June 25, 2024
We held our first official meeting under new President Robert Sullivan and it gave our new board members a chance to talk about their committees and plans for the upcoming year. Lots of exciting and rewarding ways every member can get involved in programs, projects and committees. Outgoing President Cleave left big shoes to fill but the team is excited to make this year go even further.
The week was highlighted by the successful Skyline Social and Fundraising event orchestrated by Karla Combs and her team. We raised more than $12,000 for our Community funds, and a good time was had by all at this beautiful Morrison Yards venue hosted by Katherine DeMaura. We’re off and running for a great year in fundraising and fun!
To join a meeting by Zoom use this link and the passcode: Rotary
For a recording of this week’s meeting, go here
Passcode: &G%f4k1Z
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
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- Past President Lisa Van Bergen gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Brooke Manheimer welcomed and introduced all members and their guests.
- Health and Happiness was presented by President Robert.
- President Robert introduced our program, which was our annual Club Assembly. Great information was shared by the Board Members and Committee Chairs about the upcoming year and how members can get involved.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
July 16, 2024 | Issue 5134 President: Robert Sullivan
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 7/16 – Matt Martin, Federal Reserve
- 7/23- Chris Tate, Bikes for Humanity
- 7/30 – Margaret Seidler
- 8/6 – NO MEETING
- 8/13 – Real Estate Panel; 11am Board Meeting
- 8/20 – Anne Ross, Human Trafficking
NEWS BRIEFS
Reminder … Guest RSVP by 5pm on Monday
If you are planning to bring a guest to Rotary, it is important that you let Carroll know by no later than Monday at 5pm. There is some preparation that needs to be done for all guests prior to the meeting. Guest fee is $30 paid at the door. First-time prospective members are free and sign in at the Membership Table.
Calling All New Members – New Member Orientation on 7/23
Our club is hosting a new member orientation on Tuesday, July 23 from 11am to 12pm at Halls Signature Events! It’ll be a wonderful opportunity to learn more regarding club structure, committees, and values. The orientation is a requirement on the Blue Badge Checklist. All newly inducted members should plan to attend, if they haven’t already attending a session. This meeting truly gives you all of the tools to optimize your involvement in the club.
Club Recognized as #1 in District in Membership Growth
Our club was recognized as being #1 in the District for new member growth with +15 new members in the 2023/2024 Rotary year!! Congratulations to our amazing Membership team and ALL the members of the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston! Your hard work to create an inviting atmosphere and smooth transition for our new members is much appreciated. A special thank you to Past President Cleave and Membership Director Michael Smith for their leadership over the past several years and the great team you assembled. Way to go, Rotary Club of Charleston!
Rotary International 2024/2025 Theme: Create the Magic of Rotary
This year’s Rotary Presidential Theme is “The Magic of Rotary”. You will see the themed banner hanging on the podium every meeting. Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick encourages members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives. Clubs are encourage to celebrate the magic of Rotary that is created with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.
July – December 2024 Dues Invoices Emailed
July-December 2024 dues invoices have been distributed via email. All members should have received an invoice. If you didn’t receive, please contact Carroll. Payment is due promptly within 30 days. Please note that payments can be paid on-line by either credit card or bank transfer. Members just simply need to click on the “pay now” button on their invoice. If you prefer to pay by check, please mail to PO Box 21029, Charleston, SC 29413.
SKYLINE SOCIAL & FUNDRAISER FOR RCCF – A great success!
What a great time raising funds for the Rotary Club of Charleston Fund at Skyline Social & Fundraiser at Morrison Yard! Great raffle prizes, including a bourbon basket from Paula Dezzutti at Striped Pig Distillery, hotel packages from Hotel Bennett and The Dewberry and a boat cruise for 6 with our Club President Captain Robert Sullivan won by Cody Lee Callarman!! 
A special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors, Francis Marion Hotel, Clear Picture Financial and John Bleecker. And our Rotarians who stepped up to be Gold Sponsors: Cody Callerman, Karla Combs, Cleave Ham, Amy Brice Chico / HLA, Inc., Ruthie Ravenel, Bill Raver, Brian Johnson / Soil Consultants, Inc., Patterson Smith / Patterson Smith Company Inc, Tammy Coghill, Alex Dallis, Alan Burgreen / Robbins Construction Group, Harry Staley, Samuel Steinberg, Paul Stoney and Alvin Williams. You guys made it possible for us to continue supporting local and international organizations making a difference in our communities! 
Volunteering = FUN-Raising Project
The Rotary Club of Charleston has partnered with EPI to assist in staffing for our first ever, year-long FUN-Raising Project!! This is a great opportunity to attend fun events, support our local sports teams, AND raise funds for our club to facilitate all the wonderful grants we have seen presented in the last few weeks. The volunteer opportunities for the next couple of months are now posted. Check back often has there will be more opportunities available as the CofC basketball schedule is coordinated with EPI. Please contact Karla Combs with any questions, sign up below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945A4AA2AA7F5C52-50046538-epifunraising
Support The CART Fund
It is easy for club members to make individual contributions and support The CART Fund electronically. The CART Fund has new portal www.mycartfund.org, which you can easily access. As a Rotarian and a DACdb user, you automatically have an account already set-up in your name. Your user name and password are the same as it is for the DACdb.
Our Club is on Social Media
Members are encouraged to follow all of our social media channels and share posts with their followers too! We also need members to send us picture of anything they do that relates to Rotary – service projects, meetings, events, etc. We would love to keep our accounts full of smiling Rotarians! Photos can be send to Mike Sottak, [email protected], or Rob Byko, [email protected]
MEMBER NEWS
We were excited to welcome Elijah Melendez into our Rotary family this past Tuesday. Elijah was introduced and sponsored by Marion Platt. He will hold the classification of Non-Profit Executive.
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Brian Itzkowitz – sponsor: DJ Hampton/Michael Smith; classification: Non-Profit Executive
Justin Ross – sponsor: Billy Cooke; classification: Real Estate/Commercial
In the event you know Brian or Justin, please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideals of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rotarian: Christopher G. Olson 
JOINED: June, 2022
SPONSOR: Patterson Smith, Harry Staley
CLASSIFICATION: Franchise Owner, Fast Food
PROFESSION: Franchise owner
Community Service Organizations, Current Activities or Activities/Volunteer Work in the Past: YMCA, Clemson SC; Elder at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, Clemson SC
SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF: I am a retired lawyer, former county court Solicitor, father of 2, grandfather of 3, husband of one.
Birthdays
- 7/18 – Jerry Kozel
- 7/21 – President Robert
WELLNESS TIP
Have a super berry dessert.
Dark-colored berries like blueberries and blackberries contain compounds that fight inflammation and help protect your brain. One cup of blueberries consumed daily for six months can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 12 to 15 percent, according to 2019 research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Try berries and plain yogurt as your go-to after-dinner treat.
OTHER AREA ROTARY CLUBS
Mondays
https://www.cainhoyrotary.com/
Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
North Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC
Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville
Tuesdays
Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston
Goose Creek: 12:45 m. Tuesday, Gilligan’s, 219 St. James Ave., Goose Creek
Cainhoy: 6PM, on the first and third Tuesday of the month, King’s Cross Church, of Clement Ferry Road
Wednesdays
Daniel Island: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island
Mount Pleasant: 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Hibben Methodist Church, 690 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant
Summerville: 1pm-2pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday. Hilton Garden Inn-Homewood Suite/Lowcountry Conference Center, 406 Sigma Drive
Thursdays
North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Marriott Hotel, 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston.
Moncks Corner: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Moncks Corner
St. Andrews (West Ashley): 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Bessinger’s BBQ, 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston.
Fridays
Charleston Breakfast: 7:30AM Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact 
with us through social media.
We’re on Facebook. Take a look at our page and be sure to “like us”.
We’re on Twitter. You can follow us @chasrotaryclub.
We’re on Instagram. You can follow us @ChasRotaryClub.
ABOUT THE KEYWAY
The Keyway has been published weekly as a newsletter for the Rotary Club of Charleston for more than 90 years.
President: Cleave Ham
Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, [email protected]
Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029, Charleston, SC 29413-1029
Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved