Rotary Club of Ludington plays an important role in supporting local organizations that advance the public good, foster innovation, and address community needs. This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to solicit applications from eligible entities seeking funding for sustainable projects and programs. We prioritize projects that provide benefits beyond the year in which the grant is awarded, that demonstrate measurable outcomes, support one or more of our Areas of Focus, involve active participation by Rotary members, or are sponsored by a member of Rotary. We will not accept proposals from individuals, families or for-profit organizations and will not consider projects for the operating, administrative, or indirect program expenses of another organization.
|
Rotary Club of Ludington is accepting Proposals for a $5,000 grant for 2026
|
Bob Vipond
|
2026-07-23 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Rotary Club of Ludington anticipates awarding a grant ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on the scope, scale, and impact of the proposal. Rotary plays an important role in supporting local organizations that advance the public good, foster innovation, and address community needs. This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to solicit applications from eligible entities seeking funding for sustainable projects and programs. We prioritize projects that provide benefits beyond the year in which the grant is awarded, that demonstrate measurable outcomes, and support one or more of our Areas of Focus.
|
Rotary Club of Ludington is accepting Proposals for a $5,000 grant
|
Bob Vipond
|
2025-07-22 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
|
|
You Are Invited!
|
Michelle King
|
2024-10-26 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Austin Garcia, President (Hart); Tim Harvell, President-elect (Shelby); Julee Sarto, President (Ludington); Jack Greve, Executive Director, SPLKA; Bob Vipond, Grant Chairman (Ludington) The Rotary Club of Ludington in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Shelby and Hart donated a $7,876 check to Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) to support SPLKA’s effort to bring reliable electricity and internet to its trailer at Little Sable Point Lighthouse. SPLKA manages and maintains four historic lighthouses on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. In July 2023, Jack Greve, SPLKA executive director, sent out a plea asking for donations to make SPLKA operations at Little Sable Point Lighthouse sustainable for the long-term. “Installing these utilities will drastically improve our services to our lighthouse guests, help retain our current volunteers, and make it easier to recruit new volunteers,” Greve said. “For those that have volunteered at Little Sable Point Lighthouse, you know first-hand how unreliable power and the internet is at this site.” Rotary Club of Ludington responded by applying for a grant for matching funds from Rotary District 6290. To maximize the donation, the Ludington cub asked for support and collaboration from neighboring communities. The Rotary Clubs of Shelby and Hart joined with Ludington for a combined contribution of $4,500 and were able to secure a grant for an additional $3,376 in matching funds. “We can’t thank you enough,” Greve said. He said the addition of power and reliable internet service will help to attract volunteer keepers to the site, while providing reliable phone service for safety. “Preservation, promoting and educating the public about the historical significance of our lighthouses is critical to the historical preservation of our beautiful Great Lakes,” Bob Vipond, Ludington Rotary Club.
|
Rotary Clubs of Ludington, Hart, Shelby Donate to SPLKA
|
Michelle King
|
2024-01-26 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
 Dale Horowski presented a $3000 check from the Rotary Club of Ludington to Emily Garland, Mason County District Library - Ludington and Scottville’s children’s librarian, in support of the Unbound student book delivery program during Rotary's Thursday, January 11th noon meeting. "Literacy is a major area of focus for Rotary International", Horowski, Ludington Past President said. "The Unbound program seeks to eliminate barriers to access to books for underserved students in Mason County. "In 2019 as the COVID pandemic was just beginning, the Rotary Club of Ludington applied for a grant from Community Foundation for Mason County in the amount of $3,000. With this initial funding, the current Unbound program was launched to serve Mason County Eastern Schools and Gateway to Success Academy (G2S). Today, Unbound has been successfully implemented throughout the county." It is the second donation of $3,000 from Rotary Club of Ludington to Unbound. Garland said 17,381 books have been lent to students through the program since Unbound's inception in 2019, including 1,518 so far this school year. That has meant a potential savings to students and their families of an estimated $171,000 by borrowing the books instead of buying them.
|
$3,000 Donation to Unbound Book Program
|
Michelle King
|
2024-01-15 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Ludington's Debra Kinnaird, along with two other content experts, led a panel discussion on "Best Practices for Increasing Club Member Engagement" at the District 6290 Fall Training session held in Cadillac on October 7th. Approximately 120 conference attendees listened in as the panel discussed the following topics: - What are some of the Best Practices for clubs to increase member engagement?
- Will you tell about some of the Rotary Club Central resources available to clubs?
- How does one conduct a Club Health check?
- What are some pitfalls that you would recommend Clubs look out for when recruiting new members to the club?
- How do we start a new club?
Debra Kinnaird is joined by fellow District 6290 Rotarians Kirk Dornbush and Dale Charters Kinnaird shared how the Ludington Rotary Club took on the challenge of renovating the park now known as Rotary Park, in downtown Ludington. The park has become a renowned landmark in Ludington, and a great advertisement for potential new club members.
|
Deb Kinnaird Presents at District 6290 Fall Training
|
Michelle King
|
2023-10-17 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
The Ludington Rotary Club was established in 1933: 90 years ago! Our celebration was appropriately led by Jim Jensen, President of the Mason County Historical Society and long time Rotarian. Jim led us through a brief history of our club's origin, our longest serving current members, memories of the Rotary Smiles Programs, various fundraising activities, service projects, and of course the Rotary Park completion. It was a joyous celebration, indeed! The Fun Committee did a beautiful job with the birthday celebration decorations. Of course, there was cake! Long time Rotarians Tom Lane, Bob Andrews, Jim Jensen, and Ivan Anthony joined the celebration.
|
Happy 90th Birthday Ludington Rotary!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-10-12 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
This week our club celebrated the final, joyous wrap-up of a project eight years in the making: the complete renovation and renaming of Ludington's beautiful Rotary Park. Tuesday night, at a club picnic held at the park, Deb Kinnaird and Linda O'Brien set afire the West Shore Bank promissory note that helped to finance the park, as the loan is now officially paid off. A sincere THANK YOU to all our club members, as well as the many businesses and individuals in our community, who were instrumental in making this project happen.
|
Park Payoff Party!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-09-22 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
What a great start for our Interact Club! Club President Ashley McPike did a fantastic job reviewing last year's activities and explaining a little about Rotary. We've got an exciting year ahead!
|
Interact Club 2023 -24 Begins
|
Michelle King
|
2023-09-19 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
On August 24, our club was honored to host our District 6290 Governor, Jeff Coil and Assistant Governor, Valerie Gerhart. Jeff graciously met with Board members prior to our regular Thursday club meeting, and then offered a very informative and inspirational update to our entire club, including two members of L.H.S. Interact Club. Thank you, Jeff, and Valarie, for your capable and generous leadership. District 6290 Governor Jeff Coil Assistant District Gov.Valerie Gerhart, Ludington Rotary Club President Julee Sarto, District Gov. Jeff Coil Betty Mousel, Deb Kinnaird, Dist. Gov. Jeff Coil, Interact Club members Amber Sherwood-Michaells & Genevieve Lux
|
A Visit From Our District Governor
|
Michelle King
|
2023-08-25 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
|
Posted by Michelle King
The "Boy Band Review" performed at West Shore Bank's Rhythm & Dunes concert Saturday night, and our elephant ear team had a few ears leftover at the end of the night. Avonlea Johnson, our youngest and spunkiest ear volunteer, delivered a few complementary ears to the band. As you can see, the Boys in the Band were very pleased!
|
"Yeah, I'm with the band": Avonlea Delivers Complementary Ears
|
Michelle King
|
2023-08-07 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
|
Posted by Michelle King
Summer time is Elephant Ear time, and Rotarians are quick to jump in and help. This year we have eight events, including Gus Macker, West Shore Art Fair, West Shore Bank's Rhythm & Dunes concerts, and Gold Coast Art Fair.
|
Elephant Ears: A Sweet Success
|
Michelle King
|
2023-08-06 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
July 15th was our Ludington Rotary Club's second Adopt-A-Highway litter cleanup outing of the year, and 16 hardy souls helped out. After a quick 1-1/2 hour session, the northern-most stretch of US 31 ending at US 10 (including three on/off ramps) was once again pristine.
|
July Highway Cleanup!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-07-16 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Dale Horowski has served brilliantly as President of our Ludington Rotary Club for the past year, and we thank him dearly, with great gratitude and respect. On July 1st, the start of our club's fiscal year, Dale officially handed the gavel over to our brand spanking new President: Julee Sarto. We are thrilled to have such talented and dedicated club members who are willing to take on this critically important role. Thank you, Dale and Julee! We look forward to another fun and productive year!
|
Welcome President Julee Sarto!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-07-05 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
The LHS Rotary Interact club scooped and gave away over 1,500 cups of free ice cream, complements of House of Flavors, at Ludington’s 150th Anniversary street party. In less than 2 hours, they raised $130.20 in donations! 
|
Interact Club Scoops HOF Ice Cream
|
Michelle King
|
2023-06-16 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
 We’re beyond proud to send three LHS students to the Rotary Life Leadership Conference, held at GVSU from 6/14 to 6/17: Genevieve Lux, Kylee Johnson, and Nadia Grierson (L to R). Congratulations, women! We look forward to hearing of your adventures at the conference.
|
Rotary Life Leadership Conference
|
Michelle King
|
2023-06-16 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
President Dale Horowski welcomes our newest member, Andrea Pehrson McKenzie, into our Rotary Club of Ludington as her sponsor Deb Del Zoppo supports her induction.
|
Welcome Andrea Pehrson McKenzie!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-06-11 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
For the second time in two years, Ludington Rotarian Steve Begnoche has a winning photo included in Rotary Magazine's annual photography awards. Congratulations, Steve! "Jitterbuggin, Steve Begnoche, aka American Coot Photography From Steve: "Jitterbuggin" is one of 11 winning images published by Rotary Magazine in its 2023 international photo contest. I made it on my now-retired iPhone 6 from my kayak on Upper Hamlin Lake near Victory Park while trying to tire and land the northern pike with one hand while taking photos with the other. The northern desperately danced in the air trying to throw the Jitterbug lure it had taken. Eventually it tired and I unhooked and released it. A few minutes later I saw this image on my phone and was geeked, to say the least. I'm pleased the judges were as impressed with it as I was. Of the 11 winning images, only two were taken in the United States, and mine is among photos from Tanzania, Taiwan, Canada, The Netherlands, Egypt and other seemingly more exotic locations. Two years ago a photo of a summer Ludington sunset made the winners' issue amidst a list of equally exotic other locations. I'm happy to have helped show Ludington to the world through Rotary Magazine." (Source: American Coot Facebook page)
|
Steve Begnoche Photo Wins International Recognition
|
Michelle King
|
2023-06-08 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
On June 1st, LHS grad Rebecca Szoboszlay joined our Rotary Club’s weekly lunch meeting to pick up the first $4,000 installment of her Rotary scholarship. Rebecca will earn the remaining $4,000/year in each of the following three years of her college education (that’s $16,000 in all!). Well done, Rebecca!
|
Rebecca Szoboszlay Picks up Her First Scholarship Check
|
Michelle King
|
2023-06-01 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
This year's Petunia Parade was another fun success at the Rotary Club's designated block, located adjacent to Rotary Park. Eighteen volunteers, including ten LHS students from the Rotary Interact club and the Robotics Team, made quick work of the planting project. Welcome, summer!
|
Petunia Parade Fun!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-05-23 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Rotary Club of Ludington President Dale Horowski presents a scholarship worth $16,000 to LHS senior Rebecca Szoboszlay.
|
2023 Rotary Scholarship Recipient
|
Michelle King
|
2023-05-23 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
We are pleased to welcome Nathan Sheldon as our newest club member! Nathan is congratulated by President Dale Horowski and his sponsor, Linda O'Brien.
|
Welcome Nathan Sheldon!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-05-04 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
The L.H.S. Interact Club donated $200 to BE NICE, a program offered by the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan to bring awareness to mental health issues. The Club held several fundraisers to earn the $200 that was donated. Tammy Carey, a representative of the BE NICE program, accepted the $200 donation from Interact Club President Kat Wang and Treasurer Rebecca Szoboszlay.
|
INTERACT Club Donates $200
|
Michelle King
|
2023-05-04 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Rotary has Seven Areas of Focus that guide our club in all of our community projects...local and international. These are our guideposts.
|
Rotary's Seven Areas of Focus
|
Michelle King
|
2023-03-15 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Our club President, Dale Horowski, presented a $2500 District Local Grant to the Ludington High School Robotics Team 7160. Our club also donated a Matching $2500 making this a $5000 total. The OBots' Motto of Gracious Professionalism (helping others) aligns with our Motto of Service Above Self. We are proud to partner with very community minded group of young people.
|
Rotary Donation: LHS OBots
|
Michelle King
|
2023-03-15 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
On February 9th, our usual Thursday club meeting was held at the Mason County Historical Society's new Research Center. Jim Jensen, President of the Historical Society and long time Rotarian, provided an overview and tour of the Center. Such an impressive facility! Our community is fortunate to such a vibrant group dedicated to the preservation of our area's history.
|
Mason County Historical Society
|
Michelle King
|
2023-03-03 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Congratulations Rotary Club of Ludington!! With the help of your “celebrities” and a very generous donation from West Shore Bank, we raised $4,710.76 to go towards scholarships for Ludington’s Gateway to Success Academy!!
|
Ludington Bay Brewing Co "Celebrity Bartender" Event a Great Success!
|
Michelle King
|
2023-03-03 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
L.H.S. student members of the Rotary Interact Club joined us at our weekly club meeting on Thursday, 3/2. Their presentation on their club's recent activities was impressive!
|
Interact Student Presentation
|
Michelle King
|
2023-03-03 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Join us for the 2022 Rotary Holiday Auction on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stearns Hotel Ballroom in downtown Ludington. Tickets are available now for purchase online at one.BidPal.net/ludingtonrotaryThe evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, 50-50 and wine basket raffles, a live auction of highly desirable experiences and items, and socializing in a festive atmosphere. The same link may be used for the on-line “silent auction” portion of the event, also. Bidding began Thanksgiving Day at 8 a.m. You can look through items, bid (including automatically bidding on an item to a limit you set if outbid by someone else), and make donations to Ludington Rotary Charities or to support a Ludington Rotary STRIVE student for lunch. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Ludington Rotary STRIVE mentor program for high school students and other service projects. 
|
Tickets on sale for 2022 Rotary auction
|
Steve Begnoche
|
2022-11-26 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Join us for the 2022 Rotary Holiday Auction on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stearns Hotel Ballroom in downtown Ludington. Tickets are available now for purchase online at one.BidPal.net/ludingtonThe evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, 50-50 and wine basket raffles, a live auction of highly desirable experiences and items, and socializing in a festive atmosphere. The same link will be used for an on-line “silent auction” portion of the event, also. The online auction begins Thanksgiving Day at 8 a.m. You will be able to look through items, bid (including automatically bidding on an item to a limit you set if outbid by someone else), and make donations to Ludington Rotary Charities or to support a Ludington Rotary STRIVE student for lunch. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Ludington Rotary STRIVE mentor program for high school students and other service projects.
|
2022 Rotary Holiday Auction Tickets on sale
|
Steve Begnoche
|
2022-11-16 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
The 2021 Rotary Holiday Auction raised even more money for local Rotary projects than the previous year’s event. Both were held online due to the pandemic.  The total for 2021 was $32,152, thanks to donors, bidders and sponsors. “We were very happy with the amount we raised, and are very grateful to all who participated,” said Dale Horowski, auction chair for the Rotary Club of Ludington. Funds will help support the Rotary Club of Ludington STRIVE program and other Rotary projects, like upgrades to Rotary Park, books for local students, scholarships and more. STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest In the Value of Education) is one of the club’s signature programs, matching mentors with students who are struggling, and providing students with financial incentives, special events and scholarship opportunities.
|
Rotary auction success will help with STRIVE, more
|
Patti Klevorn
|
2022-01-23 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
The club hit the jackpot with a generous community, one willing to join in the fun during its first ever virtual Rotary Holiday Auction, raising $28,400, after expenses.
|
First virtual auction a huge success
|
Patti Klevorn
|
2021-01-06 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Auction, food truck plans, dealing with pandemic
|
Rotary club adapts, serves
|
Patti Klevorn
|
2020-10-29 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
"The Four-Way Test, was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
|
The history of the Four-Way Test
|
|
2020-04-14 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
The December "flash" project is help for Ludington Woods' residents -- CDs, DVDs and warm socks. Bring items to the Dec. 19 meeting, noon at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Thanks for the idea, club member Becky Foster, Ludington Woods' administrator. This meeting will feature speakers Shelby Soberalski and Madelyn Shamel of the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Pageant.
|
December flash project - help residents of Ludington Woods
|
|
2019-12-06 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
Our November Flash Service Project is helping by collecting food during our meeting Thursday, Nov. 21 to give to the Lakeshore Resource Network. Rush to the store, pretend that this is a Black Friday rehearsal... - Cranberry Sauce
- Canned Sweet Potatoes
- Stuffing Mix
- Green Beans
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Fried Onions
- Holiday Baking Items
Also, do not forget that this is the same day as our CLUB MINI-AUCTION. A taste of our Grand Event coming up next week just for us. Bring cash, check or credit card. All are welcome. By the way, does anyone knows where our own "comfort station plaque" (privy plaque) is? Whoever has it, please bring it along tomorrow so, following the tradition, can be auctioned off again this year. Remember, the Holiday Auction is at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Lincoln Hills.
|
November Flash Project , Club Mini Auction
|
Carlos Alvarado
|
2019-11-20 05:00:00Z |
0
|
|
|
Posted by Jason Kennedy on May 31, 2019
 STRIVE stands for, "Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education." STRIVE is a program where Rotary Clubs work with a high school for the purpose of motivating students to improve their school performance during their senior year. The Rotary Club of Ludington has partnered with Ludington High School to create a student mentorship program that continues to successfully mentor students year after year. The major aspect of the program is that it is student driven, yet facilitated by Rotarians. This year, Rotarians mentored several students throughout the year, with six (6) students successfully completing the program. The Club also issued scholarships to support STRIVE students in studies beyond high school. The Club held its annual banquet to honor the program's graduates on May 17, 2019 at PM Steamers Restaurant in Ludington.
|
Club Honors 2019 STRIVE Graduates
|
Jason Kennedy
|
2019-05-31 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
|
Posted by Jason Kennedy on Oct 18, 2018
 Chikumbuso, a grassroots project located in Ng’ombe compound, provides hope and opportunity to some of the most vulnerable women and children in the township. Chikumbuso offers free education for children, adult training and capacity building through micro enterprise opportunities, youth life skills training and outreach to the elderly. Chikumbuso means Remembrance. We remember those who have died, where we come from and to do for others. Our artists earn a living making beautiful, handcrafted, fashion products for sale both locally and internationally; our school and sponsorship programs educate students and help sustain families; and, our local staff provides counseling and encouragement for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
|
Chikumbuso means Remembrance:
|
Jason Kennedy
|
2018-10-18 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
|
Posted by Roger Wills on Apr 28, 2018
|
Gates Foundation joins with Rotary to boost polio endgame support
|
Roger Wills
|
2018-04-28 04:00:00Z |
0
|
|
|
Posted by Thomas Calabretta on May 28, 2014
The CIA recently admitted to a fake vaccination plan that gathered DNA samples from villagers while the CIA tried to track down Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan. Since then, Pakistani tribal leaders and the Taliban in Pakistan, where polio still had a foothold, have convinced locals to shun the legitmate vaccine programs now trying to innoculate against polio. The rise in polio cases in Pakistan has skyrocketed since then.
The New York Times recently published an article about this. You can read about this in more detail here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/health/cia-vaccine-ruse-in-pakistan-may-have-harmed-polio-fight.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
|
CIA Vaccination Ruse May have Hurt Polio Eradication
|
Thomas Calabretta
|
2014-05-29 00:00:00Z |
0
|
|
