Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

6.18.20 - Paul Doyle
2020-06-18 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Paul T. Doyle, Founder & CEO, applies over 30 years of management experience to help organizations enhance their performance through inclusive work and service environments. By understanding how to embrace the cultures, values and behaviors of a diverse workforce, Paul helps organizations maintain the competitive edge needed for success in today’s rapidly changing global economic market. A key to his success is creating platforms of trust through intentional relationship building-allowing diversity of thought to be achieved and valued. Thus, fostering inclusive growth and innovation.
Paul holds a degree from the College of Education & Human Services at Ferris State University, from which he also received the Distinguished Alumni Award. He has completed the Executive Leadership Institute at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) through the National Diversity Council and also a certified administrator of the Intercultural Developmental Inventory (IDI). Paul is a recipient of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation Leadership & Philanthropy Award, Grand Rapids “GIANTS” Leadership Award for Community Health and the Legacy Award for Legislative Leadership. He teaches as Adjunct Faculty at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. Paul also serves on several boards and committees to improve the quality of life for all individuals within his community through inclusion. Learn more about Paul’s passion for this industry here: https://vimeo.com/105971242

6.11.20 - Tasha Blackmon
2020-06-11 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Mich., Tasha Blackmon is a dynamic, collaborative leader, mentor and coach who brings more than 20 years of business operations experience to her role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Cherry Health provides integrated health care services to 70,000 patients in Barry, Eaton, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ottawa and Wayne counties.
During her 15 years with Cherry Health, Blackmon has championed health justice through aggressively disrupting healthcare disparities. Her experience comes from an operational perspective, having established high standards of care and developed integrated healthcare systems that treat an individual’s health needs holistically, rather than symptomatically. She has led numerous large-scale expansion and development projects, and held six positions within Cherry Health before becoming CEO in 2018. As an accomplished and mission-minded leader, it is imperative to Tasha that our community is healthier, one patient at a time.
An eloquent and inspiring speaker, Tasha has a way of being heard on behalf of those who do not have voices, and for those whose voices have been silenced because of the barriers that they face in life. She is passionate and personally driven to ensure that all patients served in her home community, and surrounding areas, receive the highest quality of care.

6.4.20 - Club 77 via ZOOM
2020-06-04 16:00 - 17:30
A time for networking and socializing while getting to know more about Rotary and our Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Members.
Feel free to invite your spouse, significant other, guests, co-workers and prospective members for a fun evening, enjoying food, beverages and friendship!
Stay tuned for additional details!

5.28.20 - ZOOM - Service Above Selfie Contest Winners
2020-05-28 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Our Service Above Selfie Contest Committee will be presenting an update on this year’s contest and will be naming the winners of this years contest via ZOOM (ZOOM info is below:)
The top three finalists will also be presenting on their organizations and what these awards will mean to them.
The finalists are (in alpha order):
AMA Forever
The mission of Ama International is to help families break cycles of poverty through love. Ama International helps underserved communities create bridges of opportunity, growth, and development with a goal of building literacy and breaking generational cycles of poverty. Ama works through prevention, provision, education, and action undergirded by a foundation of love without borders: ama sin fronteras. We believe that all humans, regardless of social or economic status, should have access to a good education and equitable opportunities. Our programs are based in our Grand Rapids Sister City, Zapopan, Mexico, as well as community projects in the Greater Grand Rapids area to serve our most vulnerable in the community, including a collaborative food access effort that can be found at helpkent.org. Find out more at amawithoutborders.org or on our Facebook page here.

Beer City Dog Biscuits
A non-profit company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to crafting delicious and nutritious dog treats. Beyond our product, our core mission is to empower the disabled through the creation of our dog biscuits. Each treat is hand-made and packaged with care by our Brew Bakers, a team of disabled adults who are the core of our company’s culture and business process. At BCDB, we strive to help each Brew Baker develop valuable skills throughout every step of the biscuit baking process, from mixing dough to packaging biscuits. With the support of the BCDB community of friends, family, and treat lovers, 100% of donations and sales are re-invested into our mission to support disabled adults in their personal and professional growth.

Billy Bear Hug – The William B. Wondergem Foundation For Children

Since 2011, the Billy Bear Hug Foundation (BBH) has provided the cure of comfort to children with critical illnesses in West Michigan. Through our soft & cuddly teddy bears (“Billy Bears”), care packages (“Cub Kits”), and a handful of events throughout the year, our goal is to ensure childhood illness is a journey no child or family ever endures alone.
BBH was founded by close family and friends of Billy Wondergem. Following his passion for serving others and helping children, BBH hopes to continue Billy’s positive impact on the local and medical communities for decades to come.
We partner with organizations like the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Bronson Children’s Hospital, Metro Health Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Healing Center, and Hospice of Michigan, providing our signature Billy Bears and Cub Kits to children with critical illnesses. In keeping true with the idea of bridging Billy’s passions for helping children and serving others, we also partner with local hockey teams, schools and other organizations.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98338629106?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 983 3862 9106
Password: to be provided in an email
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (New York)
+13017158592,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbJQYuawqu

5.21.20 - ZOOM - Convos on the Couch
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
We have decided to hold a ZOOM meeting instead of taking the day off for the !
This will be a more relaxed, informal meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98338629106?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 983 3862 9106
Password: to be provided in an email
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (New York)
+13017158592,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbJQYuawqu

5.14.20 - ZOOM featuring Milinda Ysasi
2020-05-14 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
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.

5.7.20 - ZOOM featuring Stephanie Adams
2020-05-07 12:00 - 13:15
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our regular weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM meetings.
This week’s speaker will be Stephanie Adams, Executive Director, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.
Stephanie Adams is the executive director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and lover of nature. She and her team are focused on empowering people to cultivate vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees in the Grand Rapids community. She has a long standing career in the nonprofit sector that include past positions in marketing and communications at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University and The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Grand Rapids, MI. She was also the associate director for West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT), marketing director for Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids and senior corporate sales executive for the Grand Rapids Griffins AHL Hockey Team. Areas of expertise include fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and project management. With over 15+ years experience in nonprofit leadership and communications she is most passionate when working with a team to be catalysts in engaging community members and leaders to come together around a common mission and goal.
Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.30.20 - ZOOM featuring Dr. Adam London
2020-04-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our regular weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM meetings.
This week’s speaker will be Dr. Adam London, Administrative Health Officer, Kent County.
Also featured will be the following:

Ashley Nicole Staten, who received a grant from our Charities Foundation, will be sharing her experience in South Korea as a study abroad student at Pusen National University

Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.23.20 - ZOOM featuring Dr. Diana Lawson
2020-04-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our regular weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM meetings.
This week’s speaker will be Diana R. Lawson, PhD., Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University.
Diana R. Lawson, Ph.D., dean of the Seidman College of Business, brings extensive experience leading business programs and a wealth of international practice to Grand Valley State University.
Lawson most recently served as dean of the Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, and was previously interim dean at the University of Maine’s College of Business, Public Policy, and health. Respected nationally and internationally, Lawson has held positions as an invited and visiting professor and scholar at universities in France, Moldova, and Turkey as well as at Harvard University.
She is widely published on topics ranging from the value of a liberal arts education to masculinity and femininity in business negotiations and designing an international business curriculum. Lawson’s research has been included in publications like the Journal of Financial Services Marketing, Marketing Education Review, International Business Review, Journal of Euromarketing, and Journal of Teaching in International Business. She is also author of a textbook, Communicating in Global Business Negotiations: A Geocentric Approach.
Lawson earned her Ph.D. from Kent State University in 1993, an M.B.A. and Master’s degree from Kent State, and a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York College at Cortland.
Also featured will be the following:

Jacob Starner, was our 2019-2020 Rotary Youth Exchange Student to South Korea. He will be sharing his story, how it has impacted him and being brought home early because COVID-19.
Ashley Nicole Staten, who received a grant from our Charities Foundation, will be sharing her experience in South Korea as a study abroad student at Pusen National University

Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.21.20 - The Service Above Self Award Dinner to be rescheduled
2020-04-21 18:00 - 20:30 | The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
We are sorry to announce that due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus and in compliance with our state and federal directives, we will be rescheduling our 2020 Service Above Self Award Dinner. Please watch our website and emails for further information.
The Service Above Self Award Dinner has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2021, where we will be honoring Marge Wilson.

The 2020 Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Service Above Self Award Dinner will be Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at the Culture Center at St. Nicholas, where the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award will be presented.
Each year the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids honors someone from our community who has made a difference by exemplifying the philanthropic legacy of Fredrik Meijer and the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”.
We are pleased to announce that Marge Wilson is this year’s Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winner.
Marge Wilson, the owner of Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, is an entrepreneur, community advocate and mentor. She is well-known for her sensitive and compassionate nature for those less fortunate. Marge Wilson’s mission is to put others first and make people happy. As her business grew, she expanded her shop to accommodate private gatherings, and space for local groups, organizations and clubs to meet. She has always been a hands-on giver to the community in addition to her philanthropic efforts.
Marge attended Davenport College and subsequently went on to work at in the Banking industry in California, Chicago and Grand Rapids for the next 20 years. She established her company, Marge’s Donut Den in 1975 and was the first woman chosen to be on the national board of the Retail Bakers Association. She served for many years as the Michigan Regional Director. Throughout the years she has collected an impressive number of awards, certificates and recognitions for her community service work and business expertise. These tokens of recognition span an entire wall in the back of Marge’s Donut Den reflect her love for the Grand Rapids community.
Some of Marge’s notable achievements are the establishment of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, a project designed to foster the responsible development of clean water sources for villages in southeastern Nigeria by building and maintaining new water wells. She received the Inaugural Marge Wilson Community Service Leadership award from AMBUCS, and Distinguished Service Award from the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce for her service to others and the community. Marge has always been immersed in multiple community efforts with cultural, arts, and charity organizations.
Previous Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winners were Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, Shelley Irwin, Rick DeVos, Luis Tomatis, MD, along with John and Nancy Kennedy. Their efforts to better our community are remarkable and will have a lasting impact. By honoring people such as these in a public way, we hope to inspire others to consider how they can extend themselves in the service of others and the community at large.

If you would like to support and recognize the efforts of Dr. Jackie Taylor and the previous honorees, please become a sponsor. Simply click on the following: 2020 Service Above Self Award Dinner Sponsorship Form
If you would like to attend the 2019 Service Above Self Dinner honoring Marge Wilson as the 2020 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winner, you can purchase by clicking here: Tickets
A special Thank You to our generous Event Sponsor!

4.16.20 - "Convos on the Couch" - featuring Raki Pai, M.D.
2020-04-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our weekly luncheons through April 30th.
This week’s “Convos on the Couch” ZOOM meeting will be featuring Raki Pai, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President, Medical Group President, Chief Population Health Officer, Metro-Health – University of Michigan Health. Dr. Pai will give an update on the COVID-19 outbreak and the future of health care including digital health. He will also take questions submitted through the chat function.
Dr. Pai is a physician executive and innovator in payor contracting, value-based care and medical group governance. Experienced perspectives on medicine, from the physician side as well as payor side. An accomplished cardiologist familiar with patient care in cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular medicine; also has served in senior leadership, including at the largest nonprofit health plan in the Pacific Northwest. Through leadership of multidisciplinary cross-functional teams, has developed pilot programs and initiatives to improve affordability and quality. Supports innovative approaches to develop improved patient outcomes and population health management. A fellow with the American College of Cardiology (FACC); served on the Board of Trustees for the Oregon Medical Association; recipient of John F. Koster MD Physician Leadership Award, Providence Health & Services.
Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.9.20 - "Convos on the Couch" - a ZOOM meeeting
2020-04-09 08:00 - 17:30 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have cancelled our weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM.
Our Club members will be sent a link to our ZOOM meeting. Please watch for the weekly update for information.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.2.20 - Convos on the Couch - 12:00pm
2020-04-02 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” via ZOOM.
Please join us at 12:00pm!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/552591671 Meeting ID: 552 591 671
If you don’t have ZOOM yet, please download it to your computer or mobile phone
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

3.26.20 - Rotary Luncheons and Events Canceled through April 10th
2020-03-26 08:00 - 17:30 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

March 26th – Lunch meeting
March 28th – Volunteer event with 20 Liters
April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

3.19.20 - Rotary Luncheons and Events Canceled through April 10th
2020-03-19 08:30 - 17:30 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

March 18th – Volunteer event at Sibley Elementary
March 19th – Lunch meeting
March 26th – Lunch meeting
March 28th – Volunteer event with 20 Liters
April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

3.13.20 - Rotary Luncheons and Events Canceled through April 10th
2020-03-13 08:30 - 17:30 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

March 18th – Volunteer event at Sibley Elementary
March 19th – Lunch meeting
March 26th – Lunch meeting
March 28th – Volunteer event with 20 Liters
April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Spring Break – no Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

3.12.20 - Matthew Scogin
2020-03-12 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
President Matthew A. Scogin is the 14th president of Hope College. He was elected by the Board of Trustees on December 7, 2018, and assumed office on July 1, 2019.
Previously, Scogin served as chief administrative officer at the global financial advisory firm of Perella Weinberg Partners in New York City, where he oversaw operations, strategy, corporate services, human resources, and communications at the firm, which has eleven offices around the world.
He also worked at the New York Stock Exchange, Wachovia Bank, and held several senior roles in government, including at the Department of Treasury. He also worked for the governor of Massachusetts, a Michigan state representative, and held an internship at the White House.
President Scogin majored in political science and economics at Hope, and has a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Following graduate school, he spent time in Germany as a fellow with the Robert Bosch Foundation studying unemployment and labor market policy. He has published several articles on issues related to public policy and finance.
Scogin received the U.S. Treasury Department Exceptional Service Award, was named a David Rockefeller Fellow, and in 2014 was recognized by Hope College with a Young Alumni Award.
Matthew and his spouse, Sarah, met while undergrads at Hope College. They have three children, Sophie, Lucy, and Oliver, and an adorable puppy named Albie.

3.5.20 - Club 77 @ Opera Grand Rapids - RSVP by Feb. 28th
2020-03-05 16:00 - 17:30 | The Betty Van Andel Opera Center, 1320 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, 49503
A time for networking and socializing while getting to know more about Rotary and our Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Members.
Feel free to invite your spouse, significant other, guests, co-workers and prospective members for a fun evening, enjoying food, beverages and friendship!

2.27.20 - Gerald Piro - RSVP Required
2020-02-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Covenant House Michigan, 50 Antoine St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
**This event requires an RSVP to attend. Rotary Club of Grand Rapids members will be given first option and guests will be placed on a waiting list.**
Gerry cares deeply about the homeless youth population as he has devoted his entire professional career to a ministry of service and advocacy for those who are in need with little or no resources available to them.
As the Executive Director for Covenant House Michigan, he leads local efforts of the largest homeless youth organization in North and Latin America, overseeing operations at campuses in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Prior to joining the staff of CHM in 2014, Gerry spent 24 years with Boys Hope Girls Hope, providing academically motivated youth in need with wrap around residential services and placement in a private college-prep environment. He advanced through several roles of progressive responsibility at Boys Hope Girls Hope to the position of Executive Vice President overseeing the executive staff of all 30 homes in 15 locations throughout the United States.
Gerry is an ethical visionary with a strong financial acumen having earned CHM the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the past five years. This award recognizes CHM’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Under his guidance, CHM undertook a $4 million capital campaign to build a second campus in Grand Rapids with a 28-bed shelter. In his tenure, he has also strengthened CHM’s programming and raised vital awareness about youth homelessness in Michigan.
In 2017, Wayne State University awarded CHM the Dr. Arthur L. Johnson Community Leadership Award for their partnership with students enrolled at WSU’s Co-Curricular Programs at the School of Medicine, a partnership Gerry was determined to continue.
Originally from New York City, Gerry has resided in the Detroit area for over two decades. He holds advanced degrees in both Rehabilitation Counseling and Theological Studies in addition to a CAC certificate for substance abuse.

2.20.20 - SASy
2020-02-20 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Please join the Community Engagement Committee

2.13.20 - Marge Palmerlee - Please RSVP by 2.10.20
2020-02-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Degage Ministries, 139 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
**This event will require an RSVP to attend and limited to 90 Rotarians and guests. Rotary Club of Grand Rapids members will be given first option to attend. Guests will be placed on a waiting list.**
Marge Palmerlee is a well-known and respected leader, having dedicated her life and career to serving our community’s most vulnerable men and women. Since starting as Executive Director at Dégagé Ministries twenty-two years ago, Marge has brought the organization to unprecedented levels. Every aspect of the organization has grown under her leadership—the staff, budget, and programs expanding in size four-fold. The organization now serves over 5,500 individuals annually. Throughout her career, she has been active on countless community committees and boards. Most notably, she served on the Homeless Action Council in Lansing, representing the Grand Rapids community and bringing needed dollars to our area to provide services to those experiencing homelessness. She is active in the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness and the Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project.

2.6.20 - Club 77 @ Emmanuel Hospice - RSVP by 2.3.20
2020-02-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St SW Suite 263, Grand Rapids, 49503

1.30.20 - Steve Heacock
2020-01-30 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Steve Heacock is a business and community leader whose career has included executive management, legal and accounting practice, community building, civic engagement and public service.
He is President/CEO of Grand Rapids Whitewater, which is restoring the namesake rapids to the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids.
Steve has played a key role in many of the developme nts that have led to the economic revitalization of downtown Grand Rapids.

As a member of the Executive Committee and counsel for Grand Action, Steve was involved in the planning and construction of Van Andel Arena, a venue that has attracted more than $150 million of commercial and retail investment and has become one of the highest grossing arenas in the world for its size.
As chairman of the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention and Arena Authority, Steve led the $220 million expansion of the downtown convention center and the creation of DeVos Place, a community nucleus for everything from high school proms to the International Wine, Beer and Food Festival.
As chairman of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, Steve led the creation and development of Millennium Park, a 1,500 acre urban park that was created out of wasteland.As chief administration officer of Van Andel Institute, a Grand Rapids-based biomedical research organization, Steve oversaw the planning and construction of Phase II, a $178 million, 240,000 square-foot, LEED Platinum-certified expansion.
As the facilitator of a West Michigan stakeholder committee, Steve created the framework for the development and relocation of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine to downtown Grand Rapids.

Before taking on the whitewater project, Steve was Senior Vice President of Public Affairs/Research at Spectrum Health and President, Spectrum Health Innovations. Prior to joining Spectrum Health in 2011, Steve was CAO of the Van Andel Institute, VP development and general counsel for Priority Health in Grand Rapids, a partner at Warner Norcross & Judd and a CPA with Price Waterhouse in Detroit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and Juris Doctor from University of Michigan Law School.
Steve chairs the boards of the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority | Van Andel Arena and Legacy Trust and serves on the board of directors for United Bank of Michigan. He recently completed six years of service on the board of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority.

1.23.20 - Leslie Hooker & Suzanne Wilcox
2020-01-23 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Leslie Hooker – Co-Founder of HW Living Venture/Beer City Dog Biscuits
Leslie has been an advocate for her son and the disabled community in Grand Rapids, MI for over 25 years. Leslie has been involved with Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired for 20 years. She also did fundraising and planning for a special needs playground in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. She has been involved in many fundraising campaigns and committees at East Grand Rapids Public Schools and Central Reformed church. This commitment to education and the disabled led them to create this company to provide training and employment opportunities for the disabled community.
Suzanne Wilcox – Co-Founder of HW Living Venture/Beer City Dog Biscuits
Suzanne for 18 years has owned an educational consulting business that advocates for families and children with disabilities. Suzanne has started other nonprofits relating to children with disabilities in Ohio. Suzanne was on the International Dyslexia Association in Columbus, OH for five years. Leslie has been an advocate for her son and the disabled community in Grand Rapids, MI for over 25 years.

1.16.20 - Mel Disselkoen
2020-01-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Mel Disselkoen was born on a farm in a Dutch settlement in South Dakota.
He grew up with an independent farming mentality of hard work and creative problem solving.
A Master Beekeeper, he has kept bees for over 40 years and is familiar with all facets of beekeeping.
Today Mel enjoys observing honeybee behavior and teaching beekeepers how to use his OTS queen rearing method to selfsufficiently reach their objectives.
A creationist and naturalist, Mel sees the honeybee as an exquisitely-designed being that unites the plant and animal kingdoms and therefore he is devoted to its well-being and protection.

1.9.20 - Club 77 - President's Post Holiday Social
2020-01-09 17:00 - 20:30 | Locked Up, 3323 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI, 49512
The President’s Post Holiday Social will be held at
Locked Up – Escape Room Experience
3323 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
5:00 – 8:30PM
This event is open to our Rotary Members and one invited guest.
Rotary Members, please have your reservations in by Thursday, January 2nd.
Please see the flyer below for more details.

1.2.20 - No Luncheon - New Year's Celebration
2020-01-02 12:00
Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

12.26.19 - No Luncheon - Celebrate the Holidays
2019-12-26 12:00 - 13:15

12.19.19 - Holiday Luncheon
2019-12-19 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A luncheon to just set back, relax and enjoy the holiday music & special entertainment provided by our very own Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Band, featuring Kevin Paul, Tom Bylenga, Ken Estelle and a special guest member Inge Whittemore.

Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon
2019-12-17 09:30 - 14:00 | Kuyper College, 3333 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
We would like to ask you to get involved with this fun and very rewarding event.
For over 30 years, Rotarians have partnered with Senior Neighbors and been serving a holiday lunch to 200 at-risk Seniors from all around West Michigan. They are provided with a plated lunch sponsored by Lake Michigan Credit Union and served by our Rotarians. They are given gift cards donated by Meijer and gift bags and items donated by S. Abraham and Sons, Pilgrim Manor and Alan Abraham.
They are also entered into a drawing for gifts and gift cards donated by our Rotarians. It would be great to have each senior “win” a gift from the drawing (some ideas for these drawing gifts are: gift certificates to places like Meijer and favorite restaurants. Other new items to consider that seniors can use: Hats, scarves, gloves, weighted or heated blankets or throws, small uncomplicated radios.
Bob Barnes, Senior Neighbors Inc. President and also a member of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids said “We are honored to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and greatly appreciate all that the Rotarians do each year to serve area at-risk seniors. This is a wonderful gift to older adults that often don’t have the opportunity to celebrate the holidays in this sort of setting.”
We are looking for volunteers for the day of the event, Tuesday, December 17th, from 9:30am to 2:00pm at Kuyper College. You may volunteer for the entire day or for one of the shifts listed below:

9:30am-10:30am – Fill gift bags (provided by Alan Abraham and SAS and Pilgrim Manor)10:30am-11:30am – Sign Holiday cards and insert gift cards10:30am-11:30am – Set-up Dining Hall11:30am-12:30pm – Assist with room set-up, seating Seniors and serving the Seniors lunch
12:30pm-2:00pm – Serving the Seniors, hand out gift bags and clean-up of the dining room

Volunteer for Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon
As mentioned above, we are also looking for the donations of gifts for the Gift Giveaway portion of our luncheon. You may bring your gift to our our Rotary luncheons on Nov. 21st, Club 77 on Dec. 5th and our luncheon on Dec. 12th . You may also drop your gift off to the Rotary office at 1345 Monroe Ave, NW, Suite 307.
Thank you in advance for your support of this event.
A special thank to our sponsors and host, without them this event would not take place.

Please contact the Rotary office at 616-459-5640 or rotary@grrotary.org should you have any questions.
