Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary will match member contributions to Rotary Foundation with club points during the 2025-26 Rotary year. A minimum $100 contribution is required. For contributions of greater than $100, the club will match a maximum of 200 points. This will help newer members achieve their first Paul Harris Fellow quicker, and encourage other members to contribute at a higher level. Major donors not eligible for points. Points will be given for contributions retroactive to July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2026.
See Foundation Chair, Tom Hartzell for information on making your contribution. You can send your contribution on-line or give your check (payable to Rotary Foundation) to Tom. You can also mail a check to Tom Hartzell, 1341 Biafore Avenue, Bethlehem, Pa 18017.
Our Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary meeting onJune4, 2026 will be a First "Thirstday" Happy Hour meeting starting at 5:30pm.
LOCATION:
Wilbur Mansion 201 Cherokee Street Bethlehem, PA 18015
Join us for a networking-focused event that rotates among different locations. Attendees will enjoy a variety of drinks, with some opting to order food while others simply mingle over their beverages. It’s a great way to connect in a relaxed atmosphere!
Please come and enjoy some warm Rotary fellowship.
Morning Star Rotary welcomed members of "I Have I Need" to our May 28, 2026 meeting. This organization connects businesses and events with surplus items to local nonprofits in need, focusing on the "last mile" logistics of getting donations from point A to point B. The organization has rescued over 94,000 pounds of items so far this year, compared to 81,000 pounds last year, and works with 40+ nonprofit partners including food pantries, shelters, and organizations supporting children and people with disabilities.
Jen McCary, Co-Founder of "I Have I Need" along with her husband Jeff, presented an overview of their organization's work in rescuing and redistributing excess items, particularly food, to nonprofit organizations and communities across the Lehigh Valley. She highlighted their efforts to keep donations close to where they were generated, emphasizing partnerships with local nonprofits and volunteers, including the "Food Fighters" team. Jen outlined ways people can help, including spreading the word, volunteering, donating, and providing support or connections, and shared examples of successful rescues, such as bottled water, eggs, and various supplies.
Jen explained how their food rescue organization selects donation recipients through existing relationships, partnerships with Second Harvest, and a mobile app called Food Rescue US that helps coordinate pickups and deliveries. The organization primarily works with local businesses like bakeries and schools, with some larger retailers partnering through Second Harvest, and they currently operate entirely on volunteer labor while serving multiple school districts including Parkland and Northern Lehigh. She outlined their five-year strategic goals including renting office space, hiring paid staff, expanding coverage in Bethlehem and Easton, and developing a replicable model for other communities.
In conjunction with The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Morning Star Rotary is hosting a blood drive Tuesday June 9 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. If you're a regular donor or have always wanted to do so, please register. You can follow the QR code, the URL address or call Miller-Keystone to schedule an appointment.
Blood collected by Miller-Keystone stays in and supports our community by providing blood to hospitals and emergency services to save lives.
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary will match member contributions to Rotary Foundation with club points during the 2025-26 Rotary year. A minimum $100 contribution is required. For contributions of greater than $100, the club will match a maximum of 200 points. This will help newer members achieve their first Paul Harris Fellow quicker, and encourage other members to contribute at a higher level. Major donors not eligible for points. Points will be given for contributions retroactive to July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2026.
See Foundation Chair, Tom Hartzell for information on making your contribution. You can send your contribution on-line or give your check (payable to Rotary Foundation) to Tom. You can also mail a check to Tom Hartzell, 1341 Biafore Avenue, Bethlehem, Pa 18017.
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FYI...All donations to The Rotary Foundation should be made by June 15th to ensure credit for this Rotary year.
PLEASE NOTE: Members are asked to bring a side, a salad, or a dessert. Please RSVP to Shawn at (shawnbariana@gmail.com) and let her know what you want to bring so we don't end up with all desserts.
Wilbur Mansion
