Weekly Newsletter
Week of Thursday, March 5, 2026
President’s Message
What an incredible week it has been for the Rotary Club of Clayton! From welcoming two outstanding STAR Students, to hosting an inspiring visit from our District 6910 Governor, to celebrating the induction of new members and the awarding of Blue Badges, our club was truly on full display. The energy, fellowship, and spirit of Service Above Self were evident in every moment—if you weren’t there, you truly missed out.
This week, we look forward to another meaningful program as we learn more about Special Olympics here in Rabun County and discover how we can get involved and make a difference. We hope to see you there!
Recap from Last Week
We were pleased to host our District 6910 Governor, Jessica Fleetwood, at last week’s meeting. She shared some great information and encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming district meeting. She was impressed as she heard updates from our Committee Chairs—here are some highlights:
Membership
Todd Faircloth reported that since July 1, our club has grown from 85 members to 110 members—a 32.53% increase. Attendance has also improved from 46% last year to 56% this year, reflecting stronger engagement and outreach.
Foundation
Elizabeth Gill shared:
- $2,000 raised for the RI Foundation
- $4,857 raised for PolioPlus
- $5,000 awarded from the Opioid Trust Grant
- $6,496 contributed to the Rotary Annual Fund
- $3,375 awarded in DDF for Interact scholarships
- $7,250 raised for an international grant
Paul Harris Society Recognition
We also had a Paul Harris Society recognition. A Paul Harris Society member is a Rotarian or supporter who demonstrates a deep commitment to Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self” through sustained giving. Members of the Paul Harris Society pledge to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or an approved global grant, helping fund life-changing projects around the world—from eradicating polio to supporting clean water, education, and health initiatives. Becoming a member is simple: make the commitment to give at that level annually and formally enroll through Rotary. It’s a meaningful way to amplify your impact and play a vital role in advancing Rotary’s global humanitarian work.
Service
Dave Farrington reported:
- 39 service projects completed since July 1
- 433 volunteers
- 1,705 hours served
- 30 additional projects planned
Youth Services
Amy Hulett shared:
- 3 Interact Clubs established (one in each area high school)
- $10,000 allocated for scholarships
- GRSP student selected with 2 host families identified
- 3 RYLA scholarships awarded
- STAR Student program successfully relaunched
Fundraising
Laura Seeberg reported:
- $1,895 raised for PolioPlus
- $1,724 raised and 2.5 tons of food collected during the Impact Club Food Drive
- $700 raised for the Food Bank Teaching Kitchen (Festival of Trees)
- Over $1,000 raised for Alzheimer’s research
- Raised over $100,000 for Youth Services at our Run For the Roses Gala Fundraiser last year
Upcoming Fundraisers
- April 2 — RHS Band Fundraiser (instruments)
- May 29 — Community Shredding Event
Roaring 20s Murder Mystery Fundraiser
Tickets are now on sale:
https://claytonrotary.com/roar
- Event Ticket: $150 (includes $10,000 Reverse Raffle entry)
- Raffle Only: $100
Every Rotarian is expected to sell 4 tickets
Tickets available for pickup at this week’s meeting or contact Amy Hulett or Molly Williams
Public Image
Abby Jackson reported:
- Achieved Platinum EPIC status
- Facebook following now 1,400+
- Over 88,000 page views
Programs
We have had 21 speakers so far with 9 more scheduled for the the remainder of the year. We also have two offsite visits scheduled: Providence Farms and Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. Highlights from our speakers were Kyle Bryner, owner of Blue Hound BBQ and winner of the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl” and John Wilkinson, President of North Georgia Tech.
Impact Club
Amy Hulett filled in for Jon Tuck and told us how, since being chartered in September of 2025, the Impact Club has grown from 10 members to 17. It has established and completed 3 service projects to include a Food Drive where $1,724 dollars and 2 1/2 tons of food were collected.
STAR Students Recognized
- Madison Brown (RCHS)
- Hayden Bass (RCMS)
New Member Inductions
- Vicky Darrah
- Dawn Hutchinson
- Cynthia Pagano (Impact Club)
- Mike Charnokly (Impact Club)
- Steve Huster
- John Wyatt (Corporate Member, RGPC)
- Don Zimmerman
Blue Badge Recipients
- Lynda Paige Coffey
- Candy Harvard (Impact Club)
- Jennifer Kyle
- Kim Lovell (Impact Club)
- Cynthia Pagano (Impact Club)
- Molly Williams
- Bill Armstrong
Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/share
This Week’s Meeting
Angel McCracken & Courtney Ramey
Rabun County Special Olympics
Thursday, March 5, 2026
11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Come learn how we can support this important effort.
Lunch Menu
- Grilled Pork Chop
- Grilled Chicken (non-pork option)
- Red Parsley Potatoes
- Salad
- Corn on the Cob
- Dessert
Next Week’s Program
Peter Nguyen — A1 Nails owner and Polio Survivor
Thursday, March 12, 2026
11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Hear Peter’s powerful story and why supporting the End Polio Now campaign remains critical.
We are very fortunate to have Rotarian Tommy Bagwell make another challenge to raise money to End Polio Now! Tommy has challenged us to encourage more Rotarians to join the Polio Plus Society. Tommy will match the first 500 new donors who become Polio Plus Society members by contributing at least $100 to the End Polio Now Campaign. To join Polio Plus Society, a Rotarian agrees to give $100 until we have eradicated Wild Polio. The end is within reach! We have not had a new case of Wild Polio in 2026! Contributions can be made at endpolio.org. Please share this with your clubs. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Impact Club Update
Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Service Above Self
20 Rotarians packed 80 meals following last week’s meeting!
Upcoming Service Opportunities
- Meal packing after this week’s meeting
- March 4 — Foxfire Cleanup Day (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- March 12 — Community Dental (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Important Dates
- March 4 — Foxfire Cleanup Day
- March 12 — Community Dental
- March 14 — RLI Training
- March 14 — Interact Conference
- March 14 — Stekoa Creek Cleanup
- March 21 — Food Distribution
- March 21 — WOW Thrift Store Interact Project
- April 2 — Special Olympics
- April 2 — RCHS Band Fundraiser (Currahee Brewery)
- April 25 — Murder Mystery Gala
- April 30 – May 3 — District Conference
- May 28 – 31 — RYLA
- June 25 — End-of-Year Celebration
Roaring 20’s Fundraising Gala
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Saturday, April 25, 2026
Rabun County Civic Center Ballroom
Theme: Roaring 20s Murder Mystery
Event Highlights
- $10,000 Reverse Raffle
- Interactive Murder Mystery
Silent + Live Auction- Dinner + Cash Bar
Tickets
- $150 — Admission + Dinner + Raffle Entry
- $100 — Raffle Only
You do not have to be present to win
Sponsorships
Table Sponsors
- Diamond Flapper (10) — $10,000
- Platinum Speakeasy (8) — $5,000
- Gold Gatsby (6) — $3,000
- Silver Age (4) — $1,500
Event Sponsors
- Murder Mystery — $3,000
- Signature Cocktail — $2,000
- Program — $500
Dress to Dazzle — 1920s Style Encouraged
Laura Seeberg — 941-799-9393
Volunteer Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/
All Rotarians are expected to participate
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA)
May 28 – 31
Tallulah Falls School
Volunteers needed:
- Counselors
- Activity helpers
RYLA6910@gmail.com
www.ryla6910.com
District 6910 Conference
April 30 – May 3
Harrah’s Cherokee
- 264 attendees registered
- Clayton has 17 — let’s grow that number!
Activities include:
Golf • Fly Fishing • Hiking • 5K • Bowling Social • Cultural Tours
Register: https://myrotaryconference.com
Food Bank Donations
Most Needed Items:
Plastic grocery bags
Peanut butter & jelly • Cereal • Soups • Crackers • Rice • Chili & beans
Pasta • Sauce • Beef stew • Canned meats • Fruits & vegetables
Cash donations welcome
Checks payable to: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo: Rabun County
