10.12.24 - Ramp Build - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-10-12 08:30 - 13:00 UTC | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp for someone in need!
When: Saturday, October 12th
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: TBD (will be announced about a week before ramp build)
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-51048994-ramp
Contact: If you have questions please get in touch with Dave Bulkowski or Andrea Nucci

10.12.24 - "Zoo Goes Boo" Rotary Candy Handout - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-10-12 08:45 - 13:00 UTC | John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
The Community Engagement is excited to announce a volunteering opportunity to hand out candy for the John Ball Zoo “Zoo Goes Boo” event!
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 8:45 am – 1:00 pm
Location: 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Volunteer Check-In: Volunteers will check-in at the front gate of the zoo
Volunteers: 20 needed (Rotarians will be working in groups of 2 to 4)
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-51740704-zoogoes
Contact: Alex Wilson

10.17.24 - Steve Heacock - President & CEO, Grand Rapids Whitewater
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Steve Heacock
Speaker Topic: Grand River Restoration Project
GRWW’s mission is to recreate the spirit of the iconic grand rapids; to make the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids a more natural river environment and to enhance the sustainability of fish, wildlife and natural resources and provide access to recreation and fitness opportunities to all. Specifically, GRWW’s mission is to:

Reduce public safety hazards generated by low-head dams by removing the dams,
Create diverse riffles, runs, waves, and pools to restore aquatic riverine habitat and diversity,
Improve fish passage,
Recapture the sight, sound, and spirit of the historic and iconic rapids, for which the City is named, and
Enhancing distinctive recreational opportunities such as wading, angling, and whitewater paddling sports, that are safe, interesting, and substantial enough to engage residents, attract tourists, and serve as a catalyst for local, regional, and equitable economic development opportunities.

10.24.24 - Dr. Bill Pink - President, Ferris State University
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Bill Pink

Speaker Topic: Ferris State University – Now and the Future

BIO:

Dr. Bill Pink strongly believes in the power of education and is passionate about providing opportunities for students and furthering Ferris State University’s commitment to ensuring the success of all students.
Dr. Pink in July 2022 became Ferris State’s 19th president and is the first African American person to lead the university since it was founded in 1884.
Prior to guiding Ferris State University, Dr. Pink served as president of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. and was vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Campus in Oklahoma.
Dr. Pink is involved in governance and policy development at regional and national levels, sharing expertise and gaining experience to share at Ferris State.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to be a leader on the Growing Michigan Together Council to help grow the state’s population and serves on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation executive committee, working to grow the state’s industry and workforce.
He is a member of the Higher Learning Commission board of trustees. He also serves on the American Council on Education board of directors, working with leaders from across the nation to shape public policy and to help more students gain a quality education.
In West Michigan, he serves on the boards of Corewell Health West Michigan, is board chair for the Heart of West Michigan United Way and board vice-chair for The Right Place.
Dr. Pink was named Newsmaker of the Year in Education by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2019 and was selected for the MCAN Lighthouse Award for expanding access to students of all ages across Michigan.
He is a sought-after speaker for events across the country with presentations focused on diversity, leadership, career and workforce development, and faith.
President Pink earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, a Master of Education in Physical Education and Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Professional Education from Oklahoma Christian University.

10.30.24 - Women in Rotary - Fall Event
2024-10-30 08:30 - 10:00 UTC | Deksia, 49 Coldbrook St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

10.31.24 - Milinda Ysasi - Second Ward Commissioner, City of Grand Rapids
2024-10-31 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Milinda Ysasi
Speaker Topic: Grow Grand Rapids: Why Filling Financial Gapis is Vital
Bio:
Milinda Ysasi was born in Grand Rapids and grew up on the Southeast side of the city. She attended Catholic Central and Grand Valley State University. She has been married to her husband, Rafael Castanon for over ten years. They live in Creston.
Milinda Ysasi leads The SOURCE, an organization focused on reducing employment barriers and creating opportunities for mobility for employees that work for their partner organizations. The SOURCE began as an idea by local CEO’s who wanted to retain talent in their companies and understood that talent is a differentiator for success.
Prior to The SOURCE, Milinda worked in human resources at Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller and Spectrum Health. She received her executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2019. In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward of the Grand Rapids.
Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. She was a 2018 Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Job Quality Fellow. Milinda serves on the Chemical Bank West Michigan community board and the West Michigan Works! legislative committee.
Milinda has been recognized for her commitment and leadership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, GR Business Journal 40 under forty, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder and Exemplary Executive awards, GR Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and as one of 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.

11.4.24 - Community Food Club - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-11-04 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Community Food Club, 1100 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Date: Monday, November 4th
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Location: 1100 South Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Volunteers: 6 needed
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-52470884-community
Details: We will pack fruits and veggies and stock the shelves. Light refreshments and drinks will be provided. (Some beer and wine and NA options)
Contact: Jon Roberts & Andrea Nucci

11.7.24 - CLUB 77 - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
2024-11-07 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Warner Norcross + Judd LLC, 150 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids!
Appetizers & adult beverages will be served.
You are encouraged to invite guests to attend!
Parking Instructions:
Parking is available in the Warner Building lot for a fee or street parking is available.
The entrance to the parking lot is located on Ionia Ave (between Pearl St NW and Lyon St NE)
Once you enter the building attendees can take the elevator to floor 15R after parking

11.12.24 - Dégagé Ministries Dinner Service - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-11-12 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Detroit) | Degage Ministries, 139 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Date: Tuesday, November 12

Time: 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Location: 144 Division Ave S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Volunteers: 6 needed
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-52471652-dgag
Details: Serving dinner to Degage Guests! It is a wonderful time of service, teamwork, fellowship, and conversation

11.14.24 - Tarah Carnahan - Executive Director & Co-Founder, Treetops Collective
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Tarah Carnahan – Executive Director & Co-Founder, Treetops Collective
Speaker Topic: Treetops Collective and its mission to respond to refugees displaced by war, famine, or persecution
Bio:
Tarah received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Business from Lee University in 2008. Upon graduation, she settled in Asuncion, Paraguay where she started a small social enterprise with 17 women living and working in the city garbage dump. After moving to Grand Rapids, Tarah worked in several non-profits developing community programs and building marketing and fundraising campaigns. She also entered the stationery and gifts industry, creating products and doing sales and marketing. To fuse her two loves of community work and conscious brand production, she went on to complete a master’s in Sustainable Business from Aquinas College. In her personal life, Tarah has befriended local refugee families, walking alongside them through the resettlement process and connecting them with people and opportunities in Grand Rapids.

11.19.24 - Rotary Golf Affinity Group - Mini Golf Event
2024-11-19 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Big Mini Putt Club, 70 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Date: Tuesday, November 19

Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Big Mini Putt Club – 70 Ionia Ave SW Grand Rapids, Mi 49503
SIGN UP: No RSVP’s for this event

11.21.24 - J.C. Huizenga - Owner, Huizenga Group
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: J.C Huizenga – Owner, Huizenga Group
Bio:
J.C.’s entrepreneurial penchant appears to run in the family. His grandfather emigrated from the Netherlands in 1893. By 1971, the family had created the world’s largest trash collection and disposal company, Waste Management, Inc.
After studying economics at Hope college and earning his MBA at Michigan State University, J.C. continued to grow his manufacturing enterprises which range from commercial electrical contracting to supplying automobile instrumentation components.
Translating his desire to reform education into action, in 1995 J.C. founded National Heritage Academies (NHA) which achieved four consecutive years on Inc. magazine’s list of the “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.”
J.C. gives generously of his time and resources to a wide variety of organizations within West Michigan and around the world.

11.27.24 - Feeding America West Michigan - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-11-27 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Feeding America West Michigan, 3070 Shaffer Ave SE, Kentwood, Michigan, 49512
Date: Wednesday, November 27

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: 864 West River Center Drive NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Volunteers: 20 needed
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-51881402-feeding

Details: The CE Committee is partnering with our STRIVE students and mentors for their volunteer days with Feeding America West Michigan and Kids Food Basket. Both of these venues can handle more volunteers than just our STRIVE students and mentors.

11.28.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Thanksgiving Holiday Observance
2024-11-28 | MI
There will be no luncheon on Thursday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.

12.3.24 - Prep for Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-12-03 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Various
The Community Engagement Committee is excited to present our annual Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon which impacts over 160+ seniors in our community!
Please note there are 2 separate locations (Aquinas & The Storehouse) for volunteer activities taking place at the same time, see below to sign up:
Date: Tuesday, December 3

Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location #1: Aquinas College – Donnelly Center – Room Set Up and Writing Christmas Cards

Volunteers: 15 Needed

SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-52055726-senior
Address: Aquinas College – Donnely Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Location #2: The Storehouse – Packing Gift Bags
Volunteers: 20 needed
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-52055887-senior
Address: The Storehouse – 4411 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

12.4.24 - Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-12-04 10:00 - 14:30 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
The Community Engagement Committee is excited to present our annual Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon which serves meals impact over 160+ seniors in our community!
Date: Wednesday, December 4

Time: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Aquinas College, Donnelly Conference Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Volunteers: 30 needed
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-52055983-senior

Details: Various tasks including: Registration, Greeters, Meal Prep, Serving Meals, Clean Up

12.5.24 - CLUB 77 - Brookby House at Aquinas College
2024-12-05 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | TBD
UPDATE: This event has been postponed to a later date due to inclement weather conditions.
Join us for our December Club 77 at the Brookby House on the campus of Aquinas College!
ADDRESS:
250 Plymouth Rd SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
TIME:
4:30 – 6:00 PM

12.12.24 - Grace Gavin - Co-Founder, Know Honesty
2024-12-12 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Grace Gavin – Co-Founder, Know Honesty
Speaker Topic: Solving Every Team’s # 1 Problem: Communication
Bio:
Grace is an open and honest expert, helping leaders simplify their communication and eliminate the divides that exist within organizations. As co-founder of Know Honesty, she guides people towards becoming masterful communicators day in and day out. Having experienced the transformative power of openness and honesty, Grace is on a mission to help others create that same freedom in their own lives.
Grace brings her heartfelt approach to every event, workshop, and interaction. She believes deeply that every human being brings a unique perspective to the world and that we all deserve to be heard and respected.

12.19.24 - Annual Holiday Luncheon Celebration
2024-12-19 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual fun-filled Holiday Luncheon Celebration on December 19th!
The Rotary Band “Twice December” and other entertainment will promise to make this luncheon a blast!

12.26.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Christmas Holiday Observation
2024-12-26 | MI
There will be no luncheon on December 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday.

1.2.24 - NO LUNCHEON - New Year's Holiday Observation
2025-01-02 | MI
Happy New Year!
There will be no luncheon on January 2nd in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

1.9.25 - Club 77 - President's Post-Holiday Open House
2025-01-09 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | TBD
Join us for the annual President’s Open House hosted by President Eunice Lopez-Martin at the home of Rotarian Paula Jastifer!
Address available on upcoming Weekly Updates!

1.16.25 - Club Update - President & Committee Chairs
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Join us for our annual Club Update meeting. President Eunice Lopez-Martin will present club updates and committee co-chairs will give updates and information on engaging as a Rotarian!

1.18.25 - STRIVE & Kids Food Basket - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-01-18 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Kids Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
STRIVE and our Community Engagement Committee are teaming up for a volunteer event at Kids Food Basket!
Date: Saturday, January 18th
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Kids Food Basket – 1300 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Sign-Up Here: https://vhub.at/GRPSSTRIVE
Volunteers Needed: 27

1.23.24 - Caitlin Whitington - Executive Director, ArtPrize
2025-01-23 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
SPEAKER: Caitlin Whitington – Executive Director, ArtPrize
SPEAKER TOPIC: Vision for ArtPrize in 2025 and Beyond
BIO:
Austin, Texas, transplant Catlin Whitington moved with his family to Grand Rapids to be at the helm of ArtPrize, the world’s most attended public art event
Catlin Whitington is no stranger to the arts or bringing large-scale events to life. The Austin, Texas, native worked as a planner for the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference for nearly a decade before serving as vice president of campus operations at the city’s Long Center for the Performing Arts.
Building on his passion for increasing access to the arts, Catlin was wooed by Grand Rapids in 2023, where the high quality of life is intrinsically linked to the community’s identity. As the executive director of ArtPrize, Catlin is bringing his experience and expertise to the 15-year-old marquee event – and leading its evolution into ArtPrize 2.0.
On his Texas experiences
I was born in Austin, Texas. I also grew up overseas in Thailand for several years, and then lived in New Mexico and southern Colorado for a little while. But I kept coming back to Austin; I really loved the culture and the scene there. I’m an artist, a musician, and a creative. Moving back to Austin in the late 90s, it was a really happening scene for artists and musicians. I studied commercial music management and music and music production at the community college, and then studied urban planning at the University of Texas. I was specifically looking at how events and municipalities work together, and the economic impact of events and how tourism and tourism marketing drive economic development.
I started working with SXSW after I graduated and worked in the planning department, working with community venues, the city and a lot of the stakeholders.
But I had two young kids, and it was taking a lot out of me every year producing that event. I went to work for the Long Center for Performing Arts in October 2019 as VP of operations. It was the home of the ballet, symphony, and opera in Austin, but we also hosted a lot of community events. Then we ran into the pandemic, and I spent the next three years trying to keep the venue functional.

1.25.25 - Village Water Filters - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Village Water Filters, 4064 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, 49548, United States
The Community Engagement Committee is excited to announce a volunteer event assembling water filters!
Date: Saturday, January 25th
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 PM
Location: Village Water Filters – 4064 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Sign-Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-54206147-village
Volunteers Needed: 12

1.28.25 - Ski Affinity Group Event
2025-01-28 16:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Cannonsburg, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Belmont, MI, MI, 49306, United States
Join the brand new Ski Affinity Group for their first event at Cannonsburg Ski Area! For those who do not want to ski, tubing will also be available.
DATE: Tuesday, January 28th
TIME: 4:00 PM to Close
COST: $35
LOCATION:
Cannonsberg Ski Area
6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE
Belmont, MI 49306
CONTACT: Matt Hogg for more information and RSVP

1.30.25 - Charles Elwood - Microsoft AI MVP & Founder of SolisMatica LLC
2025-01-30 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
SPEAKER: Charles Elwood – Microsoft AI MVP & Founder of SolisMatica LLC
SPEAKER TOPIC: Advancing Michigan with AI and Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
BIO:
Charles Elwood, a Microsoft AI MVP, has a story that’s anything but artificial.
With roots in South Dakota to his tech-savvy life in Michigan, Charles’s journey is a blend of innovation, cutting-edge technology and a passion for AI. From aspiring Power BI MVP to influential AI leader, Charles showcases the transformative power of technology and the importance of adaptability. As founder of SolisMatica, specializing in advanced AI solutions that allow clients to securely interact with their own data through intuitive chat interfaces, Charles’s contributions are directly aligned to the vision of making Michigan a nexus for technological advancement and a prime destination for global AI-driven education.
Now, he’s revolutionizing education and envisioning how AI is helping to create a more inclusive society.
What exactly is a Microsoft AI MVP and how did you become one?
A Microsoft AI MVP (Most Valuable Professional) is a recognition given to exceptional, independent community leaders who share their passion, technical expertise, and real-world knowledge of Microsoft products with others. About three years ago, I was deeply involved with Power BI (Business Intelligence) and wanted to be a Power BI MVP. During this hackathon I was participating in, I developed a project using AI to monitor rooms of people and read their body language. This innovative approach led my team at Microsoft to nominate me for the AI MVP award instead. Initially, I didn’t realize its significance, but as AI continues to grow in importance across various industries, this recognition now means a lot more to me.

2.5.25 - Ronald Mcdonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-02-05 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to prep meals at Ronald McDonald House!
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-54335268-ronald
Date: Wednesday, February 5th @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: 1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

5 volunteers needed

2.6.25 - Club 77
2025-02-06 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | SilverBirch, 1400 Leonard Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Join us for our February Club 77 hosted by Neil & Rebecca Marchand at SilverBirch!
