What happened in 1986 that sparked a second Rotary Club? With encouragement from Rapid City Rotary Club, Rushmore Rotary became a new club including charter members’ George Twitero, 1993-1994 President, and Greg Hollibaugh. “We had already become a Sister City with Keno in Japan. Some members were on the board of Children’s Home Society, and involved in other activities.” Once the club formed, a partnership was established early with Children’s Home. “At the beginning we pledged $20,000, which evolved to over $1.3 million dollars pledged, with funds raised through an annual golf tournament,” says George Twitero. Strong committees are the backbone of the club, keeping projects and events on track. Golf Committee Chairs Scott Barber and Mark Barry say “It’s about the team and the kids we benefit!”
    Why did Greg Hollibaugh join? “A tiny article in the newspaper called for interested people to join a new Rotary club, so I did! My father-in-law and brother-in-law were both Rotarians in Chadron, so I thought it would be good for me too.” Rushmore Rotary now has 63 members, 46% female, including four couples. One dedicated couple is Georgia and Michael O’Connor.  “We encourage couples, especially retirees; it doubles the volunteer contributions!”
    In addition to Children’s Home, Rushmore Rotary supports Storybook Island, Rapid City High School with educational scholarships through a Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest, Tikes and Bikes Poker Run, focused on the youth of Rapid City, highway cleanup and other community activities as well as international projects.
    During their 30th year, Rushmore Rotary hosted a Transition Celebration. Outgoing Club President Carmen Hansen, Program Officer and Event Coordinator for the John T. Vucurevich Foundation exclaimed: “It has been an honor to serve as President. It’s been a great experience.” Carmen joined Rushmore Rotary in 2007 because it is such a vibrant, community focused club. Incoming President Jean Cline, a native of Rapid City, and semi-retired attorney explained “The way you join Rotary, is when someone asks you.” Jean attended Black Hills State University, taught school for several years, including overseas in Glasgow, Scotland. After attaining her law degree from the University of South Dakota, she concentrated on children’s issues, and continues to do so. She has been a member of Rushmore Rotary for just over four years. “The enthusiasm of the club at 7 a.m. keeps me coming back. Our desire to give back to the community to make it a little bit better each day keeps us committed.”
   Visit RushmoreRotary.org website to learn more about this club.