Welcome to the Rotary Club of Eau Claire
Community Projects
Service Work
Fun Club Meetings
Global Partnerships
Community Speakers
International Youth Exchange
More than 20 million people are walking or alive today because of the polio eradication efforts of Rotary and our partners.
On October 24, World Polio Day, the Rotary Club of Eau Claire will join thousands of Rotary members across 11 states and 2 countries in the World' Largest Polio Walk, a coordinated effort to raise awareness and support the global fight to end polio.
The Rotary Club of Eau Claire will host its local walk along the Chippewa River, gathering outside at Brewing Projekt at 9:30am. Community members, families, and supporters are invited to take part in this meaningful event. A suggested donation of $20 will be directed toward the fight against polio.
Service in Action
Making tutus for Girls on the Run fundraiser
Amazing Eau Claire Cleanup
Filling bags for Thanksgiving in a Box program
Club members have opportunities throughout the year to put the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" in action. In the process, they build goodwill and better friendships.
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"Protect Your Pearl " Global Grant To Improve Women's Health in Ghana
Need
Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer death for women in Ghana and disproportionately affects low-income, rural and peri-urban women. This international project will screen thousands of women for cervical cancer and provide treatment for up to 1000 women.
Background
With a previous Rotary International Global Grant, the Rotary Clubs of Eau Claire and Accra-East raised $70,000 to purchase 50 cervical cancer treatment devices. These devices were distributed to rural and underserved areas throughout Ghana. Training was also provided to nurses and midwives, so that by 2024, all 16 regions in Ghana could treat cervical precancer with these devices.
The first project enjoyed strong success and exceeded screening targets. Yet, screening for cervical cancer remains critically low and the Rotary clubs saw a need for a Phase Two. This goal for this new "Protect Your Pearl" project Phase Two is to scale the proven model of screening and treatment nationwide. We aim to screen 9,500 women; providing treatment for an expected 1000 while strengthening referral pathways to partner hospitals.
Changing of the Guard 2026
The annual "Changing of the Guard" was a night of celebration and recognition. Paul Harris Fellow Fellow and Major Donor awards were given to Nancy Kerr, MJ Thomsen, Jim Bechly, Becky Flynn, David Shaurette, and Mitch Piper. 2025-26 Club President Nancy Kerry reflected upon her year, then passed the gavel over to 2026-27 Club President Paul Peterson who shared his hopes for the coming year.
Past President (2024-25) TJ Atkins with newly minted Past President (2025-26) Nancy Kerr
Incoming President Paul Peterson and Outgoing President Nancy Kerr examine the 2026-2027 Rotary International Presidential Message "Create Lasting Impact"
In his last official act as Rotary District 6250 District Governor, Michael Kloss presented Rotary’s International’s “Avenues of Service” Award to club member Jerome "Jerry" Reinecke. This award recognizes Rotarians who have achieved all Five Avenues of Service: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service and Youth Service.
Jerry joined the Rotary Club of Eau Claire on November 1st, 1989 with the classification of Banking - Operations. Over the last 37 years, Jerry has served as Club President (1996-97) and Club Treasurer, a position has now held for more than 20 years. Jerry is also a Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor and a Paul Harris Sustaining Member. As all club members know, Jerry embodies "Service Above Self."
Photos, above: The moment Jerry learned he was receiving the "Avenues of Service" Award. Right/Below: District Governor Michael Kloss presenting the award to Jerry.
Club Supports Educator Training in Liberia
In partnership with Teamwork Africa, the Rotary Club of Eau Claire made possible much-needed teacher-training for five Liberian educators. You can meet these educators in the slideshow below.
Need: Liberia has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world. Roughly one‑third of the population has never attended school—a number that rises to nearly 50% in rural areas. Low literacy rates, limited resources, and weak infrastructure have also resulted in many teachers entering classrooms without formal training. Even with their dedication, these educators often face challenges that lead to poor learning outcomes.
Solution: A Rotary Club of Eau Claire grant provided training for primary educators in Liberia Reads! pedagogy and methodology. These educators were connected to a network of peers, instructional materials, and ongoing support. They will also receive annual refresher training to strengthen their skills and sustain long‑term impact.
Youth Scholarships Awarded
In May 2026 the Rotary Club of Eau Claire was pleased to award scholarships to five high school seniors. All five were able to attend a club meeting and read their heartfelt essays on what "Service Above Self". Congratulations to the following students:
- Maya Ridenour, Regis High School
- Izzy Reichert, Regis High School
- Lili Gagnon, Altoona High School
- Katelyn Anderson, Memorial High School
- Claire Janiak, Memorial High School
Photo: Maya, Lili, Izzy, Katelyn. Not shown: Claire
The Rotary Club of Eau Claire spearheaded the project to bring lights to the Phoenix Park Bridge in Eau Claire. What a success! The bridge shines every night and every season. Individuals and organizations can also reserve the bridge to shine in colors of their choice.
Use the link below to learn more about the project and how to light the bridge in your colors.
Upcoming Meetings
OFFSITE: 2 Roots Art & Wine w/Sean Chambers
Oct 12, 2026 5:30 PM
The business of art, wine, and music in Eau Claire
Julian Emerson
Nov 12, 2026
Julian is the Grants and Housing Program Manager for the City of Altoona.
