WELCOME TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF LEAWOOD, KS
Upcoming Meetings + Speakers:
February 19th, 2026
Global Birthing Association - Jim Grant
February 26th, 2026
Board Meeting
March 5th, 2026
March 12th, 2026
Anti-Human Trafficking
March 19th, 2026
Crossroads First Fridays - Jeff Owens
March 26th, 2026
Board Meeting
April 2nd, 2026
YMCA President
April 9th, 2026
KC Fountains Foundation - Joane Shields
Recent Rotary News
At our February 12, 2026 meeting, we heard from Lisa Harrison and Stephen Powel about the community's work to prepare for the World Cup, and also heard from Richard Candelario about the impact the Rotary scholarship from our club has made on his life. We also got to induct a new member - Bill Spillar!
Kids! The future of our children was the focus at our February 5, 2026 meeting. Club member Milca Aguirre shared exciting and unique perks of being Big Brothers Big Sisters of America supporter. Kim Hammers of EMBRACE also enlightened members on the inroads made supporting children with disabilities and learning differences in Catholic schools.
In late January, we had a great turnout at The Outreach Program, where the Leawood Rotary was able to help pack over 10,000 meals. The 50 boxes will help benefit people in need due to circumstance such as government shut-downs that affect school nutrition programs.
On January 22, members heard all about the Dictionary Project, a literacy-promoting initiative to get dictionaries into the hands of third graders all over the country. Our neighbors to the south in District 6110 have made this their pet project for the past 30 years. Rotarians can sponsor a classroom of third graders for just $96.
Twenty Rotary go-kits assembled at the 2025 Rotary Clubs of Eastern Kansas - District 5710 District Conference were delivered today to representatives of Project ReHope, who were extremely appreciative to receive these much-needed items. Rotarians also learned about the plans and initiatives this organization is working on as FIFA 2026 prepares to arrive in Kansas City.
On January 8, 2026, several Leawood Rotarians were able to gather to help pack hygiene kits for Heart to Heart International - a wonderful group working to provide quality healthcare access to everyone.
Leawood Rotarian Brad Moore was presented with the Unsung Hero award for the fourth quarter of 2025. Congratulations!
Genesis Mercado with the Ella Initiative spoke about ways their non-profit helps young women in South America and the United States with their community-based programs. They address the evolving needs of women in today's workforce, from access and opportunity to mental health and financial stability.
Club members had an informative presentation from member Ken Selzer about the Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Endowment Trust.
The Leawood Rotary membership committee recently hosted a women's social at the home of Arlene Ladegaard.
Rotarian Darren Lippe provided a program about famous Kansan Osa Johnson. Osa was a famous adventurer during the 1930s who traveled with her husband to distant lands and brought back tales of the jungle and tribal peoples.
Marialexa Sanoja and Dr. Norbly Forero from Mision Despegue, Inc. shared about their organization and committment to creating awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues prevalent among youth with a focus on the Hispanic community.
Sid Mitchell of Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers enlightened Rotarians and guests on how this organization assists law enforcement with solving recent and cold cases by rewarding anonymous callers who have valuable information that results in arrests.
Mike Davisson with the Blue Valley Father's Club spoke about how fathers are working in the schools at all levels to connect with and help kids. Father’s Club is a dad-led, grassroots effort creating simple ways for dads to be intentional with their kids, with other dads and within their communities.
How we #UniteforGood
Hisham Hawari, President of the Rotary Club of Amman West in Jordan, exchanged Rotary flags with our club on October 9. President Rod Pemberton continued the conversation with President Hawari after the club meeting, discussing potential future projects. Learn more about Amman West by clicking the link below.
On October 4, 2025 we hosted our annual cookout and picnic! It was a beautiful evening with delicious food and friendship.
Our meeting on October 2nd featured Fred Hefer with Pomerol Partners, who have utilized data analytic insights to curb human trafficking. Lucky Bloom also assisted with the presentation as a subject matter expert, connecting influencers dedicated to the ending and prevention of human trafficking in impactful collaboration.
At Project C.U.R.E., Gary Bussing, Stu Sharp, and Paul Rueschoff helped prep more than 80 beds donated by Menorah Hospital for overseas delivery.
Not pictured: John Meier, Rod Pemberton, and Rick Robinson
After acknowledging Patriot Day, President Rod Pemberton and Membership Co-chair Jake Schloegel inducted previous Chesterfield, MO, Rotarian Dr. David Meyers, whose interests include civil war medicine and drumming. Then, Megan Harding informed members of the huge variety of medical and hygiene aid packages and services that Heart to Heart International procures, packages and delivers for those in need locally and globally.
At the September 4th assembly, we recognized three members for their philanthropy, welcomed new member Tesla Hague, presented $500 to Midwest Adaptive Sports, and heard about the impact and volunteer needs of Junior Achievement from Sara Swearingen and Beth Stallbaumer.
Leawood Rotary Club Vice President Darren Lippe and longtime Rotarian / City Council Member Lisa Harrison are featured on the most recent episode of the City of Leawood podcast - Leawood 360. During the show, they talk about details for the Rotary's upcoming Labor Day 5k run, and why giving back makes Leawood stronger and more connected. Check out the podcast here:
Club members heard from visitor Shombi Sharp, Stu and Diane Sharp’s nephew, who serves as the UN Resident Coordinator in India. He spoke about the importance of creating connections with the world community and working together to solve problems.
Attendees learned from a presentation by Dee Selley with Gift of Life about the many benefits of organ donation. Dee and her colleagues share information about the importance of organ donation with area high schools and the public.
In August, Leawood Rotary Club wine affinity group members met for a Southern Italian feast at the Blacks' home. We Make Pour Choices meets monthly at rotating host homes to taste different varietals.
Dr. Adam Dinkel was warmly welcomed back into our club as a returning member. Two scholarship recipients and one foreign exchange students attended as special guests. Also, we heard from Abigail Swafford, Executive Director of HopeKids, a nonprofit serving hundreds of families with children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions by initiating social connections and other supports.
Club members regularly volunteer at the Project C.U.R.E. location in "the caves," also known as SubTropolis, where they make a tangible difference in global health. Recently, several Rotarians worked together to sort and pack medical supplies bound for Ukraine, exemplifying their motto "Service above self."
Past President Steve Black and new President Rod Pemberton presented Nina Kimbrough, Executive Director of Johnson County Christmas Bureau, with $5000 to help local families. JCCB has been serving neighbors in need since 1960.
The Leawood Rotary "We Make Pour Choices" wine group met in June 2025 at the home of Paul and Denise Rueschhoff to taste Rose' wines. It was a wonderful evening with perfect weather.
Lindsay Rood-Clifford with Starlight Theatre presented the program on May 8, 2025. She discussed the history of Starlight, explained some of the improvements being done to the theater, and announced some of the shows and concerts coming this year.
On May 7, 2025, Rotary members packed diapers for Happy Bottoms, which distributes diapers to families needing help making ends meet. Last year, they distributed almost 6 million diapers in the KC Metro area, and Leawood Rotary is proud to support them.
The speaker at our May 1, 2025, meeting was our own Chuck Udell, who talked about Cambodia and the changes to the country since the atrocities that occurred 50 years ago.
