Rotary Club of Charleston

March 31, 2026

We welcomed Jon Olson, Chief Legal Officer at Blackbaud, one of the outstanding tech business success stories of the Charleston area and a true example of a company committed to Service Above Self. He gave an overview of the history and growth of the company, powered by the innovative and impactful technology empowering more than 40,000 non-profit organizations around the world. The company’s solutions, supported by a worldwide employee base of 3,000 employees around the world, are increasingly leveraging the power of AI to help community-driven organizations strengthen themselves. Jon also mentioned the commitment by Blackbaud to give back to the communities it serves, citing both the impressive corporate and employee participation levels in giving programs, projects, and organizations it enables. 

Lots going on in the coming months, including our big Spring Boil & Build outing and fundraiser on April 23, plus Fans in the Stands, the Duck Race and more. Check out the Keyway for upcoming events and schedules.

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “3/31: Jon Olson, Blackbaud”

March 25,  2026

This week, our own Dave Echols, general manager of the Charleston Riverdogs, gave us an update on the upcoming season for our hometown favorites. Dave talked about the business of minor league baseball, how well the Riverdogs have done in the recent past, and his goal to make every game, an entertaining experience for the fans. It’s truly one of the highlights of any visit to Charleston and a great outing for families who live here all the time. Come out and catch a Riverdogs game this year at The Joe. And a special treat this season will be an appearance by the Savannah Bananas, an extremely popular twist on traditional baseball that is entertaining fans everywhere.

Lots going on in the coming months, including our big Spring outing and fundraiser on April 23. Check out the Keyway for upcoming events and schedules.

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “3/24: Dave Echols, Charleston Riverdogs”

March 17,  2026

This week, Paul Schwager, Dean of the College of Charleston School of Business, joined our meeting. Paul gave us an update on all the great expansion and new opportunities being presented by the CoC Business School, which is growing at a fantastic rate and expanding the types of majors and degree programs available. The college is also the beneficiary of the philanthropic generosity of some local businessmen, including Ben Navarro and Michael Bennett, who have both made significant capital and physical donations to expand the business program.

Lots going on in the coming months, including our big Spring outing and fundraiser on April 23. Check out the Keyway for upcoming events and schedules.  

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “3/17: Paul Schwager, College of Charleston School of Business”

March 10, 2026

This week, members of the Rotary Club had the opportunity to hear from the leadership behind Charleston’s premier tennis and entertainment venue, Credit One Stadium, home to one of the most celebrated tournaments in women’s tennis. We learned how the facility has transformed in recent years, expanding from 7,500 seats to more than 12,000, allowing Charleston to host larger tennis events, concerts, and global broadcasts seen by millions of viewers worldwide.

A few highlights from the discussion:

• Charleston’s professional women’s tournament is now viewed by 176 million households internationally, helping showcase our city on a global stage.

• The venue has grown into a year-round destination, hosting more than 25 concerts and events annually in addition to professional tennis.

• The facility renovation was completed in record time; built in just one year, even during the challenges of COVID.

• Charleston continues to lead in women’s sports, recently taking a major step toward equal prize money for players.

Rotary members were also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue, including player areas, event spaces, and the outdoor grounds that make this one of the most unique sports and entertainment destinations in the country. A huge thank you to our guest speaker for sharing the story of how Charleston continues to grow as a global destination for sports, music, and community events.

Lots going on in the coming months, including Our District Conference on March 20-22 and our big Spring outing and fundraiser on April 23. Check out the Keyway for upcoming events and schedules. To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “3/10: Bob Moran, Credit One Stadium Tour”

February 24, 2026

City We welcomed local legend, Dick Harpootlian, former state senator, lawyer, and author, to our meeting today.  Rotarian Tyler Jones led a fireside chat where Dick talked about his career, the Murdaugh case, and his new book “Dig Me a Grave,” about SC’s most notorious serial killer, Pee Wee Gaskins, who Dick prosecuted in the 80’s.

Lots going on in the coming months, including some big fundraisers as the weather turns warmer. Check out the Keyway for upcoming events and schedules.

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “2/24: Dick Harpootlian, “Dig Me A Grave””