Building stronger communities,
one connection at a time.
The Rotary Club of Downers Grove unites community leaders for friendship, service, and impactful giving. We raise funds to support local nonprofits, empower future leaders with scholarships, and contribute to global initiatives. Through fellowship and action, we transform lives in Downers Grove and around the world.
Stories of Service
Giving Tuesday 2023!
November 28th was Giving Tuesday and the Rotary Club of Downers Grove met at the Downers Grove Area FISH Food Pantry and presented $1,000 checks to the following non-profit organizations:
Community Adult Day Center
Downers Grove Community Kitchen
DuPage CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
DuPagePads
FISH Food Pantry ($2,000 in total)
Green Halo Scholars
Hope's Front Door
NAMI DuPage
Sharing Connections
These donations will make a difference in the lives of others. And are made possible by your hard work and support of Rotary GroveFest and Grove Express.
Heather Lippe, Clinical Social Worker, Village of Downers Grove
Heather Lippe, Clinical Social Worker, Village of Downers Grove, discussed the Village's launch of the Social Services and Referral Program in February of 2022. The program is designed to connect the residents of Downers Grove who are in need of services with the agencies that provide the services. The program consists of multiple methods for individuals to connect with the Village social worker, which includes in person, by phone, on line, and through requests from other village departments. The Village social worker participates in many local organizations or coalitions, such as the Downers Grove Township Senior Advisory Committee and the DuPage County Veterans Suicide Prevention Coalition.
2023 Charles Dickerman Scholarship Winners!
Dave Humphreys presented four Charles Dickerman Music Scholarships at the North High School Senior Awards Night last Wednesday. The four students, left to right, are: Hannah Janka (French Horn), Claire Gustis (Flute), Cameron Hejny (Clarinet, Grand Award Winner), and Stephen Cecil (Viola).
Nicole Walus presented the fifth Dickerman award at South High School the same evening to Olivia Balicki (Percussion).
A total of $15,000 in Dickerman Scholarships was presented on Wednesday to these five talented students! All scholarship winners are invited to join Rotarians at our breakfast meeting on June 6th.
Heather Kash, West Suburban Humane Society
Heather Kash, Director of Development, West Suburban Humane Society spoke at our Tuesday meeting this week. Heather spoke about their operations and how they match 500+ dogs and cats every year. 450 volunteers and 100 foster homes make it possible to deliver their mission: to work towards the day when all dogs and cats are loved and cared for, and pet owners have access to essential resources so they may enjoy a fulfilling relationship with their pets. You can support their mission by volunteering, making a donation, shopping at their annual Plant Sale on May 12-13, or by sponsoring or participating in their Golf outing or Bark-a-Palooza RescueFest and 5K.
Bryan Gay, DGEDC
Rotarian Bryan Gay became President and CEO of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC) on September 6, 2022. Bryan immediately started a listening tour and connected with all the stakeholders invested in the success of Downers Grove. Coming soon, there will be a DGEDC quarterly newsletter to keep everyone informed.
The DGEDC is a public/private partnership that promotes Downers Grove as a location for commercial, industrial and office projects. ??????
The people volunteering with the Downers Grove Rotary are some of the best I’ve ever met, and I’ve come to think of them not only as colleagues but as friends and family