Multi-Emmy Award Winning journalist and television personality Jemelle Holopirek has been in the storytelling business for nearly thirty years. After a long career as a television news anchor, producer and reporter Jemelle has continued her passion by sharing stories about her love of Wichita and the people who live here.
Jemelle is now the Director of Public Relations at Visit Wichita. She works with local, regional and national media to promote Wichita and the importance of tourism to our community. Jemelle is a native Kansan and has lived in Wichita for more than 30 years. She has three children Steele, Shaye, and Stratten. Her most important job is being a mother and supporting her children’s activities, goals, and future endeavors. In her personal time Jemelle attends many sporting events, loves to spend time at the lake and enjoys vacationing on a warm beach with her family.
This year's Gala was a wonderful success thanks to everyone that donated, sponsored or attended! With a record number in attendance for the evening, Treasurer Scott Hinderliter's preliminary report shows we raised over $33,000 to support the charitable work of our Club!
The exciting new Golden Ticket, along with more than 50 silent‑auction baskets and 10 live‑auction items, made for a truly fun and festive evening.
A heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who made the Gala possible! The planning committee welcomes your START, STOP, CONTINUE feedback — please send it to Shannon Bauer (sbauer.16@gmail.com) and copy DeAnn Sullivan (deann.sullivan@att.net).
It truly was a night to remember — thank you for helping make A Night in Tuscany simply grand!
A NIGHT IN TUSCANY GALA…
Randy Bowles in his spiffy gold jacket along with Interact students sold Golden Tickets for an opportunity to select a live auction item (top left). DeAnn Sullivan, Gala Chair, welcomes District Governor Isaac McNary to the festivities (top right). Ed Frey (left) hosted a table of guests for the Gala (bottom left). A very excited Ronda Bowles was this year's Golden Ticket recipient and selected the Top Golf package (bottom right).
SERVING WITH HEART AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
The Satellite Club of West Wichita enjoyed giving back at the Ronald McDonald House! Members hosted a cookout for families and enjoyed spending time together.
A special thank you to Heather Harrison for donating corn hole boards and bocce balls for families to enjoy. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve our community!
EVERY GUEST YOU BRING CREATES A LASTING IMPACT
Rotary District 5680 is encouraging members to bring guests to their local club meetings — and there’s a little extra incentive! Each friend you invite to visit our club between September and December could help generate real cash for our next club project.
It’s a simple way to grow Rotary, expand our reach, and support the work we do together. Bring a friend, share Rotary, and help us build an even stronger community.
MONTHLY GROCERY SHOPPING KICKS OFF IN OCTOBER
BENTON: Misty Jack & Lesley Hazelton.
LAWRENCE: Chloe Graham & Randy Bowles.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SCHOOL VOLUNTEER SUPPORT!
October 23- Lawrence Elementary Fall Festival
October 30 - Benton Elementary Boo Bash
Additional details and sign-up sheets coming soon so stay tuned!
CLUB INFORMATION
VISITING ROTARIANS:
Nancy Estep
Satellite Club
Last meeting on September 29:
Attendance: 59%
Membership: 76 (56 RCWW + 20 Satellite)
Last year:
Attendance: No meeting
Membership: 73 (56 RCWW +17 Satellite)
HAPPY BASKET: $38
HOLIDAY RAFFLE:Misty Jack won $6 in the raffle on September 29. The raffle this week will be worth $18 if the Ace is drawn. Proceeds from the raffle are used to fund our Monthly & Holiday Grocery project so thank you for supporting this effort!
QUARTERLY DUES ARE DUE - Invoices for quarterly October-December dues were emailed to members. You can now easily pay your dues online! Simply press the “PAY NOW” button from your invoice email. Also, please only pay for what you are invoiced as we cannot currently accept advanced payments with the new Club Runner system. Thank you!
SINCERE CONDOLENCES EXTENDED
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sharon West and her family on the passing of her husband, Rex Custer.
ROTARIANS & ICT SOS BRING COMMUNITY AWARENESS
The Rotarians Against Human Trafficking Committee (RAHT), in partnership with ICT SOS, launched a new series of public library events designed to educate the community on human trafficking. Several Rotarians and community members attended at Westlink Library on Oct. 6.
SATELLITE HAPPENINGS
The Petals of Kindness project provided some cheer by delivering the leftover gala centerpieces to senior living facilities and elementary schools. By giving flowers we brighten days, create connections, and show how small acts of kindness make a big difference. Below Satellite Rotarians Paige Koeppen and Julie Butler make a delivery.
SATELLITE MONTHLY EVENTS
October 15 - Family Promise Shopping and food delivery 5:30 p.m. Dillons at Douglas and Hillside
October 21 - Satellite Meeting at the Big BiscuitWest 11 a.m. lunch meeting begins at 11:30 a.m.
October 21-30 - Donuts with Grownups Wilbur Middle School requests volunteers to be “bonus grown-ups” to attend events for students who don't have a parent/guardian able to participate. SIGN UP HERE: Donuts with Grownups/Wilbur Middle School
October 29 - Family Promise Shopping and food delivery 5:30 p.m. Dillons at Douglas and Hillside
Interested in joining in on any of these activities? Reach out to Becky Endicott, Satellite Chair at rendicott@cox.net.
