The Eastern Independence Rotary Club “laced up” for a great cause during their recent support of the Shoes for Orphan Souls drive. Since its inception in 1999, Shoes for Orphan Souls has been dedicated to providing new shoes and socks to orphans and vulnerable children across the United States and in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Welcome to Rotary Club of Eastern Independence!
Rotarians Matt Flax, Sonci Bleckinger, and Sue Gochis teamed up as judges for the recent Job Olympics event for high school students in special education programs. This annual gathering provides these students with the chance to participate in real world job skills competitions. The competitions match skills needed in the workplace.
Members of the Rotary Club of Eastern Independence were busy volunteering over the Labor Day weekend. They first supported the Independence Chamber SantaCaliGon festival by working in the Main Stage beverage garden and by delivering ice to vendors.
Despite the excessive heat, the 2025 Rotary Winefest was a hit as usual. Lots of great wine, music, and vendors were spread throughout the venue. The focus of the fundraising this year was the Rotary Youth Camp which will be put toward a Splashpad for the camp. Hundreds of children will reap the benefits of the 2025 fest for years to come!
The purpose of the Annual Giving Thanks Community Connections event is to assemble non-profit (501c3) organizations and civic/service groups to learn more about services and support that each provides within the Independence Community. As a member of one of those groups, you are invited to have breakfast with us and share information about your organization.
Club members volunteered to help with the All for the Children, a FREE event held at the MCC Blue River campus in Independence each year, with lots of carnival-type activities. There was costumed characters, information and entertainment booths ran by MCC Students and community agencies plus a 10,000 egg hunt!
Our Rotary Club recently hosted a fantastic social where we came together to collect items for the 'Baskets of Hope' initiative by Hope House. Your generosity will brighten the lives of many. Thank you for being part of this incredible cause!
Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity was chosen at the Charity of Choice for Winefest 2022, and today we were able to present a $30,000 check to the organization! Thank you, Truman Habitat, for all the work you do in our community.
Several club members served supper to the community at the Stone Church Neighborhood Dinner tonight. A few of our younger family members came along too. Future Rotarians for sure! #ServiceAboveSelf
The Eastern Independence Rotary Club annually presents the “Rotarian of the Year Bob Jones Memorial Award”. This award, which was named for Bob Jones, a club member who passed away in 2008, was established the following year and is presented annually to the club member who most exemplifies the values of Rotary. These members will have taken leadership positions, displaying high ethical standards, showing a dedication to fostering new ideas, and embracing opportunities to be of service on community and global projects.
The Eastern Independence Rotary Club annually presents the “Service Above Self Award Randy High Memorial” to a member for outstanding commitment to service and giving back to the community. The award was established in memory of club member Randy High, who passed away in 2014.
Our Rotary Club has a long history of Presidents who remain active club members today.
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Independence, MO 64055
United States of America