Exeter Rotary Club Celebrates a Year of Local and Global Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exeter Rotary Club Celebrates a Year of Local and Global Impact

A small service club continues to “punch above its weight” with historic expansions, international aid, and vibrant community initiatives.

EXETER, NH – August 12, 2026 – The Exeter Rotary Club, a local fixture since 1959, recently hosted its annual Changeover event to celebrate a year of significant accomplishments. Club President Bob Mitchell framed the evening around a powerful theme: "A small club that punches above its weight," highlighting an extraordinary roster of events, local infrastructure expansions, and international relief initiatives.

Chief among the year's milestones was a major donation to Seacoast Family Promise. This crucial funding directly supported the construction of a new wing at Joshua House, nearly tripling its capacity to shelter and support families in transition.

Beyond this major development, the club's impact spanned a diverse mix of local and international projects:

• Regional Infrastructure: Secured a Rotary District Grant to fund state-of-the-art playground equipment for the new YMCA Day Care Center in Hampton.
• Global Health Initiatives: Funded and equipped a brand-new maternity ward in Eswatini, Africa, via a Rotary Global Grant, and shipped vital hearing aids to underserved communities in the Dominican Republic.
• New Community Events: Expanded its local footprint by launching a Comedy Night fundraiser, hosting a successful Lobster Raffle, and hosting an interactive booth at the local Alewife Festival.
• Time-Honored Traditions: Renewed its signature annual projects, including the "Stuff the Bus" food drive, the historic Apple Sale for student scholarships, and the annual downtown Christmas Eve luminary display.
• Local Preservation: Cleaned and restored the historic Powderhouse grounds, installing a new permanent memorial bench dedicated to the memory of longtime Rotarian Dottie Milbury.

The Exeter Rotary Club grew its ranks by welcoming six new members this past year, and it remains actively looking for community-minded individuals to join.

Rotary International is a global service network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who unite to create positive, lasting change across the globe. All residents interested in volunteering, networking, or giving back are welcome.

For more information about joining or learning about upcoming service opportunities, please contact Membership Chair Bob Hamilton at Exeternhrotary@gmail.com.

Media Contact:

Doug Carmel

Exeter Rotary Club

exeternhrotary@gmail.com