Rotary Club of Charleston

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

Continue reading “7/9: Club Assembly”

June 25, 2024

Our annual Transition Social event happened  this week and we said thank you to our outgoing President Cleave Ham for his fantastic year of leadership and fun. And we welcomed new president Robert Sullivan. Our own District Governor elect Sandy Morckel did the honors in swearing in Robert, as well as our new board for 2024-25.

We also honored our Bill Hall Rotarian of the Year – Karla Combs (now President-Elect Karla!) who provided tireless service throughout the year as chair of the community service committee and now heading up fundraising – and hitting the ground running with the FUN-raising programs!

A special thank you to Carrol Schweers, our dedicated  club secretary who celebrated her 25th anniversary in this role with Rotary – Carroll was hired when she was 9 months pregnant so always remembers how many years she has been with Rotary. Thanks for all you do Carroll!

No meeting this week as we break for the Fourth of July. Enjoy. And don’t forget the Skyline Social & Fundraiser on July 10 – more info below.

 

Continue reading “6/25: End of Year Transition Social”

June 18, 2024

Richele Taylor of the SC Medical Association gave us an overview of the history and the important role that that organization plays in ensuring excellent health care and supporting health practitioners in our state. Ongoing training, certification and administrative support four our health care workers is a critical aspect of a health care infrastructure.

It was the last official meeting of our Rotary year and President Cleave’s last stand at the podium. He recognized achievements of the club over the past year and thanked our members. In turn, the club gave Cleave a standing ovation for his outstanding leadership.

No meeting this week (or next) and will gather Tuesday evening, June 25, at 5PM for our annual board transition event at Hall’s Events at Five Faber.

 

Continue reading “6/18: Richele Taylor, SC Medical Association”

June 11, 2024

Our own DJ Hampton took to the podium to give us an overview of the great work being done by Trident United Way, which traces its roots back to initial support from the Charleston Rotary Club in the 1920s. Today a key focus of TUW is its ALICE initiative, which focuses on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed families and individuals who live and work in the Tri-County. DJ told us that in the Tri-County community, nearly 4 out of 10 households fall below the ALICE threshold. Although fully employed with essential jobs that keep our communities running, ALICE workers don’t earn enough to cover the rising costs of living, leaving them and their families perpetually teetering on the edge of poverty.

Trident United Way is paving the way to financial stability for ALICE individuals and families. With its expansive network of nonprofit partners, volunteers and donors, we connect ALICE to immediate support and assistance programs that open opportunities for long term change.

 

Continue reading “6/11: DJ Hampton, Trident United Way”

June 4, 2024

Our new Mayor of Charleston, William Cogswell, paid us a visit this week. Mr. Mayor gave us an update on many important projects and initiatives throughout the city as well as insights into his vision for organizing the city operations and servicing citizens, all guided by his mantra for governing the city: Smart, Safe & Sound. Top of mind are:  economic growth, sustainable development projects, affordable housing, enhanced safety and livability, and of course, flooding.  He stressed the importance of cooperation amongst governments and leaders across the region. The Mayor took questions from club members and closed by reinforcing his optimism for our great city.

President Cleave made sure to note that The Mayor’s family roots are deeply set in Rotary, with his great grandfather being one of our club founding members in 1920.

 

Continue reading “6/4: Mayor William Cogswell”