcome to The Rotary Club of Louisville

With 350+ members, the Rotary Club of Louisville is the 13th largest club of Rotary International’s 46,000+ clubs around the world. Our Club has been serving others in this community and worldwide since 1912.

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.

Rotary Club of Louisville Create Hope in the World

OUR MEETINGS

University Club Louisville

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

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

University Club Louisville

200 E Brandeis Ave
Louisville, KY 40208

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

CLUB NEWS

This Week's Meeting: Vivian Blade, Future of Work Leadership Expert

Vivian Blade
The September 12th meeting at the University Club will feature Vivian Blade, Future of Work leadership expert and best-selling author.


"Unlocking Potential: 5 Essential Keys to Future Proof Your Business"

As we look forward to 2030, how will the Future of Work evolve? Vivian will reveal the key trends impacting your business and the 5 non-negotiable priorities that will future proof your business in the now ‘never normal’.

You can still RSVP HERE.

The menu is roasted pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes and corn; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or 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 tea/coffee/water and, of course, a fantastic program. You can pay $5 cash, check or scan the QR code at check-in to pay with a credit card.

Click Read More to view Speaker Bio:

 

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Next Week's Meeting: Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, U.S. Navy

Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader
The September 19th meeting at the University Club will feature Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, U.S. Navy


"America's Warfighting Navy"

With over 25% of U.S. jobs tied to global trade and more than 25% of U.S. manufacturing jobs tied to exports, our economy depends on access to the internet, which largely depends upon undersea fiber-optic cables. It is YOUR Navy's mission to protect and defend America and its interests worldwide.

RSVP by NOON on Monday, September 16th HERE.

The menu is roasted turkey breast with stuffing, gravy and broccoli casserole; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or 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 tea/coffee/water and, of course, a fantastic program. You can pay $5 cash, check or scan the QR code at check-in to pay with a credit card.

Click Read More to view Speaker Bio:

 

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September 5th Meeting Recap

The September 5th meeting at the University Club featured Josh Heird, UofL Athletic Director. Melissa Cobb provided the invocation and Matthew Molter led the pledge and 4-way test. 

September 5th Meeting Recap

You can view the recording on our YouTube channel. Provide feedback about the meeting HERE.

 

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Welcome New Member

At last week's meeting, we welcomed new member Ramona Dallum. Love those Rotary colors! Click Read More to see her introduction.

Ramona Dallum
 

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Give For Good Louisville

CFL Give For Good Louisville graphic

Since the Community Foundation of Louisville launched Give for Good Louisville in 2014, communities across Kentucky and Southern Indiana have raised over $60 million for local organizations. The organizations that benefit reflect our community's values by addressing unmet needs, creating innovative solutions, and proactively driving positive change. Donate this Thursday, September 12, between midnight and 11:59 p.m. for the chance to have your donation matched dollar-for-dollar or randomly boosted by a $1,000 - $20,000!

Many of our member-affiliated organizations are participating; click Read More to see the list and please consider supporting their missions.


 

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Rotaract News: We are Underway!

by Linda Bartrom & Rick Harned

Rotaract Collage

Interact/Rotaract Committee Chair Linda Bartrom and Vice Chair Rick Harned along with Aaron McGahee are excited to share news of our meeting with the University of Louisville toward re-activating a Louisville Rotaract Club! We hope to set in motion access for other schools to participate as well. Some of the swag to be presented at our first meeting, cloisonee' pins and graduation regalia, are shown above. Thanks to Dr. Raymond Green and Renecia Davis for facilitating this (and for pizza). If you would like to stay in the know, join our Louisville Rotaract Facebook group. Click below for the flyer.

 

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Rotary Happy Hour at Colonial Gardens

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Rotary Happy Hour Colonial Gardnes
Unpredicted rain put a damper on the turnout for our Happy Hour at Colonial Gardens, but those who came out had a great time.

Our next Happy Hour event will be announced soon!

 


Rotary Day at the Volleyball Court: September 22

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UofL Cardinals Volleyball
Join us on Sunday, September 22nd at 12:30 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center to watch two top NCAA teams that again have a shot as National Champions: the UofL women's volleyball team and the Nebraska Huskers. Limited group seating...first come first served!

Register HERE.




 


Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring Schedule

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Dr B with RHS manuals at JCPSFor those interested in serving as mentors for our Rotary Honors Scholars, save these dates for the upcoming school year. 

Western High School, 2501 Rockford Ln

  • Tuesday, Sept. 17: 8:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22: 8:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 19: 8:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 28: 8:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 25: 8:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, March 25: 8:30 a.m.
Iroquois High School, 4615 Taylor Blvd
  • Wednesday, Sept. 25: 8:45 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 23: 8:45 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: 8:45 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 22: 8:45 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb.12: 8:45 a.m.
  • Wednesday, March 19: 8:45 a.m.

Celebration Luncheon - Thursday, May 8th is the tentative date.

Please contact me for more information or to sign up: cmooney@bosseconstruction.com

 


Imagination Library Volunteer Opportunity

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Rick and Mary Ellen Harned joined Director Maria Gurren at event held at Louisville Free Public Library  Our Youth & Education Committee has already helped the Imagination Library Louisville recruit multiple new families to receive free books! Participants have reported that the task is really easy and fun, as talking with parents of very young children is inspiring.

We have four more dates scheduled, for which two Rotarians are requested to join Imagination Library Director, Maria Gurren, to talk to young parents who may not know they are eligible:

  • Saturday, 9/14: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Greater Salem Baptist Church, 1009 W Chestnut St. 
  • Friday, 10/18: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Shelby Park, 600 E Oak St. (Pumpkin Patch)
  • Thursday, 10/24: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Cane Run Elementary School, 3951 Cane Run Road (Literacy Night)
  • Saturday, 11/16, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 3rd Street Neighborhood (Building our Block event with Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell)
Many of you saw Dolly Parton celebrating the statewide rollout of Imagination Library recently. If you can spare a couple of hours to enhance literacy in Louisville, please email rickharned@gmail.com.


Please Support Our INTERACT Blood Drives in October

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Rotary Club of Louisville is proud to sponsor the Interact Clubs at Iroquois and Western HS, and train our West End youth in Service Above Self. Our fall blood drives need your support! 

10/15 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Western High School, 2501 Rockford Ln - click HERE to sign up.

10/31 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Iroquois High School, 4615 Taylor Blvd - click HERE to sign up.

Watch the video from previous events HERE

Interact Fall Blood Drive Flyers
   

Special shout out to Club Advisors James Gibson and Mika Powell.


 

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Rotarian in the Spotlight: Neville Blakemore

Neville Blakemore
Congrats to Neville Blakemore on his new role as Managing Director of Chicago-based Pursant LLC, a middle-market advisory firm specializing in M&A, private capital market financing, transaction advisory services, financial leadership support and business value-enhancement consulting.

Read the article HERE.


Rotarians in the Spotlight: Fast 50

Fast 50 graphic
Congratulations to Matt Riggle with LPX Group and Jeremy Vokurka with Miranda Construction on making this year's Fast 50 list.

Click Read More for the full list.

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Events & Opportunities: Louisville Ballet

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Louisville Ballet Studio connections flyer
What:
 Studio Connections
Organization: Louisville Ballet
Date/Time: Sept. 13 - 22, 2024
Location: The Louisville Ballet Main Street Studios

Description: Studio Connections offers a closer look at the artistry of ballet, bringing magnificent works from the stage to Louisville Ballet’s intimate Main Street studios. Journey through Italy with jubilant excerpts from Napoli, be hypnotized by the dreamlike spirits of La Bayadere, and witness the world premiere of Tinjy Wits by Artistic Director Mikelle Bruzina.

More information: https://www.louisvilleballet.org/studio-connections/
Member to contact: Leslie Smart, lsmart@louisvilleballet.org
 


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.


Events & Opportunities: Salvation Army Louisville

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Salvation Army Fight For Louisville BreakfastWhat: 7th Annual Fight for Louisville Breakfast: Embracing Hope
Organization: Salvation Army Louisville
Date/Time: Sept. 17, 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: The Olmsted

Description: This free, mission-focused breakfast event, hosted by The Salvation Army Louisville Advisory Board and volunteer Table Hosts, features a special guest speaker who will share his personal story of overcoming poverty and homelessness. Rotary Club board member Louis Seeger is a volunteer Table Host.

More information: 
Member to contact: Kelly Hutchinson, kelly.hutchinson@uss.salvationarmy.org



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.


Events & Opportunities: Gallopalooza Auction

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Gallopalooza Live Auction
What:
 Gallopalooza Live Auction
Organization: Brightside Foundation
Date/Time: Friday, October 4, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Louisville Marriott East
Description: Don't miss your chance to win one of 60 full-size and tabletop statues. VIP tickets ($150) include prime seating, a commemorative auction program, an open bar all night, admission to the VIP Hors d’oeuvres Reception, and a complimentary copy of the commemorative Gallopalooza book when it publishes in late 2024. General Admission tickets ($75) include two drink tickets. Auction proceeds benefit Brightside’s cleanliness, beautification and education programs to make Louisville cleaner and greener.

More information: https://gallopalooza.com
Member to contact: Michelle Black White, Michelle@brightsidefoundation.com



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.


Events & Opportunities: Kentucky Humane Society

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KHS Pars for Pets
What:
 Pars for Pets
Organization: Kentucky Humane Society
Date/Time: October 14, 11:00 a.m.
Location: UofL Golf Club
Description: The third annual Pars for Pets four-person scramble includes lunch, complimentary beverages on the course, contests, prizes, a cocktail reception, and a few furry KHS ambassadors to greet you along the way. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m., lunch starts at 11:30 a.m., and shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. It’s guaranteed to be a FURtastic day with two-legged and four-legged friends!

More information: https://www.kyhumane.org/pars-for-pets/
Member to contact: Alisa Gray, gray@kyhumane.org



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.


Events & Opportunities: MELANnaire Marketplace

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MELANnaire Marketplace Fall Fest
What:
 Fall Fest + Night Market
Organization: MELANnaire Marketplace
Date/Time: Friday, October 18, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: 4th Street Live
Description: Join us to explore and shop with local black-owned businesses, groove to live entertainment, and dive into a night full of family fun! There’s something for everyone with a dedicated kids’ zone, family photo ops, and so much more.

More information: click HERE


MELANnaire Marketplace Grand Opening
What: Holiday Market Grand Opening
Organization: MELANnaire Marketplace
Date/Time: Friday, October 25, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mall St. Matthews
Description: Save the date as we kick off another holiday season with a grand opening event!

More information: click HERE
Member to contact: Nachand Trabue, nstyle1913@gmail.com



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.


Events & Opportunities: Whitney/Strong

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A Night for LifeWhat: A Night for Life
Organization: Whitney/Strong
Date/Time: Saturday, October 26
Location: Mellwood Art Center
Description: This event is so much more than just a night out—it's a pivotal opportunity to come together with others who are committed to ending gun violence and building safer communities. Every ticket sold and every auction item donated brings us one step closer to a world free from gun violence. Together, we can create real change and save lives.

More information: https://e.givesmart.com/events/Cei/
Member to contact: Whitney Austin, Whitney@whitstrong.org



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.


Events & Opportunities: Canopy

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Canopy Good Business Summit 2024
What: 4th Annual Canopy Good Business Summit
Organization: Canopy
Date/Time: November 20, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Kentucky International Convention Center
Description: The annual GBS highlights the innovative ways Kentucky businesses are showing up for our people and environment and provides practical ways businesses can engage in Business Beyond Profit. Featured speakers include Rotarian Maggie Harlow, Chef Edward Lee and Rob Samuels. The program will also include a Mission Marketplace and presentation of the Impact Awards.

More information: https://canopyky.org/cgbs24/
Member to contact: Ben Smock, bensmock@canopyky.org



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.


UPCOMING SPEAKERS

September 12th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Vivian Blade
Speaker: Vivian Blade, author
Workplace Resiliency
More info

September 19th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader
Speaker: Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader
America's Warfighting Navy
More info

September 26th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Brian Johnson
Speaker: Brian Johnson, Dan O's Seasoning

More info

October 3rd 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Senator Rand Paul
Speaker: Senator Rand Paul

More info

October 10th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Nick Campisano | DG Dale Leatherman
Speaker: Nick Campisano | DG Dale Leatherman

More info

October 17th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Eric Gregory
Speaker: Eric Gregory, Kentucky Distillers' Association

More info

October 31st 2024 at 11:30 am
Louisville Weekly Club Meeting: Soozie Eastman
Speaker: Soozie Eastman
Soozie Eastman, President, 502 Film; Chair, Louisville Film Commission
More info

November 7th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Angela Billings
Speaker: Angela Billings
Crisis Communications
More info

November 14th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: DeVone Holt
Speaker: DeVone Holt, Muhammad Ali Center

More info

November 21st 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Jon Carloftis
Speaker: Jon Carloftis

More info

November 26th 2024 at 11:30 am
Joint Meeting Hosted by Kiwanis Club
Speaker: N/A

More info

November 28th 2024 at 11:30 am
Happy Thanksgiving - NO MEETING
Speaker: N/A

More info

December 12th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Lance Burton
Speaker: Lance Burton, Master Magician

More info

December 19th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Dr. Kevin Cosby
Speaker: Dr. Kevin Cosby, Simmons College

More info

December 26th 2024 at 11:30 am
Happy Holidays - NO MEETING
Speaker: N/A

More info

January 2nd 2025 at 11:30 am
Happy Holidays - NO MEETING
Speaker: N/A

More info

January 9th 2025 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: TBA
Speaker: TBA

More info

January 16th 2025 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Beth Stubbs
Speaker: Beth Stubbs, Rotary International Treasurer

More info

January 23rd 2025 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Dr. Ty Handy
Speaker: Dr. Ty Handy, President, JCTC

More info

January 30th 2025 at 11:30 am
Mayor's State of the City Address
Speaker: Mayor Craig Greenberg

More info

February 6th 2025 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Jake Cannon
Speaker: Jake Cannon, President, Kroger - Louisville Division

More info

February 13th 2025 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Condrad Daniels
Speaker: Condrad Daniels, President, HJI Supply Chain Solutions

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.