Welcome to the Rotary Club of Eau Claire


Members from the Rotary Club of Eau Claire shared all things Rotary at the Downtown Fall Festival on September 13, 2025. This including talking with visitors about Rotary International's global campaign against polio. The importance of this campaign hit home when a couple of polio survivors stopped by. 

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

Outbound Exchange Student Returns

Eau Claire resident Mari participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange program during the 2024-25 school year. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eau Claire, Mari lived and studied in Colombia and made friends from around the world. She spoke to our club about her experiences shortly after completing her exchange year and returning to Eau Claire. The photo shows Mari describing her Rotary vest and the many pins she collected during her year abroad. 
 
It sounds like she had an amazing time.
 
Select the link to learn more about Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange
 

One Year Ends, Another Begins

The "Magic of Rotary" was front and center at this year's "Changing of the Guard" on June 11, 2025. We ate well, shared fellowship, celebrated our outgoing leaders, and welcomed our incoming leaders. 
 
2024-25 Club President TJ Atkins AND 2024-25 District 6250 Governor Todd Restel both passed their gavels -- President Atkins to President Elect Nancy Kerr, and District Governor Restel to District Govenor Elect and our club's very own Michael Kloss. Thank you for your leadership and service, President Atkins and DG Restel. The world needs good leaders, and we were lucky to have you this year.
Incoming President Nancy Kerr shows off her new President badge as Past President TJ Atkins looks on
2024-25 District 6250 Governor Todd Restel shaking hands with 2025-26 District Governor Michael Kloss
Club members and significant others pause to say hello to the photorapher

Global Grant to Improve Women's Health in Ghana
Need
Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer death for women in Ghana. New technology has made it possible to screen and treat women for cervical cancer in unserved and underserved communities.
 
Background
The Rotary Clubs of Eau Claire and Accra-East raised $70,000 to purchase cervical cancer treatment devices for use in rural communities in Ghana. These devices were delivered to the Cervical Center Prevention and Training Centre at Catholic Hospital Battor in September 2023.
 
Contributors
The project was made possible with grants from District 6250 and Rotary International Foundation as well as donations from Eau Claire Rotary club members and the Rotary Clubs of Chippewa Falls, Menomonie-Sunrise, Tomah, and Accra-East in Ghana.
 
 
Project Goal
Achieved
30-60 thermal coagulator devices will be purchased, shipped, and delivered (dependent on final costs)
50 devices purchased, shipped, and delivered
Between 50-90 medical and health professionals will be trained
80 trained to date (March 2025)
2,500 individuals will report better health care
*8,000 to date
50-99 health facilities will benefit
49 to date
100-499 health focused events
100 to date
2,500 recipients of disease prevention intervention
*8,000 to date
*Dr Effah has combined this project with other projects he has initiated to increase the number of recipients receiving disease prevention services.
 

Rotary Lights Bridge
 
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

Speakers
Nick Swartz Classification Talk
Jun 11, 2026 12:00 PM
New Member Introduction
Changing of the Guard
Jun 16, 2026 5:30 PM
Our Celebration of outgoing and incoming officers and committees
Shelly Janke, Executive Director
Jun 25, 2026 12:00 PM
Humane Association Tour at their facility
Michelle Von Ruden
Jul 09, 2026 12:00 PM
the WAS experience
Jeremy Gragert
Jul 23, 2026 12:00 PM
New Leadership: Eau Claire City Council
Scott Rogers
Jul 30, 2026 12:00 PM
Update on Passenger Rail to the Chippewa Valley

Making tutus for Girls on the Run
Amazing Eau Claire Cleanup, 2026
Curling demo by club member Jon Gargulak at an off-site meeting at the Eau Claire Curling Club