Celebrating Rotary Foundation Month: Investing in Our Communities' Future

By Pamela Brumbaugh    

Passing of Past District Governor Rev. Dr. Ralph F. Schibler  

Give a Little. Change a Lot. Maybe Win $1,000.

Join the Challenge: Operation Full Plate Begins!

Congrats to 2026 RLI Level II Graduates!

Charting the Future: District Visioning Day Highlights

Save the Date: 2026 EPIC Day of Service

District 6600 Names New Council on Legislation Representative

Past District Governor Deb Cheney was recently selected to represent District 6600 as our next delegate to the Council on Legislation, which will convene in the spring of 2028. A committee of seven past district governors interviewed all interested candidates and chose PDG Cheney for this important role. She succeeds PDG Keith Hodkinson, who previously served in this position. The COL delegate term is a three-year commitment.

The Council on Legislation (COL) is, in essence, Rotary’s “parliament.” It meets every three years to review, deliberate on, and vote upon proposed enactments and resolutions submitted by clubs, districts, the General Council and Conference of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, and the RI Board. The Council itself may also propose legislation.

The COL is a vital part of Rotary’s governance structure. While the Board of Directors sets Rotary International policy, the Council is where Rotary clubs have their voice in shaping the future of our organization. Every district sends one elected representative to the triennial meeting, and every club and district is eligible to propose legislation. Many of Rotary’s most significant milestones have come through Council action—including the 1989 decision to admit women to Rotary and the creation of PolioPlus following the 1986 Council.

The Council is composed of more than 500 representatives from Rotary districts around the world. Voting members include one delegate from each district, while non-voting members include the Council chair and vice chair, the RI president, RI Board members, and past RI presidents. (Source: Rotary International)

Look for more Council on Legislation information in upcoming newsletters. District leadership encourages every club to become familiar with the COL process and to consider how they, as a club, can participate in shaping future change within Rotary.

Ohio Rotary License Plates - On Rotary Christmas List?

This month, Rotary District 6600 received a letter from RI Headquarters regarding credit from the sale of Rotary license plates within the state of Ohio.

Each quarter the state sends a percentage of the sales to the Rotary Foundation. We rotate the sales on a quarterly basis to each of the five districts. This time, district 6600 received the payout which was added to our District donations this year to the Rotary Foundation. 

District 6600's own PDG Keith Hodkinson helped get the new look Rotary Personalized plates designed and approved by the State of Ohio. 

Perhaps this December, you can gift yourself a new License Plate and know that a portion of that fee will come back to Rotary and our District so we can continue to Unite for Good. Order forms are available at your local BMV. A few Rotary Plates are pictured here. Any idea who they belong to?

New Member Zoom Session on December 1!

Alison Frye will be hosting a District-wide New Member Orientation Session via Zoom on December 1st from 8:00 to 8:30 PM.  All District 6600 members and their spouses or partners are invited. 

A personal invitation will be sent to everyone who has joined in the past year. 

The zoom session will highlight the power of Rotary membership throughout our District and emphasize the value of not only your local club, but also regional, national, and international connections our organization provides. The Meeting ID is: 843 6662 46644, Passcode:  646516t

Watch for your email.

Honoring A Gentleman and Beloved Rotarian

“I’m a very ordinary person—but put me with other Rotarians, and we become something powerful. Together, we are extraordinary.”

Those words from Past District Governor Jim Schrader set the tone for an extraordinary celebration in his honor at the Findlay Rotary Noon Meeting. Jim passed away this past summer, but this heartfelt goodbye was still needed—and deeply felt. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Speakers included Past District Governors Deb Cheney and Chuck Stocking, Jim’s daughter and past President of Findlay, Carolyn Copus, club leaders, and Rotary friends joining via Zoom from across District 6600.

International Fellowship of Scouting and Rotary Club Partnerships

Purple Pinky Challenge Accepted 

Melanie Satterfield, District 6600 Polio Chair was relentless. Her high energy was obviously contagious as the first ever D6600 Purple Pinkie campaign initiative was a roaring success on World Polio Day. 

Oberlin. Maumee, Perrysburg, Elyria, Oregon Northwood, Sandusky, and many more clubs as well as groups of clubs partnering to sell Purple Pinkie Donuts and raise added funds for the Rotary Foundation's- Polio Plus Fund. All dollars, of course,  are matched two to one by the Gates Foundation. Rotarians brought donuts to Health Departments, Medical Offices, Schools, and sold them to friends, families, and local businesses. 

The dollars are still being counted. It looks like each area/club raised from $900 to $2000 dollars. Following are some fun Purple Donut snapshots from a successful day of FUNdraising, preparing deliveries, showing off purple pinkies, and more.

Rotary Foundation Receives Highest Rating from Charity Navigator for 17th Consecutive Year

The Rotary Foundation & The Learning Center

During Foundation Month, learn more about the amazing work of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) by taking courses in the Learning Center, including: 

• Rotary Foundation Basics

• Fundraising Basics

• The Importance of Giving

Explore The Rotary Foundation course catalog: on.rotary.org/49iYpQn

Your Donations to TRF Save Little Lives

November is Foundation Month, one well respected organization that has received continuous support from Rotarians and shared Grants is Gift of Life. It reaches children around the world.  

Just this month, the Gift of Life program in El Salvador is celebrating 30 years of healing little hearts! In honor of this incredible feat, here are some pictures from GOL’s last visit there in late October. Doing heart surgeries during each visit leaves many with hope and promise and no shortage of smiling faces. 

Dedicated volunteer Medical Teams provide these lifesaving surgeries for the children each year. Rotarians in the medical field are welcome to join on one or more of these trips to deliver healing for little hearts. 

To learn more about this program in El Salvador, visit this link: https://giftoflifeinternational.org/el-salvador/

Foundation Legacy Campaign Update

"Our District’s Legacy Campaign continues to build momentum and we’ve already reached 50% of our goal!", reports Diana Savage, Co-Chair of this special 2025-2026 initiative. 

We had an inspiring week of visiting clubs at end of October with Tyler Stokesbary from Rotary International; He reminded us how vital The Rotary Foundation is to sustaining the good we do in our communities and around the world.

Now, we’re encouraging every Rotarian to get involved. Whether through a personal gift, a club contribution, or by simply helping share the message. Your participation matters.

Together, we can ensure that our Foundation continues to make a positive and lasting impact—forever.  Whether it be through a bequest or an outright donation, consider joining our efforts. Following are some Rotary supported partner non- profits which do good around the world. It is no surprise that these organizations receive support from both The Rotary Foundation and from individual Rotary Clubs via shared Grants. When these organizations send volunteer medical or project teams to villages and remote countries Rotarians are among them.

Where Do TRF Donations Go? A Look at ShelterBox 

This year, Myanmar was hit by the largest earthquake in over a century, tearing through homes, hospitals, mosques, churches, monasteries, and pagodas. A state of emergency was declared as millions of families were left without shelter, facing urgent needs for protection.

Thiri gave birth to her baby son on the very day the earthquake struck, escaping the collapsing hospital just in time. This was only the beginning of her family’s hardships in the aftermath of the disaster. ShelterBox has worked to provide life-sustaining support to families like hers following the earthquake.

Thiri’s story is just one example from one country in distress. Regretfully, disasters have no plan and little advance warning. Yet The Rotary Foundation and Rotarians are there when needed.

The Rotary Foundation is involved with ShelterBox through both financial contributions and on-the-ground logistical support, acting as an official project partner in disaster relief since 2012. Rotary provides funds, raises awareness, and uses its vast network of local clubs to assist ShelterBox response teams with transportation, translation, and coordination with local authorities during emergencies. This partnership—which began when a Rotary club founded ShelterBox in 2000—is instrumental in helping ShelterBox respond quickly and effectively to disasters worldwide.

Disaster relief is one of the priorities of The Rotary Foundation. Read Thiri’s story: https://bit.ly/4osj4WT

Club Legacy Presentations Happening

A Fun November for RYE Students

RYE Familes Are Forever

100 Years of Service - Loudonville

The Loudonville Rotary Club celebrated its 100th anniversary Thursday, October 23rd, with a dinner and remarks from club members and Rotary District 6600 Governor Pam Brumbaugh.  “Over the last century, Loudonville rotarians have continued that tradition: showing up for the community, leading with integrity and demonstrating what it truly means to be people of action,” Rotary District 6600 Governor Pam Brumbaugh told the group.

“Let this next chapter be one where you continue to build bridges, strengthen friendships and collaborate, not just within your club, but with your community and fellow rotarions across the district and around the world,” Brumbaugh said.  Brumbaugh then presented club President John Carroll with the Centennial Certificate of Recognition from Rotary International.

Carroll proceeded to tell club members about the history of the organization, which was officially formed on Oct. 26, 1925.He shared that the group became increasingly active in the 1930s, even amid the Great Depression. He mentioned a unique blood drive during a blood shortage amid World War Two.

In the 1970s the club became heavily involved in the youth exchange program, which boasts 57 outbound and inbound students involved in the exchange, according to 100th Anniversary Program.  One of the students who participated in the program was Carroll’s own daughter, Sarah, Who visited Argentina for a couple of months.  By the mid 1980’s, the club had gained a significant amount of new members, in part due to Rotary International  changing it’s by laws to invite   women to join rotary clubs.

While a smaller club in number of members, John shared with a proud smile, “…we’ve sort of learned to do more.   All of us within the club work together and get things done.”

Congratulations Loudonville! 100 years young!

Celina Rotary's Christmas Cash Giveaway 

Fremont Rotary Launches Youth Lending Library

Findlay Rotary Partners with Young Professionals

The Findlay Rotary Club recently celebrated the launch of a new partnership with the Findlay Young Professionals (FYP). During a special visit, Brittany and Brittany from FYP shared an overview of their dynamic organization, which includes 136 active members between the ages of 18 and 40.

This collaboration opens new doors for connection, mentorship, and shared service. FYP members expressed enthusiasm about engaging with Findlay Rotarians—not only as partners on community projects, but also as mentees learning from Rotary’s deep well of leadership and service experience.

Together, Rotary and FYP are building a stronger, more connected future for Findlay.

Findlay Rotary Clubs Welcome DG Pam

The Findlay Rotary Club and Findlay Flag City Morning Rotary recently held a joint meeting featuring a visit from Rotary District 6600 Governor Pamela Brumbaugh. Governor Pamela shared an inspiring message centered on service, connectivity, and the collective impact Rotary achieves across our district.

With more than 2,700 members in District 6600, her remarks highlighted the strength we gain when clubs collaborate and support one another. The gathering was a meaningful reminder of Rotary’s shared mission and the power of our combined efforts.

Governor Brumbaugh is pictured with Afternoon Rotary President Chris Webb and Morning Rotary President Hillary Coughlin.

Chris Cheney's Flag City Honor Flight Experience

On October 14, Anthony Wayne Area Rotary President Chris Cheney had the honor of participating in a Flag City Honor Flight — a deeply moving program that flies World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteransfrom Toledo Express Airport to Washington, D.C.

Throughout the day, veterans visited Arlington National Cemetery and the nation’s war memorials, reflecting on their service and sacrifices in an experience both emotional and unforgettable.

Chris, a Vietnam Marine Corps Veteran, was especially touched by the warm welcome home celebration organized by Flag City Honor Flight upon returning to Toledo. For many Vietnam veterans, this moment was profoundly meaningful, as they did not receive a proper welcome following their service decades ago.

Family, friends, and Rotarians were among those cheering as Chris and his fellow veterans entered the hangar at Toledo Express Airport. The veterans were surprised and deeply moved by the enthusiastic crowd and the heartfelt letters and cards received during “Mail Call.”

This was the fourth flight of the year for Findlay’s Flag City Honor Flight, which has now completed 34 flights for veterans across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

If your Rotary Club has not yet hosted a presentation from Flag City Honor Flight, please consider inviting a representative to share their mission and impact. It’s an inspiring reminder of gratitude, service, and honor.

Lima Rotary Hosts Service Club Leaders

Lima Rotary Focuses on Importance of Employee Value

Mystery is in the Air:  Lorain Rotary Trivia

It's November and as is tradition, the Lorain Rotary Club hosted another winning Trivia Contest at German's Villa in Vermilion.  This year ... with a mystery theme.

Twenty four  Rotary Club and Business Teams from Elyria, Oberlin, Lorain, Vermilion and neighboring communities were ready for a night of Trivia from everything mystery and drama. The Trivia Winners did enjoy Cash Prizes as well as bragging rights. Winning teams were: 

• 1st place    Beatles

• 2nd place   Cliffnotes

• 3rd place   Amherst Animal Hospital 

The biggest winner, however, was Lorain Rotary’s Foundation and its service projects from Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio to sponsoring classrooms for Teach Haiti. 

Take a look at some dedicated Trivia Players and those participants who came dressed for a night of Mystery. 

2025 Pints for Polio - A Perfect Excuse to Gather!

North Coast Rotary in Action at Knollwood Elementary

Students at Knollwood Elementary School in Sheffield Lake now have a safe, accessible walking path to support their “Walk-a-Mile on Wednesday” program—thanks to the hands-on efforts of the North Coast Rotary Club. The project is already helping kids stay active, build healthy habits, and enjoy outdoor learning opportunities.

The initiative began when the school principal reached out to Rotary for support. With help from a District 6600 grant, strong Rotarian connections, and generous donations from club members, the path quickly became a reality. A talented club member led the construction of a protective fence to ensure student safety, demonstrating the power of having members with diverse skills and backgrounds.

The project isn’t finished yet. The final phase—a new outdoor learning space—will be completed this spring, expanding the school’s ability to engage students through movement and nature.

Ottawa-Glandorf Provides Meals In Time for Thanksgiving

North Coast Rotary Warms Hearts for the Holidays

Twenty homebound senior citizens felt loved this holiday season thanks to the caring efforts of North Coast Rotary. Club members assembled 20 festive baskets for Neighborhood Alliance, each thoughtfully filled with warm socks, hats, gloves, hygiene items, snacks, crossword puzzles, playing cards, and a holiday ornament to brighten someone’s day.

Supported by a Thrivent grant and generous contributions from Rotarians, the project brought comfort and connection to seniors who often spend the holidays alone. It’s a simple act of kindness with a big impact—reminding our most vulnerable neighbors that their community cares.

Looking for a Compelling Speaker? MESA is on the Road

This month, Kurt Anderson, chair of the MESA (Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad) Bike Tour, visited the Oregon–Northwood Rotary Club to share the remarkable story and impact of the MESA Foundation. Founded in 1980 to deliver medical equipment to Pakistan during the Russian invasion, MESA—headquartered in Fostoria—continues to change lives across the globe.

MESA collects, sanitizes, and repurposes medical and surgical supplies, shipping them to communities with limited access to lifesaving equipment. Nearly 30 shipments have been sent to Ukraine, with additional containers currently en route to Ukraine and Belize. Most shipments support Central American countries, and MESA has also delivered materials as far as Mongolia.

Beyond medical supplies, MESA often includes school materials, clothing, and other essential items in its containers—maximizing every shipment to meet broader community needs.

Rotary clubs and volunteers are always welcome to help sort and organize donations at the Fostoria warehouse, making this an accessible hands-on service opportunity for clubs across the district.

From wheelchairs and crutches to hospital beds and dialysis machines, MESA embodies Rotary’s commitment to putting service into action—and making a real difference worldwide.

Sandusky Rotary Clothes Kids - One Child at a Time

Toledo Rotary Members Check-in with Selfies

Toledo Rotary has found a creative way to boost engagement and capture the energy of their members—check-in selfies.The idea is simple: members snap a quick photo at meetings or events, and those images become a fun visual record of participation, fellowship, and Rotary pride.

Last week, the club celebrated with a round of check-in selfies at their Monday luncheon, followed by a productive Club Leader Assembly on Tuesday evening at Ice Restaurant 419. Leaders reviewed the Strategic Plan, celebrated successes, and identified areas for growth—all while keeping the atmosphere upbeat and connected.

Members send their photos to the club for use on Facebook and in their own social posts. And in true Toledo fashion, they add a bit of friendly competition: send in your check-in photos and earn points toward prizes.

It’s a simple, fun way to highlight club involvement and strengthen member engagement.
Why not give it a try in your club?

Toledo Rotary Club Foundation Lifts up Young Learners

Thanks to a $7,500 grant from the Toledo Rotary Club Foundation, the Believe Center’s Believin’ in Summer Camp welcomed nearly 50 campers this year from the Old South End, greater Lucas County, and beyond. The camp offered a full summer of exploration and growth—introducing young people to STEM experiments, arts activities, wilderness skills, and the power of positive mentorship.

Four days a week, campers learned new skills, built friendships, and enjoyed healthy meals in a safe, supportive environment. For many, it was a place to discover confidence, connection, and community.

Toledo Rotary celebrated this meaningful impact during Foundation Day at the November 10 meeting—highlighting how Foundation grants help create life-changing opportunities for local youth. 

Van Wert Rotarians and Jr. Rotarians at Work

The Van Wert Rotary Club recently partnered with Jr. Rotarians and local organizations to support the quarterly mobile food pantry—an effort that made a powerful difference for the community. Together, volunteers helped provide food to 218 families, a meaningful reminder of what can be accomplished through collaboration and service.

Each quarter, Van Wert Rotary joins community partners to ensure that local families have access to essential resources. This ongoing commitment reflects the club’s dedication to Service Above Self and to meeting real needs close to home. 

This is One Holiday-Ready Raffle!

Halloween: From Hancock County to Elyria, Waterville to Huron

Rotarians just love to dress up and join in the Trick or Treat and local Halloween fun!  Rotarians volunteered at the Findlay Hancock Historical Museum Spooktacular. Kyle got to pop popcorn.  Hillary served hot chocolate and Kari, Betsy and Laurie helped in the craft room. Kids came dressed in their best costumes and everyone had a great time.

Outside in Huron, Allyssa was ready to roar for the Trunk & Treat Event this year. Sunny but cold breezes. And in Waterville and Elyria as well as Sandusky, the candy and skeletons were everywhere. And so were Rotarians connecting with the community.

400 Flags for Veterans

On a November Thursday the Bucyrus High School Interact Club prepared the Veterans Day Field of Flags. It took 19 students from 1.5 - 2 hours each placing almost 400 flags in perfect straight measured lines.

What a wonderful volunteer service to recognize all Veterans.  Bucyrus residents and Rotarians  were then invited to take a few minutes and drive by to see this Field of Flags.  

All funds received to get the display flags went directly to the Disabled Veterans to assist those who gave so much.  Thank you.  Wonderful service project.

$100,000 Grant for a Bold Initiative

The Crawford County History Alliance is proud to be a part of a bold initiative to help students become modern-day revolutionaries in their own communities!  This service-learning project will involve members of the Bucyrus HS Interact and Wynford HS Interact Clubs (both extensions of the Bucyrus Rotary Club).  This initiative is designed to help facilitate civic engagement in local America 250-Ohio projects, including the “Lincoln Highway Beautification Project.” 

ServeOhio, the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recently announced a $100,000 investment in youth service-learning and civic engagement through the 2025–26 Service-Learning Institute, supporting 20 schools and nonprofit organizations across the state. 

This initiative, made possible through a partnership with America 250-Ohio, empowers K–12 students to become modern-day revolutionaries in their communities through high-quality, youth-lead service-learning projects.

Lima's Bath Interact in Action

In November, Bath High School Interact Students definitely showed how to "Put Service Above Self". Here was a group of teenagers giving up their Saturday to volunteer at Lima Noon Sertoma Pancake Day!  Some of these students were there at 6AM!!  Some stayed until 1:00!

They served drinks, food, cleaned tables and kept asking "what needs done next". They not only made Lima Rotary proud, they helped Sertoma make a difference. Definitely an example of service and leadership to our Lima community!

In October,  it looked like a well-oiled machine as the Lima Rotary Club lent a helping hand to the West Ohio Food Bank.  Rotarians teamed up with twenty members of Bath High School's Interact Club to pack food boxes for the food bank.  The food boxes were earmarked for the Senior and Green RX box programs.  As part of the food bank's “Travelling Service Project", local groups and volunteers, young and old alike, help take a dent out of the hours of labor needed to help the hungry in our area.

“We have a very small staff and we are trying to get these boxes packed for all 11 counties that we serve,” says Tommie Horner, CEO of the West Ohio Food Bank.  “So, this is so helpful for us.” 

Bath Interactors also volunteered helping to sort racks of bread for the Food Bank to hand out to local food pantries.  Then they helped clean up the boxes and other things around the facility.

Anthony Wayne Packs Food for Thanksgiving

Anthony Wayne Area Rotary and the Anthony Wayne Interact Club spent several November evenings packing food into oversized grocery bags. They received a Grant with Neighborhood Bridges to fund this work. 

Neighborhood Bridges is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was launched in 2017 to  respond to the growing rate of poverty in suburban and rural communities. 

Their mission has been adopted by AWA Rotary and the Anthony Wayne Interact Club to assure schools are providing basic needs, removing barriers, and seeking equity for students so they can engage and succeed in school   and life. 

In the Anthony Wayne area, food is the biggest "act of kindness".  Rotary made it happen this November. 

Madison Gendaszek, AW Interact President, has shared these pictures. One night of bagging,  63 bags ready to deliver in time for Thanksgiving.

Ottawa-Glandorf High School Welcomes New Interact Club

Show off your impact! Email a brief write-up (what/when/impact) and one photo to d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com.

Images from Around the District

Wouldn't you like to see your club's photos in this space? Send your good quality photos and a caption to the D6600 Public Image Team at d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com!

Events & Opportunities

Have an event coming up? Add it to the DACdb Calendar as a Club Fundraiser or email your flyer to d6600-public-image@googlegroups.com to be featured here.

The Three-Legged Stool

Rotary clubs are strongest when three essential “legs” work together: Membership, The Rotary Foundation, and Public Image. Like a stool, all three are needed for balance and strength. Each month we’ll highlight news and updates from these areas of focus to help your clubs grow, serve, and shine.  Here are this month's updates. 

Where to Find Rotary’s Governing Documents

Lately, district leaders have received several questions about where to find the most up-to-date governing documents for both Rotary International and District 6600. The quick guides below will help you locate everything you need, including club constitution and bylaw templates.

If you need assistance logging into DACdb or MyRotary, you can contact Sharon Trabbic at sharon@trabbic.com

The D6600 Video Podcast Is LIVE!