Members of the Rock Island Rotary Club work to raise money, donate, and volunteer on various efforts. As a result of our efforts, we are able to help our local community and communities throughout the world. Our efforts are aligned with our club’s mission and the mission of Rotary International. This page depicts some of the work our club is involved in.
Earl Hanson Partnership
The club has an ongoing supportive relationship with Earl Hanson Elementary school in Rock Island. Books and school supplies are donated to the students. Tutoring and other volunteer opportunities are provided to members. The club promotes literacy in all the schools and in the community. and a fall field trip to the “Pumpkin Patch” is sponsored by the club
Summer Youth Enrichment Program
In 2016 we provided a $8,250 grant to the Springforward Learning Center for the Summer Youth Enrichment Program. This program helps reduce summer learning loss for Rock Island youth.
Rock Island High School Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Class
In 2015 Rock Island Rotary provided the lead gift of $10,000 to sponsor the innovative Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Class at Rock Island High School. This project won a Rotary District award for “Outstanding Club Project” in 2016. Members of the club also volunteer time to help develop this program and mentor students.
Youth Exchange Program
The Youth Exchange Program provides opportunities for inbound students from other countries to live with a host family and attend high school in our community. Local students are provided the chance to study abroad during their senior year and live with families in a foreign country.
Scholarships & Awards
Rock Island Rotary sponsors students from Alleman and Rock Island High School to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award annual program. The club awards three scholarships each year to deserving high school seniors in honor of former member Bert Blood. We also host an annual awards luncheon to recognize community leaders, club leaders and the top ranking high school seniors.
Community Funds/Donations
The board of the Rock Island Rotary Club annually approves a budget that includes funds to support programs offered by non-profit organizations in the community. In 2016, this fund allowed us to provide nearly $20,000 of support to over 15 local not-for-profits.
Children’s Garden
In 2014 the Rock Island Rotary club raised and donated over $100,000 to the Quad City Botanical Center. This donation was used towards the construction of a new Children’s Garden which was opened to the public on May 14, 2014.
Global Projects
Since Rotary is an international organization, Rock Island Rotary has a Global Projects Committee that reviews possible international projects that warrant consideration for support. Water purification projects in parts of the world where the need is great are often priorities for this committee.