Rotary Club of Cincinnati

06/01/2026

Please join us in congratulating Past President Melinda S. Kelly on being named the recipient of The Rotary Club of Cincinnati’s 2026 Walter (Wally) Emmerling Award.

The Walter Emmerling Award is among the Club’s highest honors, recognizing a Rotarian who exemplifies the very best of Rotary through exceptional leadership, service, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to Service Above Self.

Recipients are individuals whose actions inspire others and whose dedication strengthens both our Club and our community.

As a Past President of The Rotary Club of Cincinnati, Melinda has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Rotary’s mission and values. Her leadership, service, and lasting impact make her a truly deserving recipient of this distinguished award.

Congratulations, Melinda, and thank you for your continued dedication to Rotary and the community we serve!

Rotary District 6670 Rotary International Mike Kelly

05/27/2026

The Rotary Club of Cincinnati’s May Neighborhood Coffee Networking Event was a wonderful success, bringing together 25 attendees for a morning of conversation, connection, and community.

Held at the spacious Urbana Cafe
inside the lobby of The
Contemporary Arts Center, the event provided a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for professionals, Rotarians, and community members to gather over coffee and meaningful networking.
As part of this ongoing series, the Rotary Club of Cincinnati continues to support locally owned coffee shops and gathering spaces throughout the city—celebrating the businesses that help strengthen and energize our neighborhoods.

Guests enjoyed engaging conversations, new connections, and the relaxed, come-and-go environment that has become the hallmark of these monthly networking events. The morning once again highlighted the Rotary Club of Cincinnati’s commitment to fostering community engagement and bringing people together in a warm and inclusive setting.
Stay tuned for details about our next Neighborhood Coffee Networking Event—we look forward to seeing you there!
Rotary International Rotary District 6670

05/26/2026

Join us on Thursday, June 4, 2026, for a LUNCH (12:00-1:30pm) meeting at The Transept (1205 Elm St, 45202), for a program with Michael Hiles, CEO, 10XTS.

Michael Hiles is the Founder and CEO of 10XTS, a technology firm focused on information governance, risk, and compliance solutions in the digital asset and blockchain space. Based in Cincinnati, he is a nationally recognized expert in blockchain, asset tokenization, and digital transformation.

RSVP HERE! https://cincinnatirotary.org/events-news/calendar/2026/06/michael-hiles-ceo-10xts/

05/20/2026

Still reflecting on what an incredible evening Play it Forward turned out to be.
Last week, Rotarians, community leaders, sponsors, and supporters came together to help rebuild the beloved Cincinnati Parks 1000 Hands Playground and support children and families across our community through Cincinnati Rotary Foundation grants.More than 20 years ago, Rotary helped build one of the region’s first all-adaptable playgrounds. After it was tragically destroyed, our community stepped forward once again to continue that legacy for future generations.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and helped make the evening possible. And thank you to WLWT and FOX19 for helping share this important story.

This is what community looks like.

05/19/2026

Join us on Thursday, May 28, 2026, for a LUNCH (12:00-1:30pm) meeting at The View (1071 Celestial St, 45202), for our Wally Emmerling Award program.

This week we will honor one of our members with the Walter Emmerling Award! This award recognizes a member of the Club who exemplifies the highest qualities a Rotarian could achieve, one who demonstrates Service Above Self and lives as a model to others. In keeping with our tradition, this recipient will not be made public until the day the award is presented!

RSVP Here! https://cincinnatirotary.org/events-news/calendar/2026/05/wally-emmerling-award-4/

05/15/2026

What an incredible evening for Cincinnati!

250 community leaders, Rotarians, supporters, and friends came together for a completely SOLD OUT Play It Forward fundraiser to help rebuild the beloved Thousand Hands Playground at Sawyer Point after last year’s devastating fire.

The energy in the room was inspiring, and the commitment to creating an inclusive space for children of all abilities was stronger than ever.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, and supported this important effort. Together, we are rebuilding more than a playground — we are rebuilding hope, community, and opportunity for generations to come.

Special thanks to FOX19 for highlighting this important initiative.

“Play it Forward” was a fundraiser to gather help from the community and corporate sponsors to rebuild the playground that the group helped fund years ago.

05/14/2026

Tonight, the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati’s Play it Forward event will bring our community together to help rebuild the beloved 1000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point.

More than 20 years ago, Rotary helped build one of the region’s first all-adaptable playgrounds where children of all abilities could play together. After the playground was tragically destroyed, Rotarians and community partners are stepping forward once again to help continue that legacy for future generations.

Even though tonight’s event is sold out, you can still support the impact:

Silent Auction: https://e.givesmart.com/events/NEt/i/

Donate Now: playitforward26.givesmart.com

Thank you to everyone helping us create brighter futures for children in our community.

05/13/2026

Start your morning with great coffee and even better conversation!
Join the Rotary Club of Cincinnati for our May Neighborhood Coffee Connect — a fun, relaxed gathering where community leaders, professionals, friends, and future Rotarians come together to connect and build meaningful relationships. Whether you’re curious about Rotary, looking to grow your network, or just want to enjoy a great cup of coffee in good company, we’d love to meet you!

Urbana Cafe at the Contemporary Arts Center
44 East Sixth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tuesday, May 19
8:00–10:00 AM

Parking is easy with nearby street parking and the Fountain Square South Garage just around the corner.

Come by for a few minutes or stay the whole morning — either way, you’re welcome here. We can’t wait to connect with you!

05/12/2026

Join us on Thursday, May 21, 2026, for a LUNCH (12:00-1:30pm) meeting at The View at Mt. Adams (1071 Celestial St, 45202), for our Cincinnati Public Schools Teacher Appreciation program.

During this meeting we will recognize members of the Cincinnati Public School system for their service to our community! Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools, Shauna Murphy, will present the following awards:

Administrator of the Year – LAVAUGHN NEAL, Principal, Schroder High School

Community Service – CHARLEY FRANK

Humanitarian of the Year – REBEKA BEACH, Activities Beyond The Classroom

Innovator of the Year – DEB FRICKE, Digital Learning Manager, CPS IT Dept.

Teacher of the Year – SHANA DARDEN, Rothenberg Preparatory Academy

Make sure to RSVP here! https://cincinnatirotary.org/events-news/calendar/2026/05/cincinnati-public-schools-teacher-appreciation-2/

05/11/2026

The Play It Forward Silent Auction is LIVE.
What began with the loss of a beloved community playground is becoming something far more powerful: a community coming together to rebuild it.
Now is your chance to make an impact while bidding on incredible experiences and exclusive packages featuring:
Joe Burrow experiences
University of Michigan athletics
Bourbon experiences
Dining and entertainment
Golf packages
And much more
While the event itself is sold out, anyone can participate online and support this meaningful cause.
Every bid helps rebuild the 1,000 Hands Playground and invests in children and families throughout our community.
Play it forward. Bid generously. Help us build something lasting together.