Reminder: There will be no meeting at Field Club on January 8. Instead, we invite you to join us for a special Rotary Business Networking event hosted by Goodwill Industries. Be sure to check this newsletter for more details—we look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Wednesday, January 8th Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, you get two attendance credits Location: Goodwill Industries Training Center Address: 36th & L Street, Stockyards Plaza Click here to sign up or contact Tobi Mathouser
Join us for a special Rotary Business Networking Event hosted by Gene DeBoer and Tobi Mathouser at Goodwill Industries Training Center.
As fellow members of the Downtown Rotary Club Foundation board, Gene and Tobi are excited to share the rich history of our club’s Foundation and highlight the incredible impact it has made in our local community.
Lunch Details:
Catered by Maria Bonita, featuring delicious Mexican cuisine.
Cost: $15 per person
Payment: Pay at the door (cash, Venmo, or check).
Checks can be made out to Goodwill.
RSVP Details:
Contact Tobi if you have not already signed up
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, learn more about our Foundation's mission, and enjoy a fantastic lunch.
We look forward to seeing you there!
For questions, please contact: Tobi Mathouser President & CEO Goodwill Industries serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa
4805 North 72 Street, Omaha, NE 68134 402-231-1972
This year’s Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Project was nothing short of extraordinary! In true Rotary spirit, Rotarians, their families, Boy Scouts, and Scouts adult leaders bundled up and braved the sub-freezing temperatures to serve the community. Their dedication to this important cause highlights the best of what Service Above Self truly means.
A special shoutout to our Club President, Heather Legge, who secured a generous donation of delicious coffee, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and scones from Hardy Coffee to fuel our volunteers over both weekends. The warm treats added a much-needed boost to everyone’s energy and morale as they worked tirelessly in the cold. We’re also grateful to Chris Mehaffey, who kindly provided the coffee tent.
The success of this year’s event was made possible through the meticulous planning of Project Chair John Mock, who ensured every shift was fully staffed. John went above and beyond by stepping in to cover any last-minute gaps himself, showcasing outstanding leadership and commitment.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible Rotarians and future Rotarians who volunteered their time and energy:
Todd Chaney, Todd Johnson, John Mock, Grace Volk, Leslie Volk, Elizabeth Swedlund, LeRoy Swedlund, Duncan Murphy, Rose Ann Murphy, Rick Sampson, Scott Kinnaird, Chris Mehaffey, Chris Rath, George Rath, Tom Gouttierre, Sarah Robak, Hal Daub, Larry Guenther, Mitch Hunt, Heather Legge, Doug Legge, James Mackiwicz, Cody Fuchtman and his wife, Jeff Grewe, Amie Konwinski, Harrison Abbott, Brad Burklund, Susan Koesters, Jeremy Bouman, and Justin Dougherty.
Your dedication, hard work, and community spirit are what make this event such a success year after year.
Stay tuned for a full video documentation of the project, which will be released soon. Below, you’ll find group photos.
Cody Fuchtman is currently the Director of Development of the CHI Health Foundation in Omaha. He has nearly 20 years of development experience, most recently working at Creighton University prior to joining CHI Health. Before working in development, Cody worked for over 5 years for US Senator Chuck Hagel in both his Washington, DC and Omaha offices.
Cody is originally from Norfolk, NE and a graduate of the University of Nebraska. In his spare time, Cody enjoys golfing and coaching/following his kids’ activities all over town. Cody, and his wife, Tiffany, have a daughter (Cora, age 9) and son (Jack, age 6). They are active parishioners and volunteers at St. Wenceslaus Parish where his kids attend school, as well.
Cody was sponsored by Hal Daub.
CHRISTOPHER RATH
Christopher Rath is a sales consultant at Mercedes-Benz of Omaha. An Omaha native, he holds a bachelor of science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Kansas State University, and a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He and his wife have one child, a son. Chris enjoys mountain biking, fly fishing, and listening to classical music.
Chris was sponsored by James Mackiewicz.
SARAH ROBAK
Sarah Robak brings more than two decades of experience within financial services, spanning areas such as data/analytics, investment management and wealth planning. Born and raised in Omaha, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Banking and her M.B.A. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She received the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation in 2010 and CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) certificate in 2022. Sarah worked for TD Ameritrade for 14 years, most recently as a Director of Marketing Analytics and Insights. She also worked for a prominent RIA in Omaha as a Portfolio Manager for 4 years. She has a passion for financial markets and helping individuals and business achieve their financial objectives. Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Shane and their 3 rescue dogs. She's also an avid Peloton user.
By Rotary International Source: https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-foundation-receives-highest-rating-charity-navigator-16th-consecutive-year
For the 16th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.
The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
“We are delighted to provide the Rotary Foundation with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that the Rotary Foundation is able to accomplish in the years ahead.”
Charity Navigator analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, nonprofits can earn scores for the impact and results, accountability and finance, culture and communities, and leadership and adaptability.
Charity Navigator is the largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator in the U.S. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually.
Rotarians are making a difference at Stephen Center. CLICK HERE to sign up.
Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Stephen Center has served the homeless and low-income in Omaha since 1984 through its three programs: Emergency Shelter, HERO Program, and Transitional Living Program. The Omaha Downtown Rotary partners with Stephens Center in serving hot meals to its residents.
Where three or more Rotarians gather, it's called a Rotary Social, and you earn attendance credits. Rotarians may come from different clubs. Connect with Rotarians and enjoy the power of Rotary fellowship. Below are our recent Rotary Socials.
Rotary at Festivus
L to R: Ben Washburn, Brett Frevert, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians meetup L to R: PDG Carol Horner, Gretchen Harvey, Jill Slupe, and James Mackiewicz
Gretchen Harvey and Bill Harvey with family in New York. The third Rotarian not in photo is Brett Frevert.
Rotarians supporting fellow Rotarian Boy Scouts CEO Chris Mehaffey and the Boy Scouts Annual Big Gives Event at the CHI Center L to R: John Sullivan, Hal Daub, Aileen Warren, Larry Guenther, Sean Kelly, and Chris Mehaffey
Rotarians at Christmas in the Village L to R: Viv Ewing, John Ewing, and Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Rotarians at the Omaha emPower Breakfast L to R: Brett Frevert, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Todd Chaney, and James Mackiewicz
Rotarians at the Greater Omaha Chamber Holiday Party Brett Frevert and James Mackiewicz with Rotarians from other clubs in the area
Rotarians at the recent Commercial Real Estate Summit L to R: John Sullivan, Kevin Baitey, Adam Hoebelheinrich, and Larry Guenther.
Rotarians meeting at Lauritzen Gardens L to R: LeRoy Swedlund, John Mock, and Eli McNichols from Suburban Rotary
Rotarians at Jewish Business Leaders L to R: Brett Frevert, Gene Kowel, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians at the Association for Corporate Growth L to R: Michelle Trawick, Brett Frevert, and Jill Slupe
Merrymakers Toast to PJ Morgan. Pictured here are Rotarians L to R: Sandy Lemke, John Ewing, and Viv Ewing
The Rotaract Club of Belize City is renovating a rural school and a Rotary club-sponsored park as part of its youth-focused agenda. In April, club members met at the Hattieville Government Preschool to paint restrooms and complete other beautification work. A later phase will include new toilets. “We’ve been able to replace chalkboards in 10 classrooms with whiteboards and to donate a printer and other school and hygiene materials,” says Kristoff Nicholson, immediate past president. The club partnered with a telecom provider and raffled off smartphones to help pay for the project. It also received a District 4250 grant of $1,000. In March, club members replaced basketball and goal nets and painted benches and a playset at Love Park in Balama, another element of the project, Nicholson says.
Colombia
In January, the Rotary Club of Cúcuta-Ciudad de Arboles purchased about $600 of school supplies and delivered 100 sets of notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, and more to students in the city. It’s about 350 miles northeast of Bogotá. Club members also visited with students in the neighborhood of Las Delicias, says Dora Patricia Lobo, a past president of the club. “The hustle and bustle and joy of these students when they receive their school package warms our souls and encourages us to continue,” Lobo says. More than 1,400 students have benefited since the project began.
June 26, 2024. Outgoing President Larry Guenther recognized our members who achieved perfect attendance. Perfect Rotary attendance(aka Perfect Rotarians) is attained through consistent participation in weekly meetings, service projects, committee work, weekly club service, Rotary socials, visiting other clubs, Rotary online makeups, Zoom attendance, attendance at club board meetings, and attendance at club foundation board meetings. Below is the list of our perfect attendance Rotarians.
July is the perfect time to start your journey towards becoming a Perfect Rotarian!
The Rotary Club of Omaha is now recruiting more members! It's your opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Omaha, click here to complete the membership application form. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Franco Gentile at FGentile@sbgtv.com.
Chase Bank
UNO College of Business
Centris
Ollie The Trolley
Carlson West Povondra Architects
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Athletics Association
Omaha Massage Therapy
Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha
Kevin Baitey
Brad Burklund
Paul Cohen Hal Daub
Gene DeBoer Dianne Desler
John Ewing
Viv Ewing
Brett Frevert
Dawn Gonzales
Okley Gibbs
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Tom Gouttierre
Larry Guenther Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Barbara Hayman
Yolanda Hoffman
Larry Johansen
Bob Keefer
Susan Koesters
Heather Legge
Sandy Lemke
Adam Leong
John Marburger
Steve McCollister
Heidi McGinness
Camille Metoyer-Moten
Lloyd Meyer
John Mock
Jim Murphy
Roxy Orr
Fletcher Reel
Jim Scott-Miller
Deb Skinner
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Jennifer Trebill
Kathryn Weitz
4805 North 72 Street, Omaha, NE 68134
402-231-1972
Belize
Colombia
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