My week didn’t exactly start the way I planned. By Wednesday, my computer keyboard decided that the letters C, D, E, and R were going on vacation—they simply stopped working. I was incredibly grateful this happened then and not Friday night. I had a backup computer… but if you’ve ever set up a new one, you know—none of your passwords are saved.
The 2026 District 6420 Conference brought energy, connection, and a clear reminder of what’s possible when Rotarians come together. We kicked things off celebrating Rotary Youth Exchange with students from Colombia, Brazil, Belgium, Germany, France, Thailand, and Japan. The Parade of Flags was a powerful moment—bringing our global impact to life right in the room.
World Immunization Week is quickly approaching! Has your club planned how it will observe this important public health event? Rotary and our partners commemorate World Immunization Week, 24-30 April every year, to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and highlight the success of our polio eradication efforts.
The progress that Rotary and our partners have made toward eradicating polio is a success story that is important to tell, especially during this final effort to reach our goal. Our members are our greatest advocates and supporters, and we need your help more than ever to share our story with your communities. See below for Resources
Just a few weeks remain to meet the requirements for your Rotary club to take full advantage of District funding for an impactful project of your club's choosing. Rotary District 6420 has up to $1,266 available for qualifying clubs.
River Cities Rotary participated in Riverdale Elementary's Family Reading Night on February 26th. Over 100 families participated in the community event. River Cities Rotary donates books for the night. Students get to pick a free book to take home!
On Monday, March 2nd, Mt. Carroll Rotary did a Community Impact Fundraising Event a Pizza Ranch in Clinton, IA. The club was able to raise $483.86 between tips and 10% of sales. (Not too bad for a few hours of our time)
A simple bench on the playground at Hampton and Riverdale elementary schools is helping make sure no student feels left out during recess. Known as a Buddy Bench, the brightly colored seat gives students a clear signal: if someone is sitting there, they may be feeling lonely and could use a friend. Other students are encouraged to notice the bench and invite that child to play. Watch the Video.
The first of our Love Our Community grants were presented. Congratulations to the Princeton Civil War Committee and Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce. Debi Johnson, representing the Civil War Committee, spoke briefly about the Shadows of the Blue & Gray, a living history re-enactment that has been held every October (aside from 2 years) for the past 30 years.
The Rotary Club of Toluca will be holding an Open House on Sunday, May 3, 2026 to celebrate their 75th Anniversary. The open house will be held at the American Legion Building in Toluca, from 2-4pm. Refreshments will be served. All are invited!!
Rock Falls Rotarians gathered to celebrate 31 years of membership of Pat Novak in Rock Falls Rotary. Pat's daughter came home from school all excited about their exchange program that sent high school students overseas for a school year and she wanted to participate.
A total of 10 local not-for-profit organizations will each receive $1,000 from Rotary Club of Princeton through their “Love Our Community “grant program. Congratulations to Zearing Child Enrichment Center for being selected as one of this year’s recipients.
The Belvidere Club successfully hosted its second annual Meats and Treats Raffle on March 14 at Wild Cherries in Belvidere, drawing an enthusiastic crowd for an afternoon of fun, fundraising, and community connection.
The three-hour event featured a variety of engaging activities, including basket raffles, a silent auction, and a 50/50 drawing. The highlight of the day, the Meats and Treats Raffle, kept attendees energized with four exciting rounds offering prizes ranging from lobster tails to bacon and farm fresh eggs.
The Rotary Club of Toluca's Student of the Month for February was Evelyn McMillan. Evelyn is an eighth grader at Fieldcrest Middle School. Her teachers say that not only does she get good grades, but she has a positive attitude and is helpful to other students.
A total of 10 local not-for-profit organizations will each receive $1,000 from Rotary Club of Princeton through their “Love Our Community “grant program. Congratulations to Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), Flags of Freedom, and Club 56 for being selected this year.
The Rotary Club of Mount Carroll is thrilled to announce the launch of its monthly Charity Bingo Night at the Davis Community Center, Wednesday nights beginning this April. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with Early Bird raffle games starting at 5:30 p.m. and bingo kicking off at 6:00 p.m. The evening will feature ten rounds of bingo and six raffle games, including three progressive jackpots that will continue to grow throughout the year.
Loves Park Rotary Club is pleased to announce that PDG Anita Papich has achieved Level II giving to the Rotary International Foundation. District Foundation Chair PDG Laura Kann traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to present the award to Anita. Anita's proud daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Robert were also in attendance.
A total of 10 local not-for-profit organizations have received $1,000 from Rotary Club of Princeton through their “Love Our Community “grant program. The final two recipients are the North Central Regional Betterment Coalition and Princeton Buddy bags.
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