The Rotary Club of Big Canoe in the News

"Off to the Races" event raises funds for Big Canoe Rotary Club projects - The Lodge at Old Mill was beautifully decorated with equestrian-themes tables adorned with antique books and silver serving pieces holding red roses as the Rotary Club of Big Canoe hosted "off to the Races", a fundraising event, Saturday, August 10th, 2024.

The Rotary Club of Big Canoe begins its third year under the direction of Dirk Ebener. When asked about plans for the year, he said. "The club will continue making a significant and lasting difference in our local communities and around the world."

Since chartering in June 2022, the 51-member Rotary Club of Big Canoe, Inc, continues to grow as a nonprofit, civic betterment organization recognized for community service and humanitarian assistance. 

Big Canoe Rotary is not only part of our local community, it is also part of the global network of Rotary International. Big Canoe Rotarian are part of 1.2 million members who believe great things happen when dedicated minds come together. 

Big Canoe Rotarians also support our students with scholarships. Last April, the Club awarded $1,000 scholarships to five (5) deserving high school students. In August, the money was sent directly to the college of their choice. In December, their  attendance and progress were verified and the remaining portion of the money was sent in January 2024.

Rotary exists for the universal spreading of peace, understanding, and community service to others in need, without consideration of self. We unite leaders from all continents, cultures, and occupations to exchange ideas and take action in communities around the world.

The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 12 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and an A-plus rating from CharityWatch.

October was a very busy month for Big Canoe Rotarians and November will be no different.  The Club was well represented at Octoberfest and shared about Rotary’s mission and about the Big Canoe Club.  They also sold several Big Canopology games, a must-have game for every Big Canoe resident! The Rotary Clubs of Big Canoe and Jasper celebrated World Polio Day with a Polio Plus fundraiser on October 24th at The Lodge at the Mill. In addition to collecting used medical equipment at Bulk Trash Day, volunteers helped with Sleep in Heavenly Peace at the Trunk or Treat at Rock Creek Park and on November 4th several will helped deliver beds so “no kid sleeps on the floor”.

The Rotary Clubs of Big Canoe and Jasper will commemorate World Polio Day with a Polio Plus fundraiser on Oct. 24 at The Lodge at the Mill from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction, Wine Pull, food and lots of fun and fellowship. Tickets are $25 or $40 for a couple and can be purchased at the door. 

Did you know Rotarians have been on the front lines of eradicating polio since 1979. Rotary believes healthy communities are strong communities. That’s one reason they have worked tirelessly to help immunize 2.5 billion children against polio. Bringing the world closer to eradicating a deadly disease--that’s what people of action do. 

Rotary Club of Big Canoe, chartered in 2022, is a diverse group of community members committed to “Service Above Self.” Rotarians are “people in action,” and the Big Canoe club certainly fits this description.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, several BC Rotarians volunteered to build bunk beds for children who have never had a bed of their own. They partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Lowe’s in the Bunks Across America event.

For many decades, July 1 has marked the beginning of a new Rotary year. For the Rotary Club of Big Canoe, Charter President Fran Farias ceremoniously passed the gavel to President-Elect Susan Schwall. Under the guidance of District Governor-Elect Brandy Swanson, Schwall, who served as president of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody from 2012-2013 trained all year to take this leadership role.