President’s Message
I hope you all had a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July celebrating the birth of our nation and proudly recognizing the beginning of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring legendary years of freedom, service, resilience, and opportunity. As Rotarians, we are inspired by the spirit of community and volunteerism that has helped shape our country based upon courage, service, and the belief that, together, we can continue to make a difference in our community and around the world through Service Above Self.
This Week’s Meeting
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Our meeting this Thursday, July 9, we are excited to welcome Bruce Deel, Founder and CEO of City of Refuge.
Founded in 1997, City of Refuge serves individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, incarceration, domestic violence, and sex trafficking by providing housing, education, healthcare, vocational training, and support services. What began as a small ministry has grown into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in the Southeast.
Bruce is the author of Trust First, a TEDx speaker, and was named Lee University Alumnus of the Year for 2024. He is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for participating in the longest consecutive softball game ever played—121 hours—to raise awareness and funding for anti-sex trafficking efforts.
Bruce and his wife, Rhonda, have been married for 37 years. They are the parents of five daughters and grandparents to thirteen grandchildren.
11:30 AM – Luncheon Club Meeting
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room
Next Week’s Program
Next week we will highlight one of our longest members, Alton Story. Alton joined Rotary in June 2001 and our Clayton Club in January 2012. Come join us to share his historical perspective of Rabun County.
Impact Club Update
SUMMER SCHEDULE: Only one meeting in July.
Tuesday, July 28th, 2026
6:00-7:30 PM
Alternative Location – Hosted by Sonya & Kyle Shook’s Lake House – due to limited parking space, only Impact Club Member Spouses/Others invited to attend.
Service Above Self
The City of Clayton and CMBA hosted the 250th Anniversary Celebration and WE HELPED!
It was a hot and steamy night but full of FUN serving over 350 people with hot dogs, hamburgers, water and chips! 25 volunteers came out in 98-degree weather to SERVE as Rotarians! We also made over $1000 for CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) while providing patriotic flags, LED Sparklers and Smiles! Now that’s Impact! Thank you, Rotary Club of Clayton Impact Club, for taking the lead in organizing, planning, supplying, and serving the event.
See our Facebook Reel: Click Here
Food Distribution
Saturday July 18th
6:45-9AM
Med Link Parking Lot 898 Hwy 441 South
Community Dental Clinic
Volunteers are needed for the Community Dental Clinic.
Dates: Wednesday, July 15th and Thursday, July 16TH
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rabun County Health Department
Health Dept Vaccine/ Dental Screening: Deliver Donuts for Vaccine/ Dental screening
Thursday, July 30th
8:30 – 9:30am
Rabun County Primary School
801, Boggs Mountain Rd, Tiger, GA 30576, USA
Other Important Dates
- July 11th – Stekoa Creek Clean-up Volunteer Opportunity 10AM-12PM
- July 30th –NO Thursday Lunch Meeting
Upcoming Social Dates
Upcoming Rotary Learning
RLI – Clarksville D6910
Saturday August 01, 2026 07:00 AM
August01 Saturday
| Speaker: | Ed Davis | |
| Topic: | Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Grad – Grad – Facilitation Techniques | |
| Description: | North Georgia Technical College 1500 Hwy 197N Clarksville, GA 30523 Register here: |
Food Bank Donations
Most Needed Items
- Plastic Grocery Bags
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Cereal
- Soups
- Crackers
- Rice
- Chili & Beans
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Beef Stew
- Canned Meats
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Cash Donations Welcome
Checks Payable To: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo: NEGA Foodbank – Clayton, GA
Yours in Rotary Service,
Laura Seberg
President
Rotary Club of Clayton
www.claytonrotary.com
