From 2011 to 2012, Ciara Stahly studied abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Jonkoping, Sweden.  She is currently the Director of Fund Development at Rockford Promise, where she leads efforts to advance educational opportunity and strengthen Rockford’s future through strategic philanthropy. Her work bridges data-driven strategy with authentic relationship-building — ensuring that every campaign, partnership, and donor experience reflects both impact and heart.
     She oversees the development of comprehensive fundraising strategies that include major gifts, corporate giving, grants, and annual appeals — all designed to sustain Rockford Promise’s mission of providing tuition-free scholarships and holistic support to local students, with hopes of them bringing their talents back to Rockford.

     Prior to Rockford Promise, Ciara worked at various positions for the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois with her last position as the Director of Fund Development.

     Ciara joined Rotary in November 1, 2017, as a member of Loves Park Rotary and transferred to Rockford Rotary in January of 2026. 

 

     The Board voted to make some small changes to the club's dues and invoices have been mailed out.  Please pay your dues prior to June 30, 2026 because our club will be billed by Rotary International and District 6420 based on the number of members we have on July 1, 2026.

     If anyone has any questions about the dues they can email President Paul at pvondriska@bergstrominc.com .

 

 

     The Rock River Valley Food Pantry is conducting their Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly drive through the end of June.

     There will be a collection barrel at the west end of Memorial Hall and Rockford Rotary will be taking donations through June 25th.  Peanut butter in plastic containers is preferred but there doesn't seem to be Grape Jelly in plastic containers so glass will have to do.  Just be careful when putting the jars in the barrel.

     Let's see how many barrels we can fill in the coming weeks.

 

     Our 2025-26 goal for the Rotary International Foundation Annual Fund is $13,000.  So far, members have contributed $10,555.  In addition, members have contributed an additional $4,788 to the other six funds including Polio Plus.

     Our other goal is to have 100% participation.  To date, 35 members have contributed to the Foundation out of our total membership of 85 which is 41%.

     Congratulations to Suzanne Shelain who is the latest member to contribute to the Rotary Foundation and thank you to the following members who have previously contributed to this year's campaign.

 

 

 

 

     Rockford Rotary will be helping out at the Northern Illinois Food Bank at the following times:

 

     If you have any questions, contact Mary Maxted - marymaxted1@gmail.com or 815-985-5538

Rotary Lunches 

 

     We will continue to serve lunches for $12 each week.  We currently are having food from the Sandwich Shop.  Monica will be more than happy to take your money for lunch. 

 

Jim Coffey, Secretary