SERVICE PROJECTS
Rotary’s service projects are developing the next generation of leaders, providing funding to make the world a better place, and making peace a priority. Our programs are not only for club members. You too can make a difference in our community through Rotary.
2019-2020 Charity of the Year- kidscommons
Club President's Charity of the Year
Each year, our Club President selects a local charity to be featured during their term in office. This charity is introduced to the club membership, gaining exposure for their efforts in the community. At the end of the year the charity is presented with all of the funds raised through the weekly "Happy Bucks" as well as any special club fundraisers that year.
Following are some of the organizations that have been our past charity of the year:
Adventure Concerts
Our Club is pleased to both provide financial and volunteer support for the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Adventure Concerts. This one day series of three 45-minute concerts shares live orchestral music with over 2,500 local 3rd and 4th grade students. For some, this is their first experience with this type of performance - or live music performed by a group of any kind. The Adventure Concerts are often the spark than ignites a child’s interest in learning more about music.
"I Like Me!" Book Program
Each year the Columbus Rotary Club makes a personalized "I Like Me!" book available to every kindergarten student in Bartholomew County. A product of Kindergartners Count Inc., the I Like Me! books help instill a love of reading, provide a positive message, build character, and promote school / community partnerships. The Columbus Rotary Club works with the county's kindergarten teachers to personalize the books for their students, orders the books, and delivers them to each classroom. Our Club is very thankful for the local businesses, individuals, and charitable foundations that help fund these book purchases. Thanks to this combined effort, approximately 1,000 students receive these books each year.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening (RYLA)
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening) is one of the most significant and fastest growing programs of Rotary service. Each year thousands of young people take part in the program worldwide. the impact spreads further as the program influences other young people. RYLA programs often lead to the formation or strengthening of Rotaract and Interact clubs. RYLA aims to:
Demonstrate Rotary’s Respect and Concern for Youth
Provide an Effective Training Experience for Selected Youth and Potential Leaders
Encourage Leadership of Youth by Youth
Recognize Publicly Young People who are Rendering Service to their Communities
Abby’s House- Hillside Health Care International
Abby’s House offers housing for students at the Hillside Health Care International in Punta Gorda, Belize. The student dormitory is named in memory of Abigail Drake Brinkman, a fourth year medical student from Indiana University School of Medicine who died in a tragic diving accident on a weekend excursion in October, 2005 while doing a rotation at the Hillside Clinic. Riley Hospital for Children awarded her an honorary pediatric residency as it was her lifelong dream to become a pediatrician and to devote a part of each year to mission work in underserved areas of the world. Abby's House was built because of the amazing efforts of the Brinkman family, the Rotary Club of Columbus, IN and many other people. It is the result of the desire of her family and friends to improve the lives of the rural people she so loved by providing housing for additional students.
Judson Erne Scholarship
The Columbus Rotary / Judson Erne scholarship is given in honor of Judson Erne, a Rotarian for more than 60 years who exemplifies the Rotary motto Service Above Self. Mr. Erne provided 42 years of service to others as an educator, including 25 years as principal at Columbus High School, where he influenced the lives of over 12,000 young men and women. Mr. Erne was an innovative educator, challenging the standards of the day and constantly raising the bar of achievement.
The Judson Erne Scholarship is given to a graduating high school senior pursuing a college career in either; education, divinity, nursing or social work. Selection is based on the applicant’s scholastic record, having been a member of a school sponsored service organization and participating in both school and community service projects.
Interact Club
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.
Celebrate the global impact of Interact by getting involved in:
World Interact Week
Interact Video Awards
Rotary Youth Day at the United Nations
Global Youth Service Day