Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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!

2.13.25 - Tynae Richardson - DEI & Engagement, Acrisure
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
SPEAKER: Tynae Richardson – DEI & Engagement, Acrisure
SPEAKER TOPIC: Inclusion and Belonging on Purpose
BIO:
Passionate and Experienced Human Resource Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the large corporate and non-profit industry. Strategic Partner with Executive Directors, Managers, & employees to build strong companies. Skilled in Organizational Development, Management, Employee Relations, Directing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Strategic Mapping, Project Management, Employment Law, Learning & Development, Leadership, Human Resource Information System, and Microsoft Office. Strong human resources professional with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Political Science and Government from Michigan State University.

2.19.25 - Women In Rotary - Wine, Women, and Watercolors
2025-02-19 17:30 - 20:00 | LaFleur Marketing, 549 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, 49505, United States
Join Women In Rotary for a Valentine’s Event with Wine, Women, and Watercolors featuring local artist Shelby Kregel. Shelby will instruct us in a floral watercolor painting!
Date: Wednesday, February 19th
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: LaFleur Marketing – 549 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 201 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cost: $60.00, includes appetizers and painting materials. Submit payment by 2/1 to Paula Jastifer via Cash or Venmo (Paula’s Venmo: @PJAST81)
Bring: Your favorite beverage

2.20.25 - Service Above Self Community Engagement Luncheon
2025-02-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual Service Above Self Community Engagement Luncheon!
Rotarians and guests will get creative and work on projects during the luncheon to support local non-profits Meals On Wheels & Emmanuel Hospice.

2.27.25 - LaSandra Gaddy - President & CEO, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
2025-02-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: LaSandra Gaddy – President & CEO, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Speaker Topic: Centering Community Voice
Bio:
As president and CEO, LaSandra guides the Community Foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees in their fundraising, grantmaking and community leadership efforts. A passionate servant leader, she is focused on expanding the scope and impact of the Community Foundation in its second century.
With decades of nonprofit and corporate leadership experience in West Michigan, LaSandra has extensive expertise in team development, strategic planning, forming collaborative partnerships and fundraising. She previously served as CEO of Women’s Resource Center and in various executive leadership roles in the nonprofit sector focused on building long-term, sustainable change, forming collaborative partnerships and fund mobilization. Prior to her nonprofit work, LaSandra spent 15 years in banking, including serving as a vice president in retail, business banking and wealth management. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornerstone University and an Executive MBA from Grand Valley State University.
LaSandra enjoys spending time with family, a good podcast and/book on audible, working out or enjoying a sporting event.

3.6.25 - Club 77
2025-03-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Our Daily Bread, 3000 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event filled with great conversation, drinks, and appetizers!
Location:
Our Daily Bread Ministries
3000 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

3.12.25 - Village Water Filter Build - Volunteer Opportunity for New Members & STRIVE
2025-03-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Village Water Filters, 4064 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, 49548, United States
The Community Engagement is excited to announce the Village Water Filter Build, which will assemble water filters for those in need!
***This volunteer event is for New Members & STRIVE students and mentors.
Date: Wednesday, March 12th
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Village Water Filters – 4064 Division S. Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Sign Up: Use the QR code on the attached flyer or this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55272406-village
Volunteers Needed: 10 Rotarians (New Members) + 5 STRIVE Students + 5 STRIVE Mentors = 20 Total

3.13.25 - Ken James - Chief Compliance & Title IX Officer, Muskegon Community College
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Ken James – Chief Compliance & Title IX Officer, Muskegon Community College
Speaker Topic: Emotional/Psychological Safety, Civility, and Communication
Speaker Bio:
James was director of management learning and development at Hackley Hospital for a year before becoming assistant vice president for affirmative action in 2008 at his alma mater, Grand Valley State University. He subsequently worked as an independent consultant with Meijer, Inc. as a general training specialist and part of a team that developed, implemented, and piloted comprehensive regional ethics training initiative that was adopted organization-wide in 2012.
“Over my professional career I have striven for and continually supported the betterment of organizations by initiating and maintaining dialogue of underserved and mainstream populations in whatever role I was in. The experience I have gained from my time working with the business community, municipal governments, healthcare systems, nonprofits and higher education have allowed me to see multiple facets on approaches to building consensus while providing me with the knowledge to navigate any barriers to teamwork.”
He joined Spectrum Health University in 2012 as a senior learning advisor and was a key contributor to a corporate university team that garnered two national awards for Best Corporate University and Excellence in Leadership Development. In 2015, he became a senior recruiter for Spectrum Heath Talent Acquisition and led a team that developed and implemented an organization-wide, paid internship program for 100-plus summer interns annually.
A native of San Diego, CA, James earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Kentucky State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University.
“MCC is a huge part of my professional foundation,” added James. “I served as director of the Intercultural Community Leadership Academy, a community program that operated out of MCC. I was honored to be a recipient of the Love in Action award in 2007, presented by MCC. Also, as past chair of the Muskegon County Diversity Committee, I was part of numerous Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day Breakfasts held in Collegiate Hall.”
Named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 in 2007, James has been active with Leadership Muskegon, Leadership West Michigan, and Leadership Grand Rapids. He has been an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University and serves as a deacon and board member with Renaissance Church in Grand Rapids. He serves on the boards of Home Repair Services and Cascade Community Foundation. He is the African American Heritage Fund Chair for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the diversity chair for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and co-chair of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Advisory Council. A Legacy Lunch Committee member, he is a Diversity Council member with the Grand Rapids Young Professionals.
He and his wife, Tamasha, are the parents of three teenage daughters.

3.20.25 - Gloria Lara - Commission Chair, Michigan Civil Rights Commission
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Gloria Lara – Commission, Chair, Michigan Civil Rights Commission
Speaker Topic: Michigan Civil Rights Commission Update and the Impact on Businesses
Bio:
Commission Chair Gloria Lara is the former Executive Director of Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, a Holland, MI-based non-profit organization, which works to build bridges between organizations and individuals throughout our communities and across the state, helping to educate and engage all of us in moving forward a vision of racial equity. Lara previously served as the chief executive officer of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. She also held executive-level positions at Chrysler Corporation as well as at major automotive suppliers.
Additionally, Gloria has served on the Corewell Health System – West Board of Directors from 2022 to 2023, on the Spectrum Health System Board from 2017 to 2022, and on the Spectrum Health Hospital Group Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2017, chairing the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Committee from 2016 to 2017. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Lara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School, Boston, MA. Lara is an Independent, appointed to the Commission by Governor Whitmer for a term that began in December 2020.

3.27.25 - Ryan VerWys - President & CEO, ICCF Community Homes
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Ryan VerWys – President & CEO, ICCF Community Homes
Speaker Topic: Affordable housing Issues in Kent County
Bio:
Ryan Verwys is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ICCF Community Homes, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supporting economic development in communities across the region. With a passion for empowering individuals and families through accessible housing solutions, Ryan has played a pivotal role in guiding ICCF toward its mission of creating vibrant and sustainable communities.
Ryan’s leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, community engagement, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of the individuals ICCF serves. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, developing new affordable housing projects, securing funding for community initiatives, and fostering partnerships that strengthen the social fabric of the neighborhoods they serve.
Before assuming the role of President & CEO, Ryan held various leadership positions within the affordable housing and community development sectors. His background includes expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and program development, which he utilizes to ensure ICCF’s long-term success and sustainability.

3.29.25 - Joint Service Project w/ Rotary Club of Muskegon @ Kids Food Basket
2025-03-29 09:15 - 11:30 | Kids Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Community Engagement Committee and President Eunice Lopez-Martin have announced that our club will host the next Joint Service Project & Social Gathering with fellow Muskegon Rotarians at Kids Food Basket!
Back in August, over 60 Rotarians and family members gathered at the Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore, hosted by the Rotary Club of Muskegon, to clean up debris and the facility’s grounds. It was an amazing turnout and an opportunity to unite our two clubs to do good in the community. Now it’s our turn to host!
Service Project & Social Gathering Details:
Volunteers will create/pack healthy and nourishing meals for kids, followed by a Social Gathering at a nearby family-friendly restaurant
Fun & Family-Friendly Activities:
This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity, so bring them along! Kids & teens will have a station to decorate paper lunch bags with artistic and loving messages for the kids receiving lunches!
Date: Saturday, March 29th
Volunteer Arrival: 9:15 AM for a brief welcome and orientation session
Service Project Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Social Gathering Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location Speciation Cellars
Address 928 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Directions From KFB to Speciation Cellars
Location: Kids Food Basket – 1300 Plymouth Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Sign Up: Sign Up Genius Link.
Volunteers Needed: 50 – 60
Contact: Katharina Häusler-Gross – Co-Chair, Community Engagement Committee

4.3.25 - NO LUNCHEON - SPRING BREAK
2025-04-03 | MI
There will be no luncheon or Club 77 on April 3, 2025, in observance of spring break. See you on April 10th at our next luncheon!

4.10.25 - Andy Guy - Chief Outcomes Officer, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Andy Guy – Chief Outcomes Officer, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Speaker Topic: Grand River Greenway Projects
Bio:
Andy Guy serves as Chief Outcomes Officer at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., responsible for place management and city building in Downtown Grand Rapids. Guy directs DGRI’s policy, strategy and communication initiatives in this role.
Guy brings 15 years of broad experience in Michigan’s mobility and urban revitalization movement. Prior to joining DGRI, Guy served as Associate Director of Governor Rick Snyder’s Office of Urban Initiatives. He also served as Director of Metropolitan and Environmental Initiatives at Grand Rapids-based Wondergem PR.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Guy lives in Downtown Grand Rapids with his wife and two daughters, who attend Grand Rapids Public Schools.

4.12.25 - Indian Trails Camp - Spring Clean Up
2025-04-12 09:00 - 23:00 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians, STRIVE students and friends to clean, fix and paint at our long-time community partner, Indian Trails Camp, as they prep for another year of service to the community!
Date: Saturday, April 12th
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: IKUS/Indian Trails Camp – O-1859 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55437943-indian
Details:

25 + volunteers needed
Indian Trails Camp has been a long-time community partner and is also an essential organization to our club. This is a great opportunity to work alongside our STRIVE students and lead by example to show them what it means to be an active member of Rotary and how Service Above Self can impact the community.

4.17.25 - Interact Luncheon
2025-04-17 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a special luncheon led by the Rotary Interact Club! This event brings together community members for a delicious meal while supporting a good cause. The Rotary Interact Club is a youth-driven organization focused on leadership, service, and community engagement, and they are excited to share this experience with you.

4.19.25 - Ramp Build w/ DAKC & Home Repair Services
2025-04-19 08:30 - 13:00 | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to partner with DAKC & Home Repair Services to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Date: Saturday, April 19th
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Grand Rapids Area (location TBA 3 days before event)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55438048-ramp
Details:

8 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

Contact: Dave Bulkowski and Andrea Nucci

4.24.25 - STRIVE Luncheon
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) student mentorship luncheon. We will celebrate and highlight all the progress and wonderful things the student mentees and mentors have been up to!
ABOUT STRIVE:
Strive is a motivational mentoring program that targets high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and their life prospects. Students are paired with a mentor who is a caring, reliable, positive role model who meets regularly on a one-on-one basis. The goal is to build the student’s self-esteem and reinforce the student’s successes. Mentors also help the student set and achieve educational and personal goals, with grades, attendance, and attitude.

4.30.25 - AYA Youth Collective - Spring Clean Up
2025-04-30 15:00 - 17:00 | AYA Youth Collective, 320 State St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Volunteers will learn about A.Y.A. and lend their helping hands through this service project. We will tour the drop-in center, roll up our sleeves, and head outside for spring clean-up in the yards at the center and their neighboring Cherry St. home.
Let the raking, trimming, mulching, and planting begin. Let’s beautify these properties for this deserving organization and the young people they serve!
Date: Wednesday, April 30th
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: AYA Youth Collective – 320 State St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55438156-ayayouth
Volunteers Needed: 10

5.1.25 - CLUB 77 & Membership Recruitment Event
2025-05-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, 49504, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Rotarian Bob Tsironis at Blandford Nature Center! This is also our Membership Recruitment Event, so invite your colleagues, business clients, and friends!
