CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF SERVICE: HONORING STAR LUMBER AND THE GOEBEL FAMILY
OVER 3 TONS OF LUMBER DONATED! Last week we were delighted to welcome three very special guests: Bob Goebel, charter member of the Rotary Club of West Wichita and beloved friend to all; Chris Goebel, Past President of Star Lumber and Downtown Rotarian; and Patrick Goebel, Current President of Star Lumber and Downtown Rotarian. Their presence was especially meaningful as we celebrated one of our club’s longest‑running and most impactful service traditions — the Bookshelf Project.
A PROJECT ROOTED IN ROTARY SERVICE: The Bookshelf Project began in 1988 at Dodge Elementary School. What started as a simple idea — giving every first grader a handmade bookshelf — quickly grew into a signature service effort that has continued every single year since. After five years at Dodge, the project transitioned to Lawrence Elementary, where we have proudly served for 33 years. About a decade ago, we expanded again, adding Benton Elementary to the program. Each year, every first grader receives a handcrafted bookshelf — a gift meant to encourage reading, ownership, and pride.
A REMARKABLE MILESTONE: Reflecting on just how far this project has come. Together, we estimate that since 1988, our club has built and delivered 2,375 bookshelves.
To put that into perspective:
- Each bookshelf weighs approximately 2.5 pounds
- That equals more than 5,000 board feet of lumber
- Or roughly 3.1 tons of wood used over the life of the project
And every single board foot of that lumber has been generously donated by Star Lumber.
A CONTRIBUTION LIKE NO OTHER: While we don’t have exact records dating back to our charter year in 1987, it is very likely that Star Lumber’s ongoing support represents the largest continuous contribution ever made to our club. Their generosity has touched thousands of children and strengthened our community in ways that are difficult to measure — but easy to appreciate.
Patrick Goebel (left), Chris Goebel (center) and Honorary Member Bob Goebel (right) from Star Lumber were presented with a handcrafted bookshelf created by Vern Klassen in recognition of their decades of support for our Bookshelf Project. John Mosley and Vern teamed to make this well-deserved honor presentation.
