Our Amazon Homeless Project for unhoused clients of The Sisters of Fraternite Notre Dame is underway and the need is great this year, especially with the early cold and snow we have received. Basic needs for socks, hats, gloves and toiletries are all available to easily purchase on line and they will be delivered directly to the convent. Please select Sister Valerie Marie as the recipient when you check out. Here is the link: HOMELESS
Welcome!
Rotary Club members and their guests and volunteers gathered on Sunday, November 23 to clean up the Village!
Chairperson Maurice Sullivan announced that the book drive (coordinated with Bernie's Book Bank) collected over 17,000 books! Maurice wanted to thank the members of her committee who were actively involved in making the Big Book Drive a success. This included the ongoing support of the District 39 Superintendent of Schools (and member) Kari Cremascoli and 13 area schools These books will be given to underserved children who have few books at home. These books will help build early literacy, the love of reading and support academic success.
Our health is everything. Yet 400 million people in the world can’t afford or don’t have access to basic health care. As the year winds down, December serves as a time to reflect on one of Rotary’s core causes: Disease Prevention and Treatment. From eradicating polio to supporting mental health initiatives, Rotarians worldwide work tirelessly to improve health outcomes and build resilient communities.
Disease prevention is about more than healthcare—it's about education, access, and empowerment. Whether it’s funding vaccines, providing clean water to prevent disease, or offering medical training in underserved areas, our collective efforts save lives and restore dignity.
Disease prevention is about more than healthcare—it's about education, access, and empowerment. Whether it’s funding vaccines, providing clean water to prevent disease, or offering medical training in underserved areas, our collective efforts save lives and restore dignity.
The Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday, November 12 was a wonderful celebration of service of one of our members, Bob Taylor. Major Donor Chair Donna Lee Gulley recognized Bob for reaching major donor status in Rotary ($10,000 or more). Bob said he was "deeply humbled and honored." He said he gives because of hunger, homelessness and lack of education in the world. Several District Governors were in attendance for our Club's meeting with District Governor Marlene Frisbee and they joined in honoring Bob.
We received late notice that Joe Goldstein passed on November 8. We missed his services on November 12, but Joe will be remembered for many years to come. Friends of his donated to our Holiday Fundraiser in memory of Joe, and that is how we found out. Joe Goldstein was a pillar of our club for many years, and beloved by many of us. This remarkable man joined in 1990 and was a very active member, especially with innovative service projects, creative marketing for our fundraisers, and always participated in club events and projects. His obituary can seen at: Joe G
The New Trier Food Pantry is in crisis mode. They need volunteers to help organize the new donations that are coming in. The Food Pantry is located at 739 Elm Street, Winnetka. Please sign-up HERE to volunteer to help.
Several members attended a community conversation last week, where representatives from North Shore Neighbors and the Onward House in Chicago talked about the services available to immigrants and refugees through Onward House. These services include food assistance, education, immigration and legal Matters, Medicaid Application (Medical Card), health and counseling. They emphasized that due to the widespread fear in many households right now, they are delivering food to many families that are afraid to leave their homes. Food insecurity is becoming a bigger issue now as well. Website https://onwardhouse.org/
Many municipalities are passing ordinances regarding a civil response to federal immigration enforcement activities. Wilmette will be having a Board of Trustees Meeting on November 12 at 7pm in Village Hall, to discuss this issue.
Several Rotary members from Wilmette and Evanston Lighthouse volunteered to be "personal shoppers" for community participants. We helped individuals and families select coats, hats, gloves and scarves for keeping warm this winter. Connections for the Homeless organized this annual event, and our volunteer members find it a rewarding experience, as it helps those who are less fortunate to ensure they will be able to cope with our winter weather.
January to December - Our Signature Local Project - Packing Lunches for the Homeless
The first Tuesday of every month, volunteers prepare and pack lunches to be delivered to Connections for the Homeless.
Packing 160-200 Lunches each Month
February to April - Assisted Village of Wilmette to Welcome Migrants
We welcomed migrants who were bussed and dropped off in Wilmette on their way to Chicago, with care packages.
April - International Projects Get a Boost
Two large international projects were represented at the District Conference by Steve Jambor and Ray Zeiss. Steve's focus is ultra-sound equipment and training in Uganda. Ray's project involves providing medical equipment in Zambia.
May - Our annual Hope Walk for the Homeless Fundraiser
Our annual Hope Walk for the Homeless raised funds for several organizations that provide services to the homeless, locally and in Chicago.
Our Hope Walk included participants for other Rotary Clubs and non-profits.
Dogs were welcome to walk with their owners at our Hope Wal
May - Memorial Day Parade
Members marched in the annual Memorial Day parade in Wilmette. We gave flags and medals to kids along the route.
June - 100th Anniversary
June -We celebrated our 100th Anniversary with the Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield, and combined this with the installation of new officers and board members.
June Installation of New Co-president, Heidi Voorhees and Debora Morris
July - We participated in the Village of Wilmette Block Party.
July - Several members assisted Connections for the Homeless in their annual event.
August - Club Assembly
Co-presidents Heidi V. and Debora M., sent our a survey to members to find out how they felt about the Club and asked for suggestions. This was followed by a Club Assembly to discuss the survey results and plan for the future.
September - Trivia Night Fundraiser
We hosted a fun night of Trivia as a fundraiser. Prizes were given to the winners. We raised more than our budgeted goal, and everyone had a good time.
September - Beach Clean-up
In September we hosted a beach clean-up with Go Green Wilmette. Volunteers and students from a grade school in Glenview picked up debris from Gillson park beaches.
October - End Polio Now Campaign
We collected donations for the End Polio Now campaign at a local food store and the French Market in Wilmette.
November - Veteran's Park Mural
Our Club contributed to the creation of a public mural in Veteran's Park, Wilmette. The mural depicts a soldier accepting a flower from a child as thanks for his service. The title of the mural is "Thank You". The plaque recognizes Rotary's contribution.
November - Veteran's Park Mural Dedication
November - Winter Warmth Event
Member volunteers from our Club and Evanston Lighthouse Rotary assisted in distributing warm winter clothing with connections for the Homeless.
November - Warm Coat Distribution
Member volunteers gave out new coats to the elementary school kids at St. Thomas of Canterbury School.
November/December - Holiday Gift Fundraiser
Our biggest fundraiser of the year raised close to $30,000 for all our humanitarian projects. It included gift items from local businesses, raffle prizes and personalized delivery of the gift items.
December - A Rotarian Engagment
Past president, Mariana Alfar and past chairman of the Rotary After Dark (RAD) group, announced their engagement.
December - Annual Holiday Party
Our annual Holiday Party was held at the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club and featured a performance by the New Trier Swing Choir.
December - Annual Amazon Wishlist for Homeless
Each year we create an Amazon Wishlist of items needed by a group of homeless in Chicago. The sisters of Fraternite Notre Dame care for these people and give us a list of the most needed items. Items can be purchased online and sent directly to the sisters.
Our Motto: Service Above Self
Wilmette, IL 60091
United States of America