Impact Highlights
Rotary Club of Springfield, Illinois
Rotary Year 2025–2026
Unite for Good
Making a Difference—Together
During the 2025-2026 Rotary year, the Rotary Club of Springfield, Illinois translated commitment into action and results. Through service, fellowship, and leadership, our Club evolved and our members made a meaningful impact locally, globally, and across generations.
Together, these accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of our members to serving others.
The following highlights reflect the many ways our members put Service Above Self into action throughout the year. As we enter the 2026 – 2027 year, the Rotary Club of Springfield, Illinois is well positioned with momentum, purpose, and heart.
John Webb
President, Rotary Club of Springfield, Illinois
Rotary Year 2025–2026
Service & Community Impact
- Partnered with Kumler Outreach Ministries through a Rotary District 6460 Grant to provide baby layettes and infant care essentials for families with newborns in need.
- Supported food security through the Ridgely Elementary Micro Pantry and the donation of 162 forty-pound cartons of citrus to the Central Illinois Foodbank
- Participated in United Way’s Fall and Spring Days of Action and built 24 beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace
- Supported the RISE Springfield Give & Take Clothing Drive by collecting professional attire to help community members prepare for career opportunities
- Participated in a week-long Springfield Rotary Blood Drive with ImpactLife
- Rang bells for the Salvation Army, strengthening community support for families in need
- Supported the Rutledge Youth Foundation’s annual Angel Tree program, providing holiday gifts for children in foster care
- Provided hands on support at The Outlet by transforming clothing into organized, accessible resources
- Provided volunteer support at the Iles Community Garden, helping grow resources that combat food insecurity in Springfield
Literacy, Education & Youth
- Joined Rotarians from across the region for the 25th Annual Rotary Family Day at the Ballpark, strengthening fellowship and raising funds for literacy grants in our district
- Expanded early childhood literacy by partnering with WORD UP of Central Illinois and Parents As Teachers to provide 270 board books to local families with young children (Ages 0-3)
- Continued care and restocking of Little Libraries, supported by local book donations
- Supported scholarships, including the John Giavaris and Francis Wenzel Scholarships
- Supported Rotary Inbound and Outbound Exchange Students
- Celebrated youth through music, education, and leadership development
- Celebrated and supported the launch and activities of the Springfield Community Interact Club
Global Impact, Peace & Polio
- Completed a Rotary Global Grant project in Dhakalthok, Nepal, providing sustainable clean water access to 70 households and a local school through an international Rotary partnership
- Observed World Polio Day through advocacy, media outreach, and congressional engagement registered with PolioPlus
- Donated to Rotary International’s PolioPlus Fund to eradicate Polio from proceeds raised by March Madness Fundraiser
- Strengthened international fellowships
- Continued leadership in peace initiatives, including:
- The Peace Quilt Exhibit at the Illinois State Museum
- Participation in dedicating Springfield’s first Peace Pole at Rotary Park
Membership & Fellowship
- Welcomed four new members
- Launched and utilized a New Member Orientation Committee
- Established and implemented lunchtime meetings in 2026 to increase accessibility and engagement
- Hosted social nights at local restaurants and a festive All-Club Holiday Party
- Provided members with memorable fellowship opportunities through exclusive community experiences, notably the Illinois Symphony Orchestra season finale and viewing the Levi Automobile and Motorcycle Collection
- Honored Sonthana Thongsithavong as the 2025 Paul Harris Community Award recipient
- Named six new Paul Harris Fellows through our Giving Circles
- Recognized longtime Rotarian Tim Granzeau with Emeritus Status for his exceptional leadership and community service
Learning & Civic Engagement
- 24 speakers in weekly programs featured presentations on:
- Community development, nonprofit leadership, and local initiatives improving Springfield
- Arts, culture, education, and organizations enriching the quality of life in our community
- Healthcare, justice, and social issues affecting individuals and families
- Youth development, early literacy, and educational opportunities
- Vocational presentations highlighting local businesses, careers, and changing industries
- Strong club participation at the 2025 Rotary District Conference and 2026 Spring Learning at the University of Illinois Springfield
- Became members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and participated in their community events
- Participated in the 51st Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast hosted by Frontiers International Springfield, which honors Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality, and community action
- Participated in Springfield’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade with other Springfield Rotary Clubs after building a Rotary Float
Foundation & Financial Strength
- Recognized for being No. 1 Club in Rotary District 6460 in per capita Annual Fund giving to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for 2024-2025
- Continued commitment to The Rotary Foundation
- 6 Paul Harris Fellow members recognized for enhanced levels of giving to the Rotary Foundation
- Participated in Giving Tuesday
- Citrus Drive and Flag Service raised $39,500 for projects, scholarships, and grants
- 17 not-for-profit organizations and the Honor Flight received grants
- Community recognition from Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries