Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

3.5.26 - CLUB 77 Hosted by Guiding Light
2026-03-05 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Guiding Light, 255 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

3.12.26 - Jon Ippel - Executive Director, Amplify GR
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Jon Ippel – Executive Director, Amplify GR
Speaker Topic: What is a Purpose Built Community
Speaker Bio:
A Grand Rapids native, Jon Ippel serves as the Executive Director of Amplify GR. Jon comes to the organization with 15 years of community development experience. Before joining Amplify GR, he worked in local government in the areas of city administration, sustainability, and community development. In those capacities, Jon launched a nationally-recognized and award-winning environmental sustainability program, developed several public-private partnerships that created over 300 affordable housing units, coordinated over $1 billion in City infrastructure projects, and served as the city director for the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Jon feels passionately about the momentum in Grand Rapids and is committed to ensuring more residents in our community benefit from community growth through a holistic approach focusing on education, housing, jobs, entrepreneurship, and community wellbeing.
Jon is proud of the partnerships Amplify GR has formed with neighbors, nonprofits, and local businesses alike. These relationships allow Amplify GR to provide additional resources to both residents and businesses in the community.
Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and two kids.
For more information on Amplify GR and work in the community, visit: https://amplifygr.org/

3.19.26 - Troy Thrash - President & CEO, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Troy Thrash – President & CEO, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
Speaker Topic: Kalamazoo Air Zoo Impact on our Region & Inspiring the Next Generation Through Aviation, Space, and STEM
Bio:
Troy Thrash is the President and CEO of the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, one of the nation’s premier aerospace and science museums. Since joining the Air Zoo in 2014, Troy has led significant growth in attendance, educational programming, and community impact, while overseeing major capital projects and nationally recognized exhibits. With a background in nonprofit leadership, aviation education, and strategic development, Troy is passionate about inspiring future generations through aviation, space exploration, and STEM learning. Troy is also a proud Rotarian and a member of the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo.
To learn more about the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, visit: https://www.airzoo.org/

3.26.26 - Carla Moore - CEO, United Methodist Community House (off-site luncheon)
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:15 | United Methodist Community House, 904 Sheldon Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us for an off-site luncheon at United Methodist Community House!
Speaker: Carla Moore – CEO, United Methodist Community House
Speaker Topic: Expansion of UMCH’s Space and Resources in 2026
Bio:
Carla Moore serves as CEO of United Methodist Community House in Grand Rapids. In this role, she leads one of the community’s longstanding neighborhood-based nonprofits dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families through education, enrichment, and support services.
With a strong commitment to equity and opportunity, Carla oversees programs that provide early childhood education, after-school support, workforce development, and family assistance — helping neighbors build stability and achieve long-term success. Under her leadership, the organization continues to strengthen partnerships and expand its impact across the southeast side of Grand Rapids.
Carla is passionate about collaborative community work and believes lasting change happens when organizations, businesses, and civic leaders come together in service.

4.2.26 - CLUB 77 - Hosted by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
2026-04-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 social event hosted by the Grand Rapids Presidential Foundation!
The event will be held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

4.16.26 - Interact Luncheon
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual Interact luncheon, where our Interact students lead the luncheon, and we celebrate all the exciting things they have done this year!
More about Interact:
A Rotary Interact Club is a service and leadership club for students, typically ages 15–18, sponsored by a local Rotary club. Interact clubs empower students to develop leadership skills, build friendships, and make a positive impact in their school and community through hands-on service projects.
Supported by Rotary International, Interact members learn the value of “Service Above Self” while gaining real-world experience in teamwork, organization, and community engagement.

4.23.26 - STRIVE Luncheon
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE luncheon, where we meet all the STRIVE students and mentors, and they share their experiences with our club!
More about STRIVE:
STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) is a Rotary mentoring program designed to support high school seniors in achieving academic and personal success. Sponsored by a local Rotary club, STRIVE pairs students with Rotarian mentors who provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance throughout the school year.
Through goal-setting, consistent check-ins, and recognition of achievement, the program helps students strengthen attendance, improve performance, and build confidence as they prepare for graduation and future career or educational opportunities.

4.30.26 - Steve Tibbe - Grand Rapids Business Broker & Entrepreneur
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Steve Tibbe – Grand Rapids Business Broker & Entrepreneur
Speaker Topic: TBA
Speaker Bio:
Steve Tibbe is a respected business and community leader based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With decades of experience in the manufacturing and automotive industries, Steve has built a career focused on innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
Throughout his professional journey, he has been committed not only to business success but also to community engagement and leadership development. Steve is passionate about strengthening West Michigan through collaboration, mentorship, and service.
In his presentation, Steve will share insights from his leadership experience, lessons learned in business growth and innovation, and perspectives on the importance of community involvement in driving long-term impact.
