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Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to bring peace and stability to the world by providing water and sanitation, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, peace and conflict prevention/resolution. One of the major commitments is to eradicate polio from the face of the world. Our motto: Service Above Self.

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1. Accountability

Accountability and transparency have earned The Rotary Foundation 11 straight years of four-star ratings — the highest possible — from independent evaluator Charity Navigator. Ninety-two percent of Foundation funds are spent directly on programs. No high administrative costs dilute your gift.

2. Impact

Rotary partners with other organizations to increase our impact and make your donations work even harder. When you give to PolioPlus, for example, you have the satisfaction of knowing that every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication is matched by $2 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Thanks to this partnership, all donations to end polio (up to $50 million per year) are tripled, providing critical funding toward creating a polio-free world.

3. A record of success

Rotary unites leaders who have the skills and resources to tackle some of the world’s most difficult problems and deliver sustainable, long-lasting results. For decades, Rotary has been a leader in the battle against polio and has caused cases to plummet from 350,000 in 1988 to only a handful this year. Rotary members have also achieved notable results in other areas, like eradicating Guinea worm disease in Ghana.

4. Global reach

Our 1.2 million members span the globe, uniting people who have a common desire to serve others.From teaching children to read in Ecuador to a microcredit program in Indonesia, Rotary members identify local problems and use Rotary’s vast network and the resources of The Rotary Foundation to take action in their communities.

5. Local Impact

Half of everything you contribute to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund comes back to your home district. At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund(DDF). Districts can use the DDF to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects that your club and others in the district choose.

Help Rotary make a difference in the world

Marguarite receives her second Paul Harris Fellow

Marguarite Cullum receives her second Paul Harris Fellow from Custer Rotary President John Carson.

A Paul Harris Fellow is recognition for $1000 donation to The Rotary Foundation.

The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

May is Backpack month for Custer Rotary

May is Backpack month for the Custer Rotary Club. Every meeting in May; the club packs about 100 meals for the Custer Elementary School.

Senior Center Elevator

This picture from the Custer Chronicle says it all! The Rotary District 5610 Grant along with contributions from the Custer Rotary Club, upgraded and made safe the elevator system at the Custer Senior Center! That's one way to get uplifted!!!!

A Most Amazing Collection

The Custer Rotary Club met at Roseanna Harris' collection of player pianos and organs on the 24th of April. She has a wonderful collection of restored player pianos and organs that came from all over the world. She has them housed in an environmentally controlled large building in the hills about 5 miles out of Custer. Who would have known such a treasure was lurking there?

She was kind enough to give a short history on most of them, along with a song or two from them. They all have been restored. Thank you Roseanna for a wonderful experience!

HOSA presentation

Julianna Uphoff, Makenna Allen, and Peyton Helfer presented a program on HOSA. They are members of the Custer High School Chapter of HOSA- Future Health Professionals. They received a $500 donation from the Custer Rotary Club in addition to the club passing the hat for more, to assist in sending the 9 members that qualified to the National Conference.

In addition to a great presentation, Makenna Allen, won the queen of Hearts drawing worth over $200!!!!! Fun Day!

The mission and purpose of HOSA is to provide opportunities for health science education students to gain knowledge, skills, and leadership in health care.

At the State Leadership Conference, they earned the opportunity to attend the International Leadership Conference in Dallas, TX beginning June 21, 2023 by placing in the top three of their individual events. The International Conference will be an opportunity for their team to work with about 10,000 other future health care workers while experiencing competition in leadership development, teamwork, and health related workshops. They will each compete in the following events: Creative Problem Solving Team (Makenna, Mical, and Julianna), Cultural Diversity and Disparities (Sidney and Payton), Forensic Science Team ( Taylee and Brit), Health Career Photography (Hailee), Medical Law and Ethics, ( Amber Layton).

Boy Scouts Troop #25 at the Custer Rotary meeting

Brent Nelson, Troop Leader

Jaden Metz

Daniel Ferraro

Liam Dillon

Spoke to Rotary about badges they are working on, trips they are hoping to take, & projects they are doing to make money to support their programs & trips. They were given a $500 check from Rotary to support them.

Dan Hutt receives 4th Paul Harris Fellow

Dan Hutt receives his 4th Paul Harris Fellow from Custer Rotary Club John Carson. Thanks Dan for helping to make a positive difference in the world!

The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

The honor, named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary at age 36, was created to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.

In a recent article, journalist Arnold Grahl listed several great reasons to give to Rotary.

1. Accountability

2. Impact

3. A record of success

4. Global reach

5. Local Impact

Help Rotary make a difference in the world

Become A Paul Harris Fellow Today

Asst DG Jean Cline visit to Custer Rotary

Asst. DG Jean Cline from District 5610 makes a presentation about the School of St. Jude Rotary sponsors in Tanzania.

Lights for the Mickleson Trail

Peg Ryan from Custer City Council & Colleen Hennessy from the Recreation Committee spoke to members about a proposed plan to light the citywide Mickelson Trail with solar lights.

New Librarian

Jessica Phelps, new Custer County Librarian, spoke of her background and the current & future of the library. The main focus of the Library Foundation & library funds will be the Hermosa Library.

The Storehouse at Custer

Storehouse volunteer, Kim Canete, updated the Custer Rotary Club on what’s happening.
Custer Rotarian, Rob McWhorter presented $500 check to Kim for the Storehouse.

Nice Challenge!!

“Rotary President John Carson (R) and Custer Lions President Fred Mills (L) each presents $500 checks to the Custer area Meals on Wheels program to assist seniors who cannot afford their meal costs. Accepting the checks are Senior Meals Site Manager Tiffany Wilcox (CL) and Cook Katy Ryan (CR). The Lions had challenged the Rotary to match $200, but the Rotary bumped the challenge up to $500 each, which the Lions bravely rose rose to meet!"

Christmas for Kids!

Cory Virtue shared with the Custer Rotary Club, The Christmas for Kids program. They raise funds for kids in the community for Christmas presents. They average over 100 kids per year. Custer Rotary is donating $500.00 to the program. Thanks for what you do Cory!

Happenings at the Y

Our own RexJorgensen, Director of Custer YMCA, receives a $500. Donation from Custer Rotary President John Carson. He then gave the club an update on the Y. Last year they set a record for total membership. With a new bus for the Y, and the many programs, the Y has been busy. This last year there were about 35 employees, with lots of volunteer help. The Y and Custer school district collaborated on different programs. Thanks Rex for a successful Y!

Dennis Krull, new District 30 Representative

Newly elected District 30 Representative Dennis Krull, updated Custer Rotary Club on his goals! We look forward to your leadership as you represent us in Pierre! Thanks for taking time to update the Club.

Crazy Horse Memorial Donation

CEO of Crazy Horse Memorial, Whitney Rencountre, accepting a $500 gift donation to The Indian University of North America from Rotary Board Member, Marguerite Cullum.

Linda Anderson

Jun 05, 2023

Black Hills Playhouse

Verl Scheibe

Jun 12, 2023

A short visual on Diving!! Kinda fishy!

Mayor Bob Brown

Jun 19, 2023

Update from the Mayors office

Bruce Nearhood, District 5610 incoming President

Jun 26, 2023

The Rotary Foundation, what's it all about!

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CUSTER HONORED ROTARIANS

HONORED ROTARIANS

Roy Roadifer

We Honor Past President Rotarian, Roy Roadifer, he passed away on 8 Dec, 2020. We remember Roy, as a loyal Rotarian, a knowledgeable geologist, always explaining things about the Black Hills, and a wonderful Humanitarian. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Roy had been an active member for over 26 years and had over 19 years of perfect attendance. He had served in Okinawa during WW2.
To his wife Ramona, and family, our condolences.

Jill Kettle

We Honor Past President Rotarian, Jill Kettle, who passed away unexpectedly on November 16th. Jill's constant smile and can do attitude was always there as she got things done! She was a hard working Rotarian that lead by example! Jill was an active member of Custer Rotary since 2014. Her leadership at the Custer Senior Center kept it vibrant, and alive. Jill was very active in several local service organizations. She was always giving of herself to help others, a Paul Harris Fellow and True Rotarian. Our Sympathies to Ron and her family, and the dogs she loved.

Sue Brown

We Honor Past Custer Rotarian Board member, Sue Brown. Sue passed away May 10th. She will be remembered for her wonderful smile, and the many who were touched by her generosity, and kindness.
She served on the Boards of many nonprofit organizations in the fields of education, housing, and women’s issues including the Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, United Way and Volunteers of America. She also served on the Boards of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Rotary. She served two terms on the Sioux Falls School Board, worked as a financial services representative for her husband’s business and became President/CEO the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation in 1995. She retired from that position in 2006. Both the School Board and Community Foundation were works that matched Sue’s passions, and she considered these opportunities two of the turning points in her life.

Rotary awards US$2 million to prevent cervical cancer in Egypt

Rotary awards US$2 million to prevent cervical cancer in EgyptMore than 30,000 girls to be vaccinated against HPV, 10,000 women will be screened for cervical cancer in greater

Rotary awards US$2 million grant to fight cervical cancer in Egypt

Grant announced at Rotary's Convention in Melbourne will fund large-scale program to reduce case numbers, raise awareness, and improve women’s access to medical care.

Excitement builds for Melbourne

The 2023 Rotary International convention will offer endless inspiration for the year to come.

Watch: Rotary’s People of Action: Champions of Inclusion broadcast event

Watch: Rotary’s People of Action: Champions of Inclusion broadcast