Rotary Club of Clayton Newsletter | November 5, 2026
The November 5 Rotary Club of Clayton newsletter includes District Governor Paul Mathews, Rotary Foundation Month, service dates, fellowship and…
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This Week's Happenings
About the Rotary Club of Clayton
The Rotary Club of Clayton is proud to be a local chapter of Rotary International—a global network of neighbors, friends, and leaders who come together to create lasting change. Our members share a passion for service, fellowship, and making a positive difference both in our community and around the world.
What We Do:
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Connect Business and Community Leaders: We bring together a diverse group of professionals and community members who are committed to improving lives in Rabun County and beyond.
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Host Meetings, Fundraisers, and Service Projects: Through regular gatherings, fundraising events, and hands-on projects, we build strong bonds while working toward common goals.
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Foster Fellowship and Leadership: Rotary provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and ethical service, strengthening both individuals and the communities they serve.
Our Focus Areas:
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Education: Promoting education through scholarships and supporting initiatives that empower students to succeed.
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Health and Peace: Supporting clean water projects, fighting disease, promoting peace, and fostering healthy communities around the world.
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Community Support: Partnering with local nonprofits, backing essential community initiatives, and lending a helping hand where it’s needed most.
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Youth Development: Mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders through service opportunities and leadership programs.
Whether it’s organizing charity drives, awarding scholarships, participating in international relief efforts, or volunteering at local events, the Rotary Club of Clayton is dedicated to building stronger communities and creating a better world for all.
RECENT NEWS & EVENTS
Rotary Club of Clayton Newsletter | November 5, 2026
The November 5 Rotary Club of Clayton newsletter includes District Governor Paul Mathews, Rotary Foundation Month, service dates, fellowship and Food Bank needs.
Rotary Club of Clayton Newsletter | October 29, 2026
The October 29 Rotary Club of Clayton newsletter highlights World Polio Day impact, the Lite Lunch & Listen meeting, service projects, fellowship and Food Bank needs.
Rotary Club of Clayton Newsletter | October 22, 2026
The October 22 Rotary Club of Clayton newsletter includes Karen Bacon’s LEADS update, community service, upcoming events, PolioPlus and Food Bank needs.
Rotary Club of Clayton Launches “FEED THE NEED” — A Week of Community Action to Fight Food Insecurity in Rabun County benefiting the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
November 14–21
Under the theme “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” Our eight-day campaign will unite Rotarians, local businesses, churches, community organizations, and residents in a coordinated effort to collect food, raise funds, increase awareness, and provide meaningful assistance to neighbors in need.
Saturday, November 14 — Walmart Food Collection
The campaign kicks off with a community food collection at Walmart from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shoppers are encouraged to purchase and donate nonperishable food items to support the Food Bank.
Sunday, November 15 — Faith in Action
Local churches are invited to unite in prayer for the resolution of food insecurity in Rabun County, recognizing the importance of compassion, community, and collective action.
Monday, November 16 — Virtual Grocery Shopping
Giving is just a click away! Through an Amazon virtual grocery shopping initiative, community members can purchase needed food items from a designated list and have them delivered directly to the Food Bank. Participants are encouraged to share the shopping link with family and friends, extending the campaign's reach beyond Rabun County.
Tuesday, November 17 — Community Food Collection Barrel will be placed at high-traffic community locations, providing convenient opportunities for residents to donate throughout the campaign. Participating collection partners include Friends American Grill, The Farmhouse Market at Lake Burton, Boles Market, and Reeves ACE Hardware locations.
Wednesday, November 18 — Dine Out to Give Back
Friends American Grill will partner with Rotary for an all-day restaurant fundraising event, contributing a portion of its revenue to the Food Bank. Community members are encouraged to dine out and turn an everyday meal into an opportunity to help their neighbors.
Thursday, November 19 — CANstruction and Food Insecurity Awareness. Rotary's weekly Lunch meeting will feature a creative CANstruction project and contest, demonstrating how donated canned goods can become both an expression of community spirit and a source of nourishment.
Friday, November 20 — Community Awareness Day
Rotary volunteers will engage downtown Clayton shoppers through an awareness campaign highlighting local food insecurity and opportunities to help. Informational flyers and a QR code will make it easy for residents and visitors to contribute financially to the Food Bank.
Saturday, November 21 — 40,000 Pounds of Food, One Powerful Community Effort
The campaign concludes with a major food distribution at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church, supported by a $1,500 sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Clayton. Working alongside the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and community volunteers, the distribution will involve approximately 40,000 pounds of food for local families in need.
Rotary hopes to achieve record volunteer participation, demonstrating its commitment to hands-on service and community collaboration.
More Than a Food Drive — A Community-Wide Commitment
The FEED THE NEED Campaign represents more than a single fundraising event. It is an invitation for every resident, business, faith organization, and community group to become part of the solution.
How to Participate
Community members can support FEED THE NEED by donating food at participating collection locations, shopping the virtual grocery list, dining at Friends American Grill on November 18, volunteering, or making a financial contribution directly to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
To make a donation,
visit: foodbanknega.org/support-us/
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FEED THE NEED — NOVEMBER 14–21, 2026
FOOD • FAITH • COMMUNITY • LASTING IMPACT
#feedtheneed, #RotaryClubOfClayton, #LastingImpact, #rabuncountyga, #RotaryDistrict6910 ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Join the Rotary Club of Clayton this Thursday, November 5!
We are excited to welcome Dr. Paul Matthews as our guest speaker!
Dr. Matthews is a longtime Rotarian, educator, and community leader with a passion for service and making a difference. With nearly 30 years of Rotary involvement, he has served in numerous leadership roles and participated in international service and exchange programs.
Join us as he shares about Rotary Leadership, Service, and Global Impact! 🌎
📅 Thursday, November 5
🕦 Fellowship: 11:45 AM | Lunch: 12:00 PM
📍 Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Rotary Community Room
46 Plaza Way, Clayton, GA
We look forward to seeing you!
💙💛 Rotary Club of Clayton | Create Lasting Impact
#RotaryClubOfClayton #ServiceAboveSelf #CreateLastingImpact #RotaryDistrict6910 ... See MoreSee Less
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It was an awesome Day ! Thank you Rotary Impact Club of Clayton👻👻👻 ... See MoreSee Less
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⚙️💙 ROTARY CLUB OF CLAYTON – Another Full Week of IMPACT!
What a week of inspiration, service, and community connections for the Rotary Club of Clayton!
✈️ THURSDAY – INSPIRATION WITHOUT LIMITS!
Our luncheon program welcomed extraordinary guest speaker Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot! A full house of Rotarians and community guests gathered to hear her powerful message of courage, determination, and overcoming obstacles. A truly unforgettable program reminding us that NO ARMS. NO LIMITS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!
🍔🏈 FRIDAY – GRILLING & CHILLING!
Our Rotary Chefs fired up the grills at the Rabun County High School football game, serving up delicious food, fellowship, and Wildcat Spirit! A fun evening supporting our hometown team and community.
🎃👻 SATURDAY – HALLOWEEN FUN DOWNTOWN!
Our Rotary Impact Club joined the Clayton Merchants Business Association (CMBA) downtown Halloween celebration, bringing games, entertainment, smiles, and plenty of Halloween spirit to local families!
💙 ONE CLUB. MANY WAYS TO SERVE. It’s not just what we do — it’s the connections we make and the lasting impact we create together!
👏 Thank you to our Rotarians, community partners, and volunteers who make it all possible!Uniting for Good to Create Lasting Impact!
#RotaryClubOfClayton #RotaryImpactClub #UnitingForGood #ServiceAboveSelf #CreateLastingImpact #RabunCounty #PeopleOfAction
#RotaryDistrict6910 ... See MoreSee Less
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🎃 Ghoulish Goulash & Gourds – A Spooktacular Rotary Social! 👻
The Rotary Club of Clayton knows how to mix a little spooky fun with great fellowship!
Our Ghoulish Goulash & Gourds Halloween Social was a wonderful opportunity for Rotarians and friends to gather, share delicious food, enjoy laughter, and strengthen the friendships that make our club so special.
Thank you to all the hands and hearts to make the evening special - Especially entertainment from the "Bad Habits"
Beyond our commitment to Service Above Self, it’s these moments of fellowship, fun, and connection that build the spirit of Rotary. ... See MoreSee Less
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Reminder for our Special Speaker this Thursday, October 29th
@ 11:45AM - Northeast Georgia Food Bank Rotary Community Room.🌟 LUNCH & LISTEN: AN EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF POSSIBILITY! 🌟
Join the Rotary Club of Clayton as we welcome an inspiring special guest, Jessica Cox, a remarkable pilot, scuba diver, motivational speaker, and advocate for overcoming life’s challenges!
✈️ NO ARMS. NO LIMITS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!
Through her powerful Possible Thinking™ philosophy, Jessica challenges us to rethink limitations, embrace adaptability, and discover what we can accomplish when we refuse to let fear define our potential.
Her extraordinary journey is featured in the award-winning documentary Right Footed, and her message has inspired audiences around the world.
📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
🕦 11:45 AM – Fellowship
🍽️ 12:00 PM – Lunch & Program
📍 Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Rotary Club of Clayton Community Room
💙 Rotarians’ lunch is covered. Guests are $15.
✨ This is more than a luncheon — it’s an opportunity to hear an unforgettable story of courage, determination, and the power of believing in what’s possible!
We invite our community and friends to join us for this special Rotary experience!
⚓ People of Action | Service • Friendship • Community
Uniting for Good to Create Lasting Impact.
#RotaryClubOfClayton #PeopleOfAction #JessicaCox #PossibleThinking #ServiceAboveSelf #CreateLastingImpact #RabunCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Rotary Club of Clayton GA's post ... See MoreSee Less
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🎾 PICKLEBALL, POKER & A PURPOSE! 🌎❤️
Rotary Club of Clayton & Rabun Pickleball Club Unite to END POLIO NOW!
What a beautiful fall morning to make a difference!
In celebration of World Polio Day, October 24th - The Rotary Club of Clayton partnered with the Rabun Pickleball Club for a fun-filled Pickleball Poker for Polio Fundraiser, bringing our community together to support Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio worldwide.
👏 25 enthusiastic players
❤️ 10 dedicated volunteers
💰 Over $1,500 raised at the event!
💙 An additional $5,000 donated by a generous Clayton Rotarian!
💕An unexpected local resident that survived Polio as a child came to the event and donated a generous amount.
$6,500 RAISED — $19,500 IN TOTAL IMPACT!
Through the Gates Foundation’s matching program and other matching contributions, our $6,500 raised locally will receive an additional $13,000 in matching funds, tripling our impact to $19,500 toward ending polio worldwide!
EDUCATION, AWARENESS & ACTION!
Leading up to World Polio Day, our Rotary Luncheon Club welcomed two distinguished guest speakers: Mark Valentine of Rotary District 6910 and Dr. John Anderton, National Authority for the Containment of Poliovirus.
Both shared valuable insights into the history, remarkable progress, and ongoing challenges in the global fight to eradicate polio — reminding us that our work is not finished!
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU!
To our players, volunteers, donors, guest speakers, and community supporters — thank you for turning awareness into action! Special appreciation to our generous Clayton Rotarian whose $5,000 contribution significantly multiplied our impact.
Together, we demonstrated the power of community partnerships, generosity, and a shared commitment to service.
🌎 $6,500 Raised. $19,500 in Global Impact. One World Without Polio!
💙💛 Rotary Club of Clayton — Uniting for Good to Create Lasting Impact!
#EndPolioNow #WorldPolioDay #RotaryClubOfClayton #RabunPickleball #ServiceAboveSelf #UniteForGood #PeopleOfAction
#RotaryDistrict6910 ... See MoreSee Less
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Our First Annual Pickleball Poker for Polio was an amazing event on World Polio Day ! A lot more to come. ... See MoreSee Less
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