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: Angela Billings, Author, Command the Crisis

Angela Billings
The November 7th meeting at the University Club will feature Angela Billings, Author, Command the Crisis.

Angela will present her signature talk, Under Attack, where she will walk us through crises she’s experienced and provide her compelling take on how businesses can and should step into your crises.


The deadline to RSVP has passed; email [email protected] if you would like to attend.

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:

 

Read More


Next Week's Meeting: DeVone Holt, President & CEO, The Muhammad Ali Center

DeVone Holt
The November 14th meeting at the University Club will feature DeVone Holt, CEO, Muhammed Ali Center.

"How I Went from Good to Great and What That Means For Louisville"

RSVP by NOON on Monday, November 11th HERE.

The menu is schnitzel with cabbage and potatoes; 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:

 

Read More


Joint Thanksgiving Meeting with Kiwanis Club: November 26

We are partnering again this year with the Kiwanis Club to share a Thanksgiving meal and fellowship on Tuesday, November 26th at Audubon Country Club. We will NOT be meeting on Thursday that week.

The speaker will be John Boel and we will also be kicking off our annual Salvation Army "Battle of the Bells" competition.

Plan to arrive at 11:30am for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. The cost is $35 and we have been given a hard cutoff of NOON on Monday, November 18th to submit the final headcount. You can RSVP HERE. Unfortunately for this meeting, there is no option to attend without purchasing lunch.


It's Time for the 2024 Battle of the Bells

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It's time to kick off the "Battle of the Bells" competition with the Kiwanis Club!

Join us for this service opportunity at the Holiday Manor Kroger on US 42. You can choose one or more of the shifts below - we need 4 volunteers for each shift and guests/children are welcome.

Saturday, December 7, 14, 21
Shifts are from 9:00 to 10:30, 10:30 to noon, noon to 1:30, 1:30 to 3:00

Register in DaCdb:
December 7 - click HERE
December 14 - click HERE
December 21 - click HERE

If you can't take a shift but want to help us win the challenge, swing by one of these Saturdays, drop some coins or bills, and cheer us on! Or, you can make a donation HERE.

For more information, my cell phone is 502-552-2002.


2023 Rotary Kiwanis Battle of the Bells Red Kettle Challenge


October 31st Meeting Recap

The October 31st meeting at the University Club featured Soozie Eastman, President of 502 Film. Gill Holland provided the invocation and Karen Morrison led the pledge and 4-way test. Alisa Gray, Chair of the Lifeline Committee, shared a committee update. Christen Boone introduced Soozie.

October 31, 2024 Rotary Meeting Recap

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

 


Welcome New Members

At last week's meeting, we inducted and welcomed two new members: Gary Cobbs, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Louisville and Lyndon Pryor, President & CEO of the Louisville Urban League. Click Read More to see their introductions.

New Members Inducted October 31, 2024
 

Read More


Rotaract Clothing Drive

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Support our Rotaract Club with a clothing donation on November 14th between 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the first floor of the UofL College of Business. Contact me or Rick Harned for more information.

Rotaract Club Clothing Drive Graphic
 


Interact Blood Drive at IHS a Huge Success

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We made our quota and more! A huge shout-out goes to my Youth Team Rick Harned and Aaron McGahee, our donor Rotarians, Red Cross Director Rebekah Byron and our Iroquois High School Interact Advisor James Gibson; it truly does take a village! The kiddos lined up endlessly all day long giving the gift of life to folks they'll never meet ... true Service Above Self.

Interact Blood Drive at IHS


Re:Center Ministries Meal Service: November 13

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Rotary Meal Service at Re:Center MinistriesThanks to Delene and Laurie Bottiger (and friend) for serving this month.

Our next Re:Center Ministries meal service will be Wednesday, November 13th at 5:30 p.m. at 757 S Brook St.

This will be an opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends going through the rehab program at Re:Center. The Holiday Season is a tough time for many, including those with addictions. Joining these men for an early Thanksgiving meal makes me grateful for all the gifts of God's grace.

Our Club provides the main meal prepared by Kingsley Catering. We need volunteers to bring drinks, salad, rolls, and desserts, which are usually fruit pies from Kroger. But ABOVE ALL, we just need a few more Rotarians to participate in serving the meal and sitting down with the men to break bread.

Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to join us or to learn more.

Yours In Rotary Service,
Larry Sloan, Lifeline Committee


Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring: November 13 & 19

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Join us for our next two Rotary Honors Scholars mentoring sessions at Iroquois High School (11/13) Western High School (11/19). Thanks to Craig Mooney and Melissa Cobb for capturing these photos last month!

Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring at Iroquois HS

Thank you to all who are investing time in the success of these young people! Click Read More below to see upcoming dates; mark your calendar and plan to join us! Contact me for more information or to sign up: [email protected]

 

Read More


Imagination Library Volunteer Opportunity: November 16

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Imagination Library volunteers Rick and Mary Ellen Harned
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 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, 11/16, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 3rd Street Neighborhood (Building our Block event with Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell)
  • Saturday, 11/16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Johnson Traditional Middle School, 2509 Wilson Ave.
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 [email protected].


Rotarian in the Spotlight: Tawana Bain

Tawana Bain will be the featured speaker at the LIBA ElevateBiz Speaker Series on November 13 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at Louisville Water Tower, 3005 River Rd. Read more HERE.

Tawana Bain LIBA ElevateBiz Speaker Series


Rotarian in the Spotlight: Maggie Harlow

Canopy Good Business Summit 2024
Rotarian Maggie Harlow will be a featured speaker at the 4th Annual Canopy Good Business Summit on November 20th at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

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. 

The program will also include presentation of the Impact Awards and a Mission Marketplace, where our club will have a table.

Register here and use code "ROTARY24" to receive a 10% discount https://canopyky.org/cgbs24/

 


Events & Opportunities: Simmons College Homecoming

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What: Homecoming Week
Organization: Simmons College of Kentucky
Date/Time/Location: Various

Simmons Homecoming Events

Member to contact: Dr. Rick Smith, Sr., [email protected]



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: Jewish Family & Career Services

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What: Community Chat Series: Supporting Family During the Holidays and Beyond
Organization: Jewish Family & Career Services
Date/Time: November 19th from 6pm to 8pm
Location: Louis & Lee Roth Family Center, 2821 Klempner Way
Description: JFCS' Quarterly Community Chat panel discussion focused on family supports during the holidays and beyond. We will discuss what resources are available to individuals and families and what gaps still exist.


More information: Courtney Evans
Member to contact: [email protected]


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, [email protected]



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: Waterfront Botanical Gardens

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Waterfront Botanical Gardens Aglimmer
What: Gardens Aglimmer
Organization: Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Date/Time: Nov. 29 - Dec. 30
Location: Waterfront Botanical Gardens

Description: Make lasting holiday memories as you take a magical stroll through the Gardens’ festive lights and illuminated displays, including giant flowers, snowflakes, glistening deer, and twinkling archways. Come indoors to create a craft, write a letter to the North Pole, and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!?Introducing two special event nights: December 11: Date Night (Ages 21+ only) December 16: Sensory Friendly Night

More information: https://waterfrontgardens.org/gardens-aglimmer/
Member to contact: Phil Koester, [email protected]



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

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: Beverly Yanez
Speaker: Beverly Yanez, Head Coach, Racing Louisville

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

February 27th 2025 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Dawne Gee
Speaker: Dawne Gee, WAVE Anchor, A Recipe to End Hunger Co-founder

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.