Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

11.23.23 - NO LUNCHEON
2023-11-23 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | MI
There will be no Rotary luncheon on Thursday, November 23rd in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday!

11.30.23 - Charles Lepper Ph.D.
2023-11-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Charles Lepper Ph.D. – President, Grand Rapids Community College
Dr. Charles W. Lepper began his role as Grand Rapids Community College’s 11th president in January 2023. A creative and innovative leader in higher education, he has more than 25 years of experience at universities and community colleges.
Prior to his role at Grand Rapids Community College, Dr. Lepper served as vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), which serves more than 60,000 students across 10 campuses. During his time there, he developed and implemented the SLCC Promise, which has provided more than $5 million in free tuition since 2016. He co-led SLCC’s Guided Pathways program; re-engineered the college’s admissions, advising, and financial aid processes; and expanded the dual enrollment program.
Additionally, under his leadership, SLCC’s Division of Student Affairs established four food pantries and the Dream Center, which assists undocumented students. He also established SLCC’s Gender and Sexuality Student Resources Center, one of the many reasons the Campus Pride Index recognized the college as the most affordable “LGBTQ+ Friendly College” in the nation in 2021. Prior to his time at SLCC, he served as the vice president for Student Affairs at Tidewater Community College, a multi-campus institution in southeast Virginia serving approximately 45,000 students annually. He has also held leadership positions at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, serving as the statewide assistant vice president for Student Development Services, the statewide director of Faculty Development and Student Life Initiatives, and the system’s institutional liaison to the Higher Learning Commission.
Dr. Lepper has also been active with the National Academic Advising Association, serving as a consultant to two-year institutions around the country. Currently, he serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Community College Association, The Right Place, and West Michigan Works!.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and Personnel Management from Ball State University; a Master of Education in Secondary, Higher and Adult Education from Grand Valley State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, Administration and Foundations from Indiana State University.
He also completed Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management in 2017 and earned a professional development certificate in trauma and resilience from Florida State University in 2021.

12.7.23 - Club 77 hosted by Mathison Architects
2023-12-07 16:30 - 18:00 | TBD
Come join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Mathison Architects and Rotarian Tom Mathison!
Club 77’s are a great opportunity to network and socialize with Rotarians and guests.

12.14.23 - Rick Baker
2023-12-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Rick Baker – President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber
Rick Baker is a career Chamber of Commerce professional, accountant, and visionary. His Chamber career began in Minnesota in 1988, where he served as Director of Finance and membership for the Rochester Area Chamber. Rick has also served as President of the Newton Iowa Chamber, home to Maytag Corporation, and President & CEO of the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities Chamber, home to John Deere, before joining the Grand Rapids Chamber in April 2011.
Rick’s passion for the business community was ignited by growing up in a family with parents who were business owners. He is a graduate of Upper Iowa University and received his U. S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management certification at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Rick is a Minnesota native and when not working, he enjoys time with his family. He and his partner have two children and four grandchildren. Rick spends his summers on his boat in Saugatuck and loves a small-town diner or a good dive bar.
Fun Facts:

Rick loves a stroll through Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on a beautiful day.
Rick is a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marines captain
Favorite Chamber program: Leadership Grand Rapids

12.21.23 - Holiday Luncheon Celebration
2023-12-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Come join us for our annual fun-filled Holiday Luncheon Celebration on December 21st!
The Rotary Band and other entertainment will promise to make this luncheon a blast!

12.28.23 - NO LUNCHEON - Holiday Observation
2023-12-28 | MI
There will be no luncheon on December 28th as we observe the Holidays!

1.4.24 - No Luncheon - New Years Observation
2024-01-04 | MI
There will be no luncheon 1.4.24 in observation of New Year’s Holiday

1.11.24 - Club 77 - President's Post-Holiday Open House
2024-01-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Grand Rapids Community Foundation, 185 Oakes St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Come join us for the annual President’s Open House hosted by President Shaun Shira at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation!

Parking Info and Map Below:

1.18.24 - Club Update - President & Committee Chairs
2024-01-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Come join us for our annual Club Update meeting. President Shaun Shira will present club updates and committee co-chairs will give updates and information on engaging as a Rotarian!

1.25.24 - Pierre van der Westhuizen
2024-01-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Pierre van der Westhuizen – Executive and Artistic Director, The Gilmore Piano Festival
BIO
With performances described as showcasing the “utmost polish,” “impressive control” with a “broad stylistic spectrum” (Beeld, South Africa), South African pianist Pierre van der Westhuizen has established himself as an accomplished and versatile musician, with critically acclaimed performances across South Africa, the USA, and Europe. Pierre graduated from Northwest University (Potchefstroom, South Africa) with a double major in Piano Performance and Composition. Pierre has received several prizes, awards and scholarships, which included the M.C. Rhoode Memorial Performance Prize, and a grant from the National Research Foundation. He made his concerto debut in 1998, performing with the National Chamber Orchestra of South Africa. His performances have been heard on WCLV (Cleveland), WYSU (Youngstown), ClassicFM, and WGTE (Toledo), and he has appeared as guest artist with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Chelsea Tipton, as well as frequent collaborations with violinists Annette-Barbara Vogel and Ioana Galu.
Pierre is also part of the Westhuizen Piano Duo, with his wife Sophié. As duo, they have performed across the U.S. and South Africa, where they also teach master classes. Their performances were heard on WGTE (Toledo), Radiosonder Grense and ClassicFM. They were featured as guest artists at the Volksblad Arts Festival, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, Northwest University (Potchefstroom) and the University of South Africa/UNISA Concert Series in South Africa, as well as the Firelands Concert Series, Lakeside Summer Music Festival, and the Colorado International Piano Academy. They were featured on the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in Chicago, which was broadcast live on NPR and PBS, and have recorded the complete works for two pianos by Poulenc, which has been released by AMP Recordings. The Westhuizen Duo has also been named international Steinway Artists, and recent highlights include a New York debut at Steinway Hall, as well as being the featured guest artists for concerto and recital performances at Baldwin Wallace University’s Bach Festival.
Pierre also enjoys teaching, and has previously served as guest artist and faculty member at the Colorado International Piano Academy, Cleveland Institute of Music’s Summer Sonata, Chautauqua Institute, and served on the piano faculty of Heidelberg University. Having previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, Pierre was recently appointed as the new Director of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and Awards in Michigan. Pierre has received honors and recognition for his work as an arts administrator, including an honoree of Crain’s Cleveland “40 under 40” business and community leaders, and was named as one of the Top 30 Industry Influencers by Musical America Worldwide.

1.27.24 - Kids Food Basket - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-01-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Kids Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity in collaboration with STRIVE for our Rotarians and friends!
Kids Food Basket – STRIVE Volunteer Day
Signup Here: Sign Up Link
Contact:
Paula Jastifer or Mary Slafkosky
Date:
Saturday, January 27th @ 9 am – 11 am
Location:
1300 Plymouth Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Details:

10-12 volunteers needed

2.1.24 - Club 77 hosted by Treetops Collective
2024-02-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Treetops Collective, 906 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Come join us for drinks, appetizers, and great conversation at our February Club by hosted by Treetops Collective!

2.3.24 - Village Water Filters - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-02-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Village Water Filters Build, 2064 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Village Water Filter Builds
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-47450162-village
Contact:
Ruthann Schulte or Christine Lindeman
Date:
Saturday, February 3rd @ 10 am – 12 pm
Location:
2064 Division Ave S. Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Details:

15 volunteers needed
Assembling water filters
A wonderful time of service, teamwork, and conversation

2.8.24 - Darien Harris
2024-02-08 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Darien Harris – Assistant Athletic Director, Michigan State University
Darien Harris, who previously spent the past three years working with the football program, was promoted to Assistant AD/NIL & Special Advisor to the Athletic Director in July 2023, providing leadership in oversight and continued evolution of Michigan State Athletics’ award-winning NIL program, EverGreen.
Harris will spearhead the continued evolution of a best-in-class NIL model under the umbrella of the EverGreen program that is a resource for all student-athletes. He will serve as the primary NIL contact for internal and external stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, corporate partners, collectives and local businesses in accordance with applicable university, state, federal and NCAA guidelines. He will champion strategic partnerships and resources to ensure the best possible NIL support for all of Michigan State’s student-athletes, while continuing the build on the educational support which is already considered the industry standard. Beyond his NIL responsibilities, Harris will serve as Special Advisor to the Athletic Director.
Harris spent more than three seasons on staff with the Spartan football program, serving as Director of Player Relations and Program Advancement, where his wide-ranging duties included NIL education for football. He was a member of MSU’s NIL committee, which developed the EverGreen program, and served as the football liaison to work with Advance (Anomaly Sports Group and TeamAltemus) on financial education. He was instrumental in the partnership between Spartan Athletics and the Michigan State University Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which educated student-athletes on how to sharpen their entrepreneurial mindset, master business basics and learn the process of creating new ventures. Additionally, Harris has served as host for MSU’s two innovative NIL events: the NIL Business Summit and NIL Awards Celebration.
A former captain on the 2015 Big Ten Football Championship team that reached the College Football Playoff, Harris was a four-year letterwinner for the Spartans from 2011-15, starting two seasons at Star (weakside) linebacker. He was voted a co-captain by his teammates in 2015 and was a part of the winningest senior class at MSU with 43 victories. Harris collected 154 tackles, including 13 for losses (28 yards), in 54 career games with 25 starts; the 54 career games played is tied for the most of any Spartan player in a four-year span in Michigan State history.
Harris joined the Spartan football staff in 2020, beginning as the Director of Player Engagement and transitioning to Director of Player Relations and Program Advancement in 2022, with duties including player development, alumni engagement, university outreach, community service, and NIL education to current football student-athletes.
Harris, 30, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2015 and his master’s degree in marketing research in 2019. He has extensive broadcast experience, serving as a frequent contributor on several radio and television shows, including the Big Ten Network. In 2022, he was presented with the Rising Star Award at the 50th Celebration of the Michigan State Communication Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards ceremony.

2.15.24 - Service Above Self - Community Engagement Luncheon
2024-02-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Come join us for our annual SASy Community Engagement Luncheon!
Rotarians and guests will work on the following projects during the luncheon to support the non-profits:
1) Encouragement Cards for Wedgwood
2) Kindness Cards for Community Food Club

2.22.24 - Sara Armbruster
2024-02-22 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Sara Armbruster – President & CEO, Steelcase
BIO
Sara Armbruster is the President and CEO of Steelcase Inc., the company trusted by organizations around the world to create inspiring, sustainable, and adaptable workplaces.
Sara became CEO in October 2021 after more than a decade with the company. Throughout her tenure with Steelcase, she has served in executive roles that have spanned strategy, innovation and technology, and business leadership. She is passionate about helping people do their best work by creating places that work better.
Before joining Steelcase, Sara led strategy and business development at Banta Corporation, a global printing and supply chain services company, and she previously worked for McKinsey & Company.
Sara currently serves on the board of directors of Winnebago Industries. She also sits on the boards of several non-profit organizations, and she is a trustee of the Steelcase Foundation. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in Slavic languages and literatures from Yale University, a master’s degree in international relations from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University, and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.

2.28.24 - Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-02-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-47451113-ronald
Contact:
Jim Gilbert
Date:
Wednesday, February 28th @ 4 – 6:00 pm
Location:
1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

6 volunteers needed

2.29.24 - Alex Peric
2024-02-29 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Alex Peric – Chief Operating Officer, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
BIO
Alexander Peric, A.A.E., manages the daily operations of the Airport Authority by directing facilities, engineering and planning, public safety, business, information technology and operations functions. He is charged with being the catalyst for the Authority’s growth in business development, economic development, non-aeronautical revenue and innovation. He ensures that all Airport facilities and operations comply with federal, state and local rules and regulations. Additionally, Alex serves as President and CEO in Tory’s absence. As the integrator of the team, Alex works to hold the Authority accountable and helps each department work harmoniously while executing its high-level plans.
In 2019, Alex was named one of Michigan’s Most Valuable Professionals by Corp! Magazine, a reflection of his steadfast economic development ingenuity and innovative business modeling. In 2013, he was named to the Top 40 under 40 by Airport Business Magazine. Alex has also worked tirelessly to enhance the air service development program at the Ford Airport, which has been well received by airline partners, resulting in significant additions to the Airport’s route map.
Prior to joining the Ford Airport in 2017, Alex was Vice President of Business Development and Properties for the Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh. While there, he was responsible for all business-related matters for the airport system, which includes Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, as well as management and development of 9,000 acres of land, 3.5 million square feet of commercial facilities, concessions and innovative revenue strategies. Additionally, he also served in business development and management roles for the cities of Cleveland and Phoenix airport systems and Continental Airlines.
Alex’s diverse background within the aviation industry includes strategic roles in airline relations, business management, real estate, operations, project management, revenue development, negotiations, risk management and data analysis.
Alex earned his bachelor’s degree and pilot license in aviation management with minor in management information systems from Kent State University and master’s degree in labor relations and human resources from Cleveland State University. He is an accredited airport executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and a member of the Airports Council International North America, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Club 77 hosted by Samaritas
2024-03-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Samaritas Child & Family Center, 2080 Union Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
More Info and Flyer Coming Soon!

3.11.24 -Village Water Filters - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-03-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Village Water Filters, 4064 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, 49548, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Village Water Filter
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-48152437-village
Contact:
Ruthann Schulte and Paula Jastifer
Date:
Monday, March 11th @ 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location:
4064 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Details:

15 volunteers needed
Assemble and provide water filters, because everyone deserves clean and safe drinking water

3.14.24 - Charles Burke (Off-site Luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens)
2024-03-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
Join us for an off-site luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens and a presentation by Charles Burke, President & CEO of FMG!
BIO – Charles Burke – President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Since 2014, Charles served as President and CEO of The War Memorial, a waterfront cultural campus in Grosse Pointe Farms that curates experiences focusing on arts, culture, film, patriotism, community connectivity, and leadership. His work has empowered the total transformation of The War Memorial as a regional impact organization welcoming more than 300,000 patrons with over 3,000 events annually, all while incubating more than 65 nonprofit organizations. The Nationally Registered Historic campus includes the new Fred M. Alger Center (opened in fall 2022), designed by the ROSSETTI architecture team; Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge Park and Gardens, visioned by famed international artist Anilore Banon; WM Community Foundation; Patriot Theater for arts, culture, and film; an Arts and Community Wing inclusive of multiple galleries and classrooms; and an Italian Renaissance-style estate home designed by American architect Charles A. Platt. Charles’ leadership has reimagined an institution now positioned to grow in all aspects of its diversified business lines while redefining the role of a nonprofit institution as a catalyst for a forward-thinking community.
Passionate about providing unfettered accessibility to the arts for all people, Charles spent a significant portion of his career as both an executive and orchestral conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. As Senior Director of Education for the DSO, Charles was responsible for the development of the Pincus Education Center in Midtown Detroit as well as programs such as the African American Fellowship program, a graduate-level training program to radically improve diversity in classical music; the DSO’s Civic Youth Ensembles, one of the largest youth training programs in the United States; and connecting Orchestral musicians with children from all communities and all ages through concerts, classroom interactivity, and technology-based learning. As an Orchestral Conductor and Music Director, Charles led more than 300 performances on the famed Orchestral Hall stage, specialized in working with young people and having the privilege of working with artists such as Leonard Slatkin, Itzhak Perlman, Midori, Emanuel Ax, Michael W. Smith, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and George Shirley. His artistic leadership included 22 world premieres and commissions; multiple recordings; serving as a robotic computer model for ASIMO the conducting robot; and regularly working as a college instructor, adjudicator, guest conductor, and artistic consultant for organizations throughout the country.
Charles, a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXXV, enjoys several volunteer roles, including Board Director for Jefferson East, Inc., TechTown Detroit, Community Advisory Board for Beaumont Health Grosse Pointe, Editorial Board of the Grosse Pointe News, Executive Producer for Live Inspired Productions, and Michigan Youth Arts Festival. He holds degrees from George Mason University and West Virginia University, executive leadership training at the Harvard Business School and Columbia College, and as a Creative Alliances Fellow and Emerging Non-Profit Leaders Fellow for National Arts Strategies.
A Washington, D.C., metropolitan region native, Charles and his wife moved to Michigan last century to pursue graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Charles began his service-based career as a public school music teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia, earning a nomination for the National Sallie Mae First Class Teaching Award and, later, the International Network of Schools Community Partnership Award for his collaborative work between the DSO and the Detroit School of Arts. He has also been the recipient of the Grosse Pointe/Harper Woods NAACP President’s Award, which recognized his leadership and commitment toward healthy and connected communities. Today, Charles’ wife is an Executive with Mercedes-Benz North America Corporation, and together they are parents to two teenagers/young adults who constantly allow them to amplify patience as one of their top strengths.

3.21.24 - Dr. Mark Hamilton
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Dr. Mark Hamilton – President, Versa Culture LLC
Presentation Topic: Remote work and its impact on organizational culture
BIO:
Dr. Mark A. Hamilton is President of Versa Culture LLC, a management consulting firm that helps Michigan businesses to solve people-related challenges in the workplace. Dr. Hamilton has spent the past 15 years managing and advising projects valued from $25-$180 million in the United States and overseas. His expertise includes manufacturing culture, workforce development, coaching, leadership development, performance management, and organizational development. He spent 7 years as a successful executive search specialist early in his career, helping companies in manufacturing, materials processing, and technology to attract and retain the best talent. Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Hamilton has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a PhD degree from Michigan State University, where he studied Education and International Development Studies. While there, he received a Fulbright Award to study organizational culture abroad, focusing on what makes organizations successful. Dr. Hamilton has won praise from colleagues and project partners for his ability to rapidly form trusting and productive relationships with clients and partners to achieve results. He has successfully supported projects in the United States, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and other countries. He is fluent in both English and French.

3.28.24 - Alejandro Quiroga, M.D.
2024-03-28 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Alejandro Quiroga, M.D., MBA – President, Corewell Health West.
Presentation Topic: Dr. Quiroga will explain how is guides a complex organization that impacts all of us.

BIO:

Ale leads strategy, operations, clinical oversight and financial performance for 10 hospitals, 120 outpatient locations, telehealth, a large continuing and home care enterprise, and a medical group with 2,000+ provider members in West Michigan. He also serves as a member of the system leadership team at Corewell Health™ — formed by the joining together of Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health in 2022.
As a catalyst for transformation, Ale identifies new, value-based models of care that improve health. He is passionate about enabling a culture that prioritizes what is right, humanity and simplicity.

A practicing physician, Ale’s primary specialty is pediatric nephrology. He was previously the senior vice president, chief medical officer, ambulatory care and population health, Corewell Health West. Prior to that, he was vice president, medical affairs for Spectrum Health Medical Group. He also held numerous leadership positions at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital including division chief of pediatric specialties and associate program director for the pediatric residency program after joining Spectrum Health in 2011 as a pediatric nephrologist.

Ale earned his medical degree from Universidad del Rosario – Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario. He completed his residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, and his fellowship in pediatric nephrology at Montefiore Children’s Hospital in New York. He earned his executive MBA at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.

3.30.24 -Ramp Build with Home Repair Services - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-03-30 08:30 - 13:00 | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-48310360-ramp
Contact: Dave Bulkowski and Andrea Nucci
Date: Saturday, March 30th @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Grand Rapids Area (locations TBA)
Details:

12 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

4.4.24 - NO LUNCHEON - SPRING BREAK
2024-04-04 | MI
There will be no luncheon this week in observance of Spring Break

4.11.24 - Interact Luncheon - Mark Peters - CEO, Butterball Farms
2024-04-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Each year our Interact students coordinate a luncheon and choose the speaker who will present at a luncheon. This year they have chosen the CEO of Butterball Farms Mark Peters!

BIO
Mark Peters is the Chief Executive Officer of Butterball Farms, Inc., which was nationally recognized as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For from 2015 to 2022. The second-generation family business, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is America’s leading producer of culinary butter and margarine and creates custom butter flavors for some of America’s biggest brands.
Peters began as a factory worker in his father’s company at the age of 12: an experience that taught him first-hand about the challenges that frontline workers face. At 30, he took over the company determined to lead a financially successful business that would also enrich the lives of its workers.
In 2003, he organized a pioneering group of CEOs and community leaders to found The Source, a not-for-profit organization that has helped hundreds of workers navigate personal challenges that were interfering with their jobs and delivered an average annual return on investment of 200 percent to its partner organizations. In 2020, Peters published his first book The SOURCE: Using the Power of Collaboration to Stabilize Your Workforce and Impact Your Community highlighting his journey from concept to creation of The Source.
This West Michigan-based model has been replicated in nearly 10 states; and Peters is currently expanding its mission to help frontline workers not only maintain their jobs but progress into better positions within or across partner companies.
Recognized by numerous companies from Ernst & Young to McDonalds, and most recently Vistage, for his leadership, Peters is an engaging speaker and storyteller who has addressed TED-x and other audiences. He lives in Grand Rapids with his daughter and dog and is an avid diver, boater, biker, and skier.

4.13.24 - Indian Trails Camp: Spring Clean Up - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-04-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to clean, fix and paint at our long-time community partner Indian Trails Camp as they prep for another year of service to the community!
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-48152601-indian
Contact: Katharina Häusler-Gross and Ted Vecchio
Date: Saturday, April 13th @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (lunch to follow)
Location: O-1859 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Details:

20 + volunteers needed
Indian Trails Camp has been a long-time community partner and is also an essential organization to our club. This is a great opportunity to work alongside our STRIVE students and lead by example to show them what it means to be an active member of Rotary and how Service Above Self can impact the community.

4.18.24 - Vonnie Woodrick - Founder, i understand
2024-04-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Vonnie Woodrick – Founder, i understand
Speaker Topic: Mental Illness and helping those who are enduring the same grief that she and her family have experienced, her story is powerful as she will share how we all can overcome the attitudes and stigmas surrounding the topic.
BIO:
After the loss of her husband, Rob, in 2003, Vonnie Woodrick’s life was forever changed, as she was forced to live a life without her loving partner and the father of their three children. Feeling as if no one understood suicide, the effects mental illness can have, and the judgment attached, Vonnie set out to change attitudes and the conversation. These efforts led to the formation of i understand in 2014. One of Vonnie’s first initiatives was to create a petition to change the definition of suicide – updating the stigmatizing definition about intentionally taking one’s life to one about suicide’s role as a terminal side effect of mental illness. Under Vonnie’s leadership, i understand continues to advocate for open conversations, better resources for loss after suicide and a stigma free society.

4.25.24 - STRIVE Luncheon
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) student mentorship luncheon. We will celebrate and highlight all the progress and wonderful things the student mentees and mentors have been up to!
ABOUT STRIVE:
Strive is a motivational mentoring program that targets high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and their life prospects. Students are paired with a mentor who is a caring, reliable, positive role model who meets regularly on a one-on-one basis. The goal is to build the student’s self-esteem and reinforce the student’s successes. Mentors also help the student set and achieve educational and personal goals, with grades, attendance, and attitude.

5.2.24 - Club 77 + New Member Recruitment Event @ Grand Rapids Ballet
2024-05-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Grand Rapids Ballet, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Come join us for our monthly Club 77 event at the Grand Rapids Ballet on May 2nd from 5 pm – 6:30 pm!
This will also be one of our New Member Recruitment Events, so bring a friend, colleague, or anyone you think would be interested in joining our club. If you are not a member and have been thinking about learning more about Rotary this is also a great opportunity.
