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Rotarian Spotlight #2

Holly Deitchman: Holly loves her fellow Rotarians and says that Rotary serves as her reminder of the importance of serving. Originally invited to join by Library Director George Scheetz, Rotary has exposed Holly to local leaders and increased her visibility within the community. When Holly attended her first meeting, she was surprised to meet the Fire Chief, Sheriff, a council member, local business owners, and Batavians from all occupations. Holly was one of three female members and is the first woman to serve a full term as President. She has also been Youth Exchange Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Appropriations Chair, and has served on multiple committees. She has stayed with Rotary for 13 years because of the friendships she has formed and the regular service projects that she regularly attends with her children. Holly says that Rotary takes priority in her calendar after 13 years of active participation. She is especially fond of the support Rotary gives to local Not-for-Profits.

Dan Hoefler: Twelve years ago, Dan was a member of the Historic Preservation Commission who regularly purchased Rotary Corvette Raffle tickets. He knew many Rotarians and was eventually invited to a breakfast meeting by then member Tom Lalonde. He realized that joining Rotary would put him in touch with his community while expanding his personal reach and impact. He also became aware of an extended family connection: his father-in-law was a founding member of the club when it was chartered in 1948. Dan rapidly became engaged in club activities, including the Raffle Committee, Appropriations, and served as President for 1-1/2 terms. He shared that the club has changed and adapted well over the past 12 years while continuing to have significant local and international impact. Dan’s involvement in Rotary keeps him focused and energetic. He supports the global mission and loves the club’s service orientation. Dan says, “The world needs organizations like Rotary.” We couldn’t agree more.

Curious about Rotary?

Join us on September 20^th for a free breakfast and hear about Rotary’s impact on our community.

Rotarian Spotlight #1

Tom Van Cleave: Tom’s first exposure to Rotary was when he was 12 and his uncle took him to a meeting in Polo, IL. Years later, he was asked to join the Batavia Club by member Don Clark. Don thought Tom’s business would benefit from visiting the club, and the rest is history. When asked why he has remained a member for so many years, Tom points to the strong friendships he has formed, the vibrant conversation at meetings, our philanthropy, and of course, the regular service projects. Tom also likes our international efforts, like the Foundation Grant he coordinated to provide over $10,000 in dental supplies to a clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Tom says one thing you take away from Rotary is the feeling that you are welcome anywhere in the world. He can name 17 Rotary Clubs he has visited during personal and business travel. He recalls how the Rotary Club of San Juan helped him organize a 100 person visit to the island. “Rotary,” says Tom, “is like a welcome mat.”

Marge Brown: Already well-known throughout Batavia, Marge joined the club at husband Dave’s urging. Dave had joined earlier and positioned the club as a great couple experience. (We have multiple members who are couples.) Marge was also looking for a way to have an impact beyond the immediate community. Almost seven months into Rotary, Marge is impressed with the impact the club has locally and Rotary International’s global reach. She shared that the number of projects delivered by our small group is truly outstanding. Of course, Marge has stepped right up and become involved. While she has always been involved in community activities, Marge says that her involvement in Rotary has more clearly defined her purpose. She has enjoyed meeting new and interesting people while getting to know some earlier acquaintances a little better. She believes we need to do a better job of increasing our visibility. Marge is proud to be a Rotarian and wants everyone to know that if you want to have an impact on your community, Rotary is for you.

Our August Funding Review is Complete!

That’s the amount we donated local and international causes during our last review! Here is a list of organizations that received our support. Batavia Parks Foundation, Batavia United Way, ChildrenUP, Fox Valley Christian Action, Fox Valley Food for Health, Fox Valley Patriotic Association, Making Kane County Fit for Kids, Marklund Children’s Home, and Valley Sheltered Workshop.

We review grant applications each year in February and August. We also proactively provide support at our discretion throughout the year. The proceeds from our Annual Corvette Raffle funds our philanthropy. We appreciate the community’s support of our raffle.

The Rotary Club of Batavia is a service and social organization that is open to all community members. We bring community leaders together in an inclusive, non-political, and non-religious organization to positively impact our community.