Co-Presidents Linda Callahan and Guy Groot proudly represented the Rotary Club of Aurora United at Midwest PETS 2026 (President-Elect Training Seminar)—an inspiring gathering of Rotary leaders preparing for the year ahead.

Pictured here with keynote speaker and Rotary International President-Elect for 2026–2027, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, this event highlights the strength of Rotary leadership and the shared commitment to Service Above Self.

We’re excited to bring fresh ideas, energy, and inspiration back to Aurora as we continue to make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond.

What an incredible evening at the 2026 Wine and Chocolate Experience!

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Aurora United and our amazing community for coming together to create such a meaningful and impactful night. Events like this truly showcase the power of connection, generosity, and Service Above Self.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our guests, members, sponsors, and volunteers who made the evening so enjoyable and successful. Your support and energy are what make nights like this possible.

We’re already looking forward to next year—see you then!

Pastor Pannell shared the inspiring mission behind WeNxT—an organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth in Aurora and surrounding counties through a holistic approach that blends education, recreation, mentorship, and leadership development. Their programs are thoughtfully designed to help young people build confidence, purpose, and the skills needed to become future leaders in our community.

WeNxT’s collaborative partnerships with Aurora Township, the Aurora Police Department, Aurora University, and the Kane County Health Department demonstrate the power of working together to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Thank you, Pastor Pannell, for your passion, leadership, and commitment to strengthening the lives of our youth. Your work is a true reflection of Service Above Self and the difference community collaboration can make.

To learn more about WeNxT Youth Outreach:

https://www.wenxtyouthoutreach.org

Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Aurora United and the Rotary Club of Aurora First Light came together once again to serve both breakfast and fellowship to the clients of Hesed House Homeless Shelter.

Each month, our clubs unite with a shared purpose—filling bellies and hearts—by preparing and serving a warm meal while offering kindness, conversation, and connection. These mornings are a powerful reminder that service is strongest when it’s shared, and that compassion can be just as nourishing as the food on the table.

We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder in service, building community through action and living the Rotary value of Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Aurora United came together last Saturday with one shared goal: to spread a little extra joy this holiday season. Our members assembled 75 special Holiday Goody Bags for our Senior Food Delivery Day, adding a personal touch to brighten the holidays for neighbors in need.

Of those bags, 35 were delivered directly to seniors, while 40 were thoughtfully set aside for individuals and families facing special circumstances, ensuring care and kindness reached those who needed it most.

Moments like these remind us that Service Above Self is about more than service—it’s about compassion, connection, and community. We are proud of our members for coming together to make a meaningful difference during this special time of year.

On December 3rd, the Rotary Club of Aurora United welcomed Tony Winter from the Rotary Club of Batavia, IL, who shared valuable insights and real-world experiences on transforming an established Rotary club to drive membership growth and engagement.

Tony’s thoughtful presentation sparked great discussion and offered practical takeaways for strengthening clubs while staying true to Rotary’s mission. We were also proud to recognize Tony’s feature in the January 2025 issue of Rotary magazine, highlighting his leadership and success in this important area.

Thank you, Tony, for inspiring us to continue evolving, growing, and serving our community together.

The Rotary Club of Aurora United would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dean, Steven, and Nuno from the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry for their tireless dedication and leadership. Their hard work behind the scenes ensures that food is carefully prepared, thoughtfully packaged, and efficiently distributed to individuals and families who need it most—especially during the holiday season.

We are proud to stand alongside such committed partners and to support their mission with a $5,000 contribution from Aurora United, helping ensure no neighbor goes without a nutritious meal during this critical time of year.

Service Above Self is made possible by people like Dean, Steven, and Nuno, whose compassion and commitment make a meaningful difference every single day.

The Rotary Club of Aurora United is proud to continue our partnership with the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry during this busy holiday season—helping prepare food for distribution and delivering meals to seniors who are homebound.

As the holidays approach, our members are honored to serve neighbors who need extra support, ensuring families and seniors have access to nutritious meals, dignity, and the comfort of knowing their community cares.

Service Above Self is at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you to our volunteers and partners who help make the holidays brighter for those in need.

Rotary Club of Aurora – Hands On for Our Community

On Monday October 13th our Rotary Club members rolled up their sleeves and got to work during the Adopt-a-Trail cleanup along the Gilman Trail! Covering the one-mile stretches east and west from the Edgelawn Drive parking area, we picked up litter, cleared debris, and helped keep this beautiful trail safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Trail users stopped to thank us as we tackled the work—reminding us why community service, big or small, truly matters. Until next time, we’ll rest up and get ready to “attack” another section of the trail!

October 15th we were honored to welcome Elizabeth Andaas from Blessings in a Backpack – Chicago Chapter, an incredible organization dedicated to providing food for children who might otherwise go hungry.

Elizabeth shared how thousands of students across the Chicagoland area rely on school meal programs during the week—but often face food insecurity once classes end. Blessings in a Backpack steps in to fill that gap, ensuring kids have nutritious meals to take home each weekend so they can return to school on Monday ready to learn and thrive.

We are deeply inspired by the work they do and reminded that even small acts of giving can make a huge impact in the life of a child.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, visit chicago.blessingsinabackpack.org.

Please click on the link to read a great article published in The Voice.
 

Aurora Rotary John M. Lies Service Above Self Scholarship Endowment Fund
$1,250 per year

The Rotary Club of Aurora created a scholarship endowment fund in 2013 to honor John M. Lies, a former club president. Scholarships from the fund are intended to recognize local students who demonstrate a strong commitment of service to their community and a sincere resolve to become exemplary members of society.

John Lies was born in Aurora on June 8, 1946, and lived in Aurora his entire life. He attended West Aurora High School, the University of Michigan and Northern Illinois University. He married his wife Lynn in 1965.  The couple has three children – Robert, Michael and Kathy. Mr. Lies was the president of the Arnold Lies Company. He joined the family business in 1965 and worked at fully developing West Aurora Plaza.

He also was a community leader who served as a director of the First American Bank, Merchants National Bank, Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Easter Seals, Rush-Copley Foundation, Rush-Copley Medical Center (chairman from 2002 to 2007), Rush-Copley Medical Center-Chicago and the Aurora Country Club. A dedicated Rotarian for thirty-seven years, Mr. Lies served as president of the club from 1987-1988. As an aviation enthusiast, he became a private pilot and a multi-engine instructor. Mr. Lies loved golf, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.

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Aurora Rotary Lyle E. Oncken Scholarship Endowment Fund
$6,000 ($1,500 per year, renewable for 4 years)

The Rotary Club of Aurora created a scholarship fund in 1991 to honor Lyle E. Oncken (1924-2014), a Rotarian who served as club secretary from 1973-1992.

Mr. Oncken retired from his position as executive director of  INC Mental Health Alliance. In 1990. Scholarships from this fund are available to students from throughout the Foundation’s service area who are entering any field of study. However, preference is given to students entering fields that reflect Mr. Oncken’s lifetime interests, primarily in the area of social services.

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Rotary Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund
$2,000 ($1,000 per year, renewable for 2 years)

The Rotary Club of Aurora established this scholarship fund to support local graduating high school seniors who will be attending a two-year or four-year college or university. Preference will be given to students studying healthcare or education.

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For a complete list of available Scholarships through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, click here

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Rotary Club of Aurora United

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The Rotary Club of Aurora United presents 8 Ted Brattin Civic Youth Awards at the Aurora Navy League's Pearl Harbor Memorial Event.  President Chris Olson presented the award of $100  to students from the following High Schools: Aurora Central Catholic, Aurora Christian, IMSA, Marmion Academy, Oswego High School, Rosary High School, Waubonsie Valley High School & East Aurora High School.

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