The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
April 21, 2026 President Seth Minter commenced the Rotary Club’s 41st meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Larry Adams followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Steve Tibbitts.
Ryan Van Dolah announced attendance: 20 members were present, representing 37% of the club’s membership. Including our four guests, total attendance reached 24.
The guests were Tim Hallinan, Western Illinois University Director of Annual Giving (our speaker), April’s Junior Rotarians Collin Adams and Karsyn Trusley, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway.
Six Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent significant events. The 50/50 drawing was conducted; Steve Hopper had the opportunity to win $51 by drawing the 9 of Hearts but drew the 7 of Hearts, resulting in no winner for this round.
President Seth then called April Junior Rotarian Karsyn Trusley to talk to the club about her activities at MHS and his future plans after graduation.
Announcements were shared with the membership.
Tickets for the Cubs-Cardinals game scheduled for May 30, 2026, are still available for purchase. Members interested in attending may contact Emily Gillett or Nick Estes. The club is encouraged to invite guests to meetings throughout the month, aiming to welcome six new members to complete the “8 in 8” challenge promoted by the Rotary District. President Seth also invited members to participate in the Shoes for Kids golf outing, coordinated by Jimmie Koller on June 19. If interested, members should contact Rotarian Nick Knowles.
The Paul Harris Awards will be held May 26, Circles of Five are encouraged to meet and make their nominations.
Emily Gillett introduced the guest speaker, Tim Hallinan, Western Illinois University Director of Annual Giving. Tim spoke to the group about the origins of Giving Tuesday, going back to 2012, in which $13.5 million was raised nationally. In 2025, Giving Tuesday raised over $4 billion. Colleges and universities across the nation have benefited in a number of ways, including WIU, which began its campaign in 2015, coordinating with Purple and Gold Day on April 24 and has continued on that day ever since. Tim said the Western Challenge has worked because people like to be part of something meaningful. They see others giving and want to be part of it. Over the years, “matches” have become popular, where a challenge involves matching a specific amount of money that is raised. WIU has over 16 sub-campaigns and 15 matches or challenges in which members can participate in giving. Tim took questions from the members and thanked the group for the opportunity.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the “Four Way Test” and the sounding of the Rotary bell, encouraging all members to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at tastites902@ gmail.com.
