As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to wish all our Rotarians, Interactors, and community partners a joyful holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the spirit of togetherness this time of year brings, may your days be filled with peace, warmth, and meaningful moments with family and friends.
This season is a perfect reminder of the power of service and the impact we can make when we come together. Thank you for embodying Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self” and for bringing hope and joy to communities near and far.
From our Rotary family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season!
I want to thank you for all you do as Rotarians. We are all blessed in so many ways and I want to thank you for sharing your time and talents in your communities and the world. I asked many clubs who would do all the things in their communities if they weren’t there and no one really had an answer. That shows how important you and your clubs are. It reminds me of the quote from Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
You are that group. Thank you for changing the world!!
Another year soon comes to a close but we have 6 months to go in our Rotary year. The next 6 months has many things planned:
For more than two decades, Rotary for Roses has been a beloved Mobridge Rotary Club tradition, thanks to the tireless leadership of Peg Wunder, who has organized the fundraiser for over 20 years. Each year, this project not only brightens homes with beautiful roses but also strengthens the Mobridge community through generous giving.
The Spearfish Rotary Club sponsored a Beer, Brats, and Bingo event at the VFW held in Spearfish on the 30th from 4-8 p.m. Prizes or silent auction items were won by many, however the true gift was the friendships built in the community!
The Vermillion Rotary Club recently reaffirmed its commitment to youth education by supporting Junior Achievement of South Dakota (JA). JA’s mission is to empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in school, work, and life.
Sioux Falls West Rotary members came together last week to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire by helping serve their Thanksgiving meal. The event brought Rotarians and community partners together in the spirit of service, gratitude, and fellowship.
We are excited to announce an upcoming Friendship Exchange with Rotary District 3360 in Northern Thailand - We will send a team to them in January or February of 2027 and we will host a team from them in the fall of 2026.
Custer Rotary Club president Jason Ferguson, right, presents a check for $1,000 to fellow club member Mark Siemonsma to pass on to Hope Haven, which offers community living, day habilitation, employment services, mental health support, and spiritual support for individuals with disabilities. The money is being used to help pay for a wheelchair for a child in need in Ukraine, where Siemonsma and fellow club member Dan Hutt recently visited on a goodwill trip on behalf of Rotary.
Watertown Rotary Club participated in the Annual Holiday Lighted Parade, with its theme being your favorite Christmas Carol. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
November 13 the Le Mars Rotary Club partnered with the Le Mars Kiwanis Club and the Floyd Valley Hospital Dietary Department to host a community Baked Potato Feed to honor area Veterans who ate free.
The Rushmore Rotary Club partnered with DGR Engineering to host a community Food Drive, and the results were incredible! Together, they raised $1,025 and collected 105 food items, all of which were donated to Feeding SD to support local families in need. This event also counted as an Act of Kindness, highlighting the power of collaboration and community spirit. Thanks to everyone involved for making such a meaningful impact!
Join us for an interactive and inspiring Rotary Public Image Training designed to empower every Rotarian to help shape how Rotary is seen in our communities. Public Image isn’t just a committee—it’s a team effort, and this training will show you how simple, creative actions can make a big impact.
Custer County Library director Sarah Myers was the guest speaker at the Dec. 1 meeting of the Custer Rotary Club. Myers updated the club on happenings at the library, its financial situation and the need for a new library board member. The club donated $500 to the library at the conclusion of her talk. Presenting the check is club president Jason Ferguson.
You can make a difference in this world by helping others in need - from supplying a vaccine to protect a child from polio to training peacebuilders in conflict resolution to help build a more peaceful future. With your help, The Rotary Foundation can make lives better in your community and around the world.
This Rotary Service and Engagement Newsletter is provided in honor of Disease Prevention and Treatment this Month - December. It highlights the Programs of Scale grant recipient, Together for Healthy families in Nigeria. The program is improving the health of women and newborns by strengthening the health system, raising awareness about the importance of prenatal care, and building partnerships.
Watch the video https://youtu.be/JYonLZCQOm4 and/or download the newsletter.
Rotarians, get ready to cheer! Our Rotary Float will be featured in the iconic Rose Parade, and it’s a sight you won’t want to miss. Tune in and watch as we showcase Rotary’s commitment to service, community, and making a difference around the world. Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and celebrate Rotary in action from the comfort of your home. Let’s show our pride as #RotariansAtWork!
