Committees
The best way to meet fellow Rotarians and make a difference is by participating in our committees which organize our philanthropic and fellowship activities. Whether you are interested in contributing to the community, networking, or volunteering at the Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale, you’ll be sure to find a group to fits your interests.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community Service Director: Sylvia Pizzini
The Community Avenue of Service encourages every member to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in the communities we serve, and to serve the public interest.
Community Grants
Chairs: Chuck Everett, Rosemary Shaw
Provides a number of wide-ranging community grants, ranging in size from $500-$15,000 each, to local charitable organizations on the Island and neighboring communities through an annual grant application process.
Large Grants (Huney)
Chairs: Rosemary Hollinger, Fred Sciulli
Supports the community in major capital assets to improve the quality of life. Grants are generally $25,000 or more. When no immediate projects are found, the committee accumulates funds to allow for larger projects in the future.
Well-Being
Chair: Fred Hoffer
Focuses programs and grants to promote equity and well-being in the community. Sub-committees include healthcare access, mental health, and elder care.
Community Preparedness
Chairs: Gary LaVoy, Trish Rantos
Promotes club member individual, household, and neighborhood preparedness, and supports community emergency preparedness efforts and programs.
Community Partners in Action
Chairs: Rosemary Hollinger, Tom Hogan
To be faithful to the club’s motto of “Service Above Self” by responding to community requests for hands-on club member assistance during events or projects. Works with community partners to assist community members with home safety improvements.
Environmental
Chairs: Mike Cox, Winifred Perkins
To promote environmental stewardship through education, partnership and action.
VOCATIONAL SERVICE
Vocational Service Director: Mary Scott
The Vocational Avenue of Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. The Four-Way Test is to be followed in every vocation and aspect of a Rotarian’s life.
Career Exploration (CEC)
Chair: Mitch Icard
To promote and provide career exploration opportunities and programs for high school students, utilizing the club membership’s wide variety of professional experience.
Literacy
Chair: Carol Hogan
To promote literacy for children ages four to seven years old.
Partners for Work
Chairs: Fred Hoffer
To teach work and interview skills to young adults with developmental delays to build confidence and improve their employment opportunities.
YOUTH SERVICE
Youth Service Director: Kelly Muldrow
The Youth Area of Service invests in the next generation by providing opportunities and support for youth to lead, learn, and serve—strengthening both individual character and the community as a whole.
Scholarships
Chair: Kathy Maher
Awards RCBI Community Service Scholarships in recognition of high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional “Service Above Self,” and Murdock Construction and Engineering Scholarships.
Youth Food
Chairs: Grae Drake, Thea Peterson
Partners with Helpline House to provide weekly groceries to food insecure youth (ages 0-18) on Bainbridge Island during the 16 to 18 weeks of the year when school is not in session.
Youth Grants
Chairs: McKenna Lang, Colleen Mriglot
Provides grants to youth who have developed projects they want to do to improve their school or the community.
Youth Exchange
Chairs: Diane Walworth, Travis Tebo
Works to instill international understanding and goodwill in students; to create positive change by empowering youth; and to make lasting connections for host clubs, host families, communities, and students.
Youth Protection
Chair: Kate Henderson
To create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in our club’s activities.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Chair: Steve Keller
Recruits and sponsors high school-age applicants for this summer leadership development program that helps participants develop character and leadership skills through seminars, hands-on activities, and service.
CLUB SERVICE
Club Service Director: Doug Nathan
The Club Area of Service focuses on making our club strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong fellowship and an engaged and active membership.
Activities
Chairs: Heather Church, Colleen Mriglot
Plans events during which Rotarians can have fun and engage in fellowship and networking. Some events include family members and guests.
Greeters
Chairs: Norm Lenz, Tracie Waxman
Assists the club’s President in conducting high-quality club meetings. To warmly welcome Rotarians and visitors as they arrive, along with offering any needed assistance.
Membership
Chairs: Fred Hoffer, Susie Burdick
Introduces the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island to people in the community and introduces people to the club in an effort to build a strong and sustainable membership.
Mentoring
Chairs: Carol Reitz, Craig Nelson
Provides guidance for all Rotarians to find meaningful service and connection.
Peace Builders
Chair: Doug Nathan
Peace building is a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization. Our mission is to use the framework of positive peace in sustainable and measurable activities applying it to our club, our community, and region.
Programs
Chairs: Tracie Waxman, Mike Curtis
Arranges and schedules meeting speakers to inform, inspire, and encourage club members to serve our community and the world at large.
Rotarians Care
Chairs: Sarah Bryant, Ann Marie Kimball
Actively communicates with club members whose circumstances – career, family, health – warrant an expression of congratulations, caring, and/or concern from fellow Rotarians.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
International Service Director: Phil Toohey
The International Avenue of Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this Avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners from other Rotary Clubs in the U.S. and abroad, and/or non-profits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
World Community Service
Chairs: Michael Camp, Nancy Houghton
Initiates and participates in international projects that positively impact the welfare of less advantaged people in a manner that incentivizes beneficiary self-reliance. Includes African, Latin American, and Ukraine subcommittees.
Africa Subcommittee
Chair: Vicki Evans
Partners with other Rotary clubs and NGOs in Uganda & Tanzania to promote clean water, village savings and loans, education, and healthcare projects. Also contributes to development projects across the continent that are initiated by other clubs.
Nepal Subcommittee
Chair: Phil Toohey
BIRC continues in its 10 plus years of support of women and children in and around the capitol city of Kathmandu, Nepal. With a focus on health, education, and nutrition we are dedicated to lifting the least of the caste system. Partnering with the Rotary Club of Kathmandu and other non-profits, we work together for a brighter future for all.
Latin America Subcommittee
Chair: Al Quan
Works to help individuals thrive in Central and South America, with joint programs operating with Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Island Association (BOSIA), a NGO operating on the Island of Ometepe. Projects between WCS and BOSIA focus on under-served deaf students by providing Nicaraguan Sign Language programs. WCS and BOSIA also support survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence through Women’s Therapeutic Support Groups in ten villages around the island.
Ukraine Subcommittee
Chairs: Nena Peltin, Vicki Evans
Works in close cooperation with three other Rotary clubs to facilitate aid: the Rotary Club of Zamosc Ordynacki, Poland, the Rotary Club of Krakow Zamek Niepolomice-Centrum, and the Rotary Club of Kyiv-Sophia, Ukraine. We have delivered tens of thousands of dollars worth of humanitarian aid to Ukraine since 2022.