Rotary Club of Benton, IL

10/13/2026

President Jesse Hinds gave a presentation on "Dia De Los Metros", which is Mexico's "Day of the Dead" on Nov. 1st and 2nd. This is the time when Mexican communities are closest to those loved ones that have passed. We can be at our lowest point, and we can still experience joy.

10/06/2026

Jessica Williams, from Peoples National Bank, educated the Club on the latest fraud and scams hitting the area. Currently, fraud is an over 17 billion dollar industry. Jessica gave the members some tips on how not to get scamed.

10/06/2026

The Annual Rotary/Chamber Golf Scramble was held this past Friday, and the morning players were met with rain most of the morning. Despite the rain, it was a fun day, and another successful event.

09/15/2026

Rotarian Lennie Shelton gave a talk about Heritage Woods of Benton...."an affordable assisted lifestyle community for older adults." Lennie is Director of Sales and Marketing and has been on the job for two months now.

09/02/2026

After a 2 month vacation from Rotary meetings, our first one yesterday was quite a success. We also had a visit from our new
District Governor Libby Quinlan (District 6510) who spoke to us about the goals of Rotary, and asked what needs our club has. Mr. Quinlan is retired from the Air Force, and emphasized the need for working with the youth through various Rotary Programs.

07/13/2026

The Benton Rotary Club recently hosted the 2026 recipient of rhe Rotary Award, Josie Webb, and her parents, Shannon and Tracey Webb, for a luncheon and award presentation. Given since 1942, the prestigious Rotary Award goes to the most representative graduating senior at Benton Consolidated High School. Josie excelled in all areas of her high school career, including speech and drama, vocal and band, as well as academics and activities. She plans to continue her education at Murray State University, majoring in Veterinary Medicine.

The Benton Rotary Club congratulates Josie and wishes her well in her future plans.

07/01/2026

For our last meeting before our 2 month summer break, we invited Rachel Gartner ( Director of Community Development) and Tammy Gwaltney ( specializes in nonprofit management, leadership and development) explain to the members about the
Southern Illinois Community Foundation, which covers the lower 17 Illinois counties. Rhonda Gilbreath( Rotary Treasurer) and Rotary President Jesse Hinds presented a check for $800 to help the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, where 50 Franklin County children will have books sent to them . Each month, an age appropriate book will be sent to these children free of charge, up to their 5th birthday.

05/29/2026

The Benton Rotary Club mourns the loss of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, Robert S. “Bob” Rea.

Bob truly embodied the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” His love for Benton and Franklin County was unmatched, and so was his dedication to preserving and improving the community he cherished. Few people have ever poured themselves so completely into their community. Bob’s knowledge of local history, his service to the community, and his passion for serving others are simply irreplaceable.

From historic preservation efforts to civic leadership, from mentoring others to supporting countless community projects, Bob leaves behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of Benton and Franklin County. His fingerprints are everywhere! They are in the landmarks he helped restore, the stories he preserved, the organizations he strengthened, and the people he inspired.

For many of us, the initial shock of losing Bob has now given way to immense grief. He was not only a remarkable leader but also an absolute joy to know and an incredible friend to so many. His wisdom, humor, kindness, and enthusiasm for life made every room brighter and every conversation richer.

We are all better because of Bob Rea. His absence will be deeply felt, but his impact will endure for generations to come.

Please keep Brenda, Hilary, Scarlett, and the entire Rea family in your prayers during this difficult time.

05/27/2026