PLEASE NOTE: If you receive the Moccasin Flower via GMAIL, the message may be "clipped" due to its length. No worries, click the "View entire message" link at the bottom of the Moccasin Flower email to read the entire newsletter! Remember to visit the TRCR website for the most up-to-date news.
If you aren't able to get your items to Jeremiah Program by 4:00 p.m. on May 19, contact Tamsen Leimer to make other arrangements! Thank you for your help with our club's community outreach.
A benefit dinner is planned for Saturday, May 30 at 6:00 p.m. in honor of Rochester Rotary Clubs' current inbound exchange student, Eva. Funds raised will help cover her expenses for the annual end-of-year East Coast Rotary Exchange trip. Eva, who is from Sardinia, will assist in preparing a five-course authentic Italian dinner. The dinner is hosted by Rotarians Jolene and Alan Hansen. Each course will be paired with wine, coffee, and cordials. Seating is limited to 18 people. A donation of $100/per person is suggested. More information, including the menu, is available here.
To reserve a seat at the table, please sign-up here.
On Saturday, May 23, bicyclists will have the opportunity to ride the first Rotary Ramble - a 50-mile tour starting in Northeast Rochester that includes a cruise on the Great River Ridge State Trail and visits to the towns of Viola, Elgin, and Plainview!
The Rotary Ramble is The Rotary Club of Rochester's new fundraiser. This inaugural 50-mile ride is the third ride option for the Med City Meander which also offers 15- and 25-mile meanders. For each bicyclist that registers for the Rotary Ramble, 100% of the proceeds from the event will be directed to local youth initiatives. Download the Rotary Ramble flier.
The Rotary Clubs of Rochester are recruiting host families for next year's Rotary Youth Exchange students. Our clubs will be hosting two inbound students for the 2026-2027 school year and are in need of another 2-4 host families. Learn about our inbound students from France and Denmark and more about the youth exchange program by clicking here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rotarian Melody Trimble at thetrimbleotherhalf@gmail.com
Join RCTC’s LIFE Program and Rochester Area Foundation for a morning of learning and connection on Thursday, May 7, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at RCTC's Heintz Center.
Registration is required by Friday, May 1. Scan the QR code to register or contact jamie.schroeder@rctc.edu | 507-280-3157
Enjoy a 45 min presentation about "Art History's Mysteries: Decoding the Weird & Wonderful in Great Works of Art" with Adrienne Lee, then connect with local art-based nonprofits before trying your luck on door prizes. This is a complimentary, no-fee event!
Which level of sponsorship will you and/or your business choose?
There are several levels of sponsorships available for the Rochester Rotary Ramble:
Platinum Presenting Sponsor ($2,500+)
Top-tier logo on all event signage, premier digital placement on event and BikeMN websites, social media mentions, and six rider registrations.
Gold Wheel ($1,500)
Large logo on event signage, listing on event website, social media spotlight, and four rider registrations.
Silver Spokes ($1,000)
Medium logo on event signage, listing on event website, and two complimentary ride registrations.
Bronze ($500)
Small logo on event signage, listing on event website.
Media
In-kind sponsorship for advertising, print or broadcast promotion.
100% of the proceeds from the event will be directed to local youth initiatives, specifically focusing on: Literacy and Education - Providing resources to ensure academic success Food Insecurity - Supporting local meal programs, so no child goes hungry Housing Stability - Assisting initiatives that provide safe shelter for youth Athletics - Funding opportunities for physical activity and team leadership
To become a sponsor or for additional information:
Add Wednesday, May 20th, to your calendar to volunteer for the next White Oaks Park clean-up. Meet at the park at 6:00 p.m. It'll take about an hour to make sure the park is clean and safe for families to enjoy. Be sure to bring work gloves and plastic bags or a bucket for trash.
Why do members and family members and friends of The Rotary Club of Rochester clean this particular park? The answer is simple, the club adopted the park several years ago, and a small but mighty group of dedicated volunteers have kept the clean-up tradition going.
If you can't make it this month, mark your calendar for 6:00 pm. every third Wednesday on Wednesday, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, and/or October 21 (5:00 p.m. start). White Oaks Park is located at 4597 55th St NW in Rochester.
Crutches 4 Africa is a Rotary Clubs of Rochester three-club service project with a goal of collecting and distributing 3,000 devices to people in Africa who have limited mobility due to age or illness. The latest successful "drive" was held on Saturday, April 11 at 125 Live. Thanks to all who donated devices and/or volunteered at the event.
VFW
A benefit dinner is planned for Saturday, May 30 at 6:00 p.m. in honor of Rochester Rotary Clubs' current inbound exchange student, Eva. Funds raised will help cover her expenses for the annual end-of-year East Coast Rotary Exchange trip. Eva, who is from Sardinia, will assist in preparing a five-course authentic Italian dinner. The dinner is hosted by Rotarians Jolene and Alan Hansen. Each course will be paired with wine, coffee, and cordials. Seating is limited to 18 people. A donation of $100/per person is suggested. More information, including the menu, is 
Join RCTC’s LIFE Program and Rochester Area Foundation for a morning of learning and connection on Thursday, May 7, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at RCTC's Heintz Center. 
Add Wednesday, May 20th, to your calendar to volunteer for the next White Oaks Park clean-up. Meet at the park at 6:00 p.m. It'll take about an hour to make sure the park is clean and safe for families to enjoy. Be sure to bring work gloves and plastic bags or a bucket for trash. 
