Charleston Rotary Club Engages in Dynamic Discussions and Community Projects for March’s End

Charleston Rotary Club Embraces March’s End with Dynamic Discussions and Community Projects

In a recent series of meetings winding down March 2024, the esteemed Rotary Club of Charleston, a South Carolina-based community service club founded in 1920, hosted numerous insightful discussions, support programs, and social events, maintaining its long-standing dedication to enhancing community welfare and fostering economic prosperity in Charleston.

Joseph Affsprung Updates on CRDA

On March 19, 2024, Joseph Affsprung, the Global Business Development Manager for the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), provided an update on the dynamic nature of urban development in the Charleston area. The CRDA, an organization focusing on promoting economic prosperity in the Charleston community, aims to raise the standards of living and the overall economic vitality of the region.

Rotary Club Activities

In addition to Affsprung’s presentation, the meetings were marked by various activities and meaningful presentations by different members of the Rotary club. Channing Proctor led the meetings with the invocation and the pledge, while Jennifer Flanagan introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. Club President, Cleave Ham, presented Health & Happiness, and President-Elect Robert Sullivan introduced Affsprung, setting the stage for his impactful discourse.

Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, the club has an exciting line-up of meetings and events. The upcoming speakers include Rob Salvatore, the Co-Owner/Chairman of Charleston Battery, and Dr. Brian Cuddy of Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Social events are also planned, including a get-together at Saltwater Cowboys and the Charleston Battery soccer game. Several service projects, including one at Windwood Farms and another at the Children’s Museum, are set to pack camp bags in continuation of the club’s active community support initiatives.

Education Recognition Program

In the realm of education, the club restarted the recognition of Educators of the Month following a brief hiatus. Two staff members from Mitchell Elementary, First Grade Math Teacher Javon Clark (December 2023) and Reading Interventionist Joanna Herscher (January 2024), were honored for their exceptional dedication and contribution to the field of education.

March Membership Challenge

The Rotary Club of Charleston enthusiastically embraced the March Membership Madness challenge, a membership growth initiative from March 1 to April 30, which encourages clubs to attract new members. To reward the involvement of current members, the club decided to use existing Paul Harris Fellow points. A current member, who brings a prospective member to a luncheon, will receive 100 Paul Harris Fellow points. If their prospective member submits an application to the club, they will receive 250 Paul Harris Fellow points. The promotion will run until May 31, 2024.

Rotarian Achievements

Karl Riner, the Rotary Foundation Chair, recognized fellow Rotarians Jan Luth and Chito Walker with Paul Harris Fellows for their dedicated service to the club and The Rotary Foundation. Kay Minson was recognized as the 2023 Global Realtor of the Year by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (CTAR), highlighting the diverse professional accomplishments of the club’s members.

Community Service Projects and Contributions

In addition to their regular meetings and discussions, the Rotary Club of Charleston also took on several community service projects, including a food drive for One80 Place, a Charleston-based organization that focuses on reducing homelessness. The club members were encouraged to either donate essential pantry items to One80 Place or purchase items via the organization’s Amazon “shopping list,” marking yet another endeavor by the Rotary Club of Charleston to uplift their community.