By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In the summer of 2019, two districts combined to form Kansas Rotary District 5680. The district consists of 61 clubs and stretches over the western two-thirds of Kansas and four clubs in the Oklahoma Panhandle. With the expansion, winning the “Most Outstanding Club” award carries even more honor.
The Rotary Club of Great Bend was recognized with the award at last weekend’s
virtual annual conference. Last year’s President Chad Steffan saw the club’s
membership increase by eight to 46 members.
"With a population trend that is declining a little bit, for a club to show positive growth is a neat deal," said Steffan. "It was nice to be recognized."
Rotary is a global network trying to improve the world by promoting peace,
fighting disease, supporting education and growing local economies. Locally,
Steffan says the Great Bend organization has focused on community service
projects, literacy and scholarships.
Rotary Club is always looking for new members
and anyone can contact current members, including current President Gail Santy.
"We want to grow our club and do more community service projects," said Steffan. "One of the things we were also recognized for in that award was the amount of food and cash we gave to the food bank."
Also, the Rotary Club of Great Bend conducted a popular fundraiser, a
half-court basketball shot at Great Bend High School games, to help fund
educational programs at USD 428.
In the announcement of the “Most Outstanding Club” award, the Great Bend Club
will receive a traveling trophy.