Author: Mike Sottak

April 28, 2026

Our guest this week was Megan Skelley of Blood Cancer United. Megan gave us an overview of the impact the organization has in helping those stricken with all types of blood cancer and especially lymphoma here in the Lowcountry. They achieve their mission through research, patient support, and advocacy. The organization addresses other types of cancer through its foundational research on blood-based diseases. They have a simple goal: by 2040:  to provide an additional 1 million years of life to cancer patients. Rotarian Sean Holleran gave an overview of the organization’s major fundraiser campaign for the year.

More fun on tap at the Riverdogs for our May social and two big fundraisers in the works – the Duck Race and our Far, Near and Here raffle – our biggest fundraiser of the year. Check out the Keyway for details on these and other upcoming events and schedules.

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

Continue reading “4/28: Megan Skelley, Blood Cancer United”

April 21, 2026

Our own D.J. Hampton, Trident United Way organization, gave us an overview of that long-standing community organization in the Lowcountry. D.J. explained the deep roots the organization has had with the Charleston Rotary Club, which helped found the organization many years ago and has a history of members participating in the operation of the organization. The main part of D.J.’s presentation included a series of real-life examples that families facing economic pressures must deal with. The interactive survey-style presentation served to show the difficult choices families must make when dealing with constrained income circumstances. D.J. pointed out that people in this category are widely prevalent in our communities and dependent on organizations such as the United Way as well as Rotary. Thanks for all you’re doing DJ.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the  Spring Boil & Build outing and fundraiser on April 23, and Fans in the Stands at The Miracle Baseball league More fun on tap at the Riverdogs for our May social and two big fundraisers in the works – the Duck Race and our Far, Near and Here raffle – our biggest fundraiser of the year. Check out the Keyway for details on thee and other upcoming events and schedules.

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

Continue reading “4/21: DJ Hampton, Trident United Way”

April 14, 2026

Laura Pelzer of the Charleston Library Society joined us today to give us a great overview of the history, assets and programs of this great historical institution right here in Charleston. As the second-oldest library society in the United States, the building houses an incredible resource of archives of important historical documents, literature, and other treasures that are accessible to researchers, society members, and others. In addition to its great historical assets, the society stays current with active programming for all ages, featuring interesting speakers, authors, historians, and a dedicated program aimed at children. We thank this society for all that it does in our community and for being such a valuable resource of learning. history and culture.

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. And check out the details of our Far, Near and Here raffle – our biggest fundraiser of the year. Check out the Keyway for upcoming events and schedules.

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

Continue reading “4/14: Laura Pelzer, Charleston Library Society”

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”