The Rotary Club of Cleveland cultivates a community of informed professionals working collectively to create a positive impact through integrity, community, philanthropy and leadership.
Upcoming Meetings and Networking Events
*Please use the luncheon zoom link for all meetings and events
Community Service Committee - Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 9:30 a.m.
Youth Service Committee - Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 1:00 p.m.
Rotary Works! Networking - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - 11:30 a.m. International Service Committee - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - 1:00 p.m.
James Knight, a doctoral candidate with extensive research in cultural humility and who specializes in cultural sensitivity trainings has developed an innovative approach to building equity and belonging rooted in cultural humility.
As Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at St. Edward High School, James leads the development of vision and strategies that champions the importance and value of a diverse and inclusive community. Part of his work involves engaging faculty, staff, students, and parents in order to make the school a culturally safe environment. In his role, James assesses the potential barriers to inclusion and diversity; develops strategies focused on recruiting and retaining a diverse community. Annually, he designs training programs on cultural competency, cultural humility, cultural safety, and a wide array of topics designed to increase awareness and support of diversity and equity.
In addition to his work at St. Edward, James Knight works with a variety of organizations, teams, and leaders across the country as a diversity and inclusion strategist. Much of his work is centered on assisting organizations in developing a cultural humility framework in order to create culturally safe environments.
Welcome Newest Rotarians Olivia Lapish and Mary Macias
Olivia Lapish, sponsored by Ionel Donca is the Vice President of Operations for Great Lakes Care, Inc. She brings to Rotary a wealth of community involvement by volunteering with Following Christ International, Stony Glen Camp, and New Tribes Mission. Olivia received the State Trained Nurse Assistant (STNA) of the year Award from University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, running hiking, and horseback riding. Olivia and her husband Jacob currently reside in Mayfield Heights.
Mary Macias, sponsored by Sarah Rintamaki is the President/CEO of Footpath Foundation. She received her B.A. from University of Michigan, and her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. She is a member of the Michigan Bar Association and is a board member of both the Westlake Elementary School PTA and the Lee Burneson Middle School PTA. She enjoys hiking, camping and relaxing on the beach. Mary, her husband Brian and their 2 kids Layla and Tessa currently reside in Westlake.
Cleveland Rotary Foundation Annual Campaign
Our Annual Fund Campaign is in full swing. This is an opportunity to help our foundation stay strong so our 4 avenues of service can continue to fund all of the programs and events throughout the year. It also affords the membership to bring new and innovative idea's forward, in order to continue to make an impact in our community. You can mail a check or click on the link below to donate online! This is the only fundraising event for this rotary year, thank you for your consideration!
Pictured right - Project YESS (Youth Empowered to Succeed through Sailing)
Congratulations to Eagle Scout, Rear Admiral (retired) Mike Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region and the American Red Cross for being honored at the Boy Scouts of America Great Scout Luncheon. The two organizations have a strong relationship that has spanned more than a century, they have been collaborators in serving the community, and each other since the earliest day of both organizations.
Thank you Amy Johnston for making a difference in the community. Amy has participated in several fundraisers in support of area long tern care facilities, she has lead the efforts in a non-perishable food drive that helped Education Alternatives, an organization helping kids and families dealing with social, emotional and behavioral issues and lastly helped raise money for Eldercare Professionals benefiting Corner Stone of Hope. All done in the last 2 months!
Grant Management Seminars
Our club's opportunity to qualify for matching money for local or global projects is coming soon. Last year this was the money we received to help fund Project Feed the Hungry, whereby we helped the Thea Bowman Center renovate their kitchen. This year the money we received is going towards Operation Comic Book Literacy Project.
District 6630 will receive $94,786 in District Designated Funds as part of the Annual Fund Share program. This amount is equal to 50% of District 6630's Rotary Foundation Annual Fund contributions from three years ago (2018-19). The District can allocate up to 50% ($47,393) for local projects. The other 50% can be allocated for global grants, polio plus and peace fellow programs.
If you are interested in learning more about the grant process please attend one of the following seminars:
The Zoom login link will be sent to registrants after registration ends on Feb 19th
"Service Above Self" Volunteer opportunities
Our Community Service Committee is doing a fabulous job providing volunteer opportunities for both those that are comfortable to go out and for those that want to volunteer right from their home. If you are doing something to help the community please send a picture and a description, we want to recognize you!!
Nine people volunteered on Tuesday, January 12th at the Greater Cleveland Foodbank. Ann Marie LaPorta and her Partner Bob, Jessica Haines and three friends from Karpinski Engineering, Dave Harper from Twinsburg Rotary, Julie West and the ring leader Paul Qua. They packed nearly 8000 pounds of meat.
Next available session is February 9th from 5-8pm.
Let Paul Qua know if you want to serve. (pqua@classicautocampus.com or call (216)544-7501
American Red Cross Blood Donor Day, January 28, 2021. For every 1 donation, 3 lives can be saved! Need we say more? This is a great opportunity for the entire family, a friend, or colleague to join you and make a difference! Due to natural disasters and Covid - 19 the need has never been greater! If donating blood isn't possible, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities available.
