Rotary Club of Etowah President Reflects On Service Projects

Submitted by the Rotary Club of Etowah

As Rotary Club of Etowah nears the end of its calendar year, current Club President Trey Jordan reflects on the various service projects, volunteer activities, and community events the club membership accomplished this year. 

President Jordan said to the club when his term began in July 2013 that he hoped for a year of new members, more community outreach, and improved events. As his term comes to an end, he reflects on all that has been accomplished in just 12 months.

“Though our membership has remained fairly constant at 25, we continue to do a lot to support various organizations in the community, and work to help spread the word to others about Rotary Club of Etowah,” said Jordan. “I’m pleased with all that we were able to achieve in the 2013-2014 Rotary year, and look forward to continued success of the club.”

Last August, Rotary Club of Etowah utilized a Rotary District Simplified Grant to purchase food and supplies for the Backpack Buddies program. 

Matching the $1,000 received from the grant, the club sent members to purchase food items, before delivering, unloading and organizing the items at The Church at the Well, which houses one of two food pantries for Backpack Buddies. Rotary Club of Etowah’s donation provided enough food to make 80 backpacks each week for four weeks.

At the beginning of 2014, much attention and effort was put into the planning and implementation of the Second Annual Laughs & Libations.

A fundraising event, the evening featured drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and three comedians providing great entertainment. The social event raised more than $3,000 which goes to assist other nonprofit organizations throughout the county. At the end of each fiscal year, the club president makes a recommendation on which local organizations should receive a donation from Rotary Club of Etowah. 

Fundraisers like Laughs & Libations allow donations of $100, $250 or even $500 to be made to other nonprofits including, though not limited to, Cartersville Little League, Advocates for Children, Boys & Girls Club and many others.

“Rotary is all about Service Above Self,” Jordan continued. “Our weekly meetings allow a great opportunity to network with other professionals in the community, and hear from a variety of speakers that educate us on causes, events, companies, organizations and policies that affect our families and us. However, the real fun in Rotary is being able to give back and to help others in need. Rotary International focuses on the global eradication of polio; I like that we are able to help people in need right here in our own community, and around the world.”

To round out the 2013-2014 Rotary year, members of Rotary Club of Etowah will oversee a rest stop in Kingston during the Boys & Girls Club Century Bike Ride, something the group has done for several years.

This has become a fun tradition for many members of Rotary Club of Etowah, who purchase a variety of fruit and beverages to hand out to riders participating in the 100 mile bike race.

Established in 2002, Rotary Club of Etowah meets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at Louie’s Café in downtown Cartersville. Comprised of various community members ranging from nonprofit directors, financial advisors, healthcare professionals and more, the weekly meetings consist of networking with fellow members and guests, as well as an educational program. 

Adhering to Rotary International’s main mission of ‘Service Above Self,’ Rotary Club of Etowah provides both financial contributions and hands- on volunteer assistance to numerous local charitable organizations, and also supports Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio.

For more information about Rotary Club of Etowah, visit its website.