Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary

Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Coldwater Sunrise Rotary was formed in October 1986. The building of a Branch County Animal Shelter became the club’s project. In 1993, President J.

Sunrise Rotary is a community service organization that raises money to support worthwhile programs in Branch County and provides service throughout the community when needed. Projects and Service:
In 1988, member Bob Krutsch gave a presentation on animals and the need for an animal shelter in the community. Members devoted more than 12,000 hours of volunteer labor over a three-year period, and ra

ised the $275,000 needed for the project. Major projects to fund the animal shelter included the club’s annual money raffle and a special animal shelter lottery held in partnership with WTVB. Members Doug Baxter and Hal Creal were instrumental in organizing the construction of the facility. The Branch County Animal Shelter was completed and dedicated on October 12, 1991 and presented to the people of Branch County by the members of the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club. Adaire Putnam challenged the membership to identify another, equally important and large-scale community service project. A number of members investigated a variety of community needs. Members Tom and Sharon Shenefield learned that the current Shelterhouse for abused women and children was grossly inadequate to meet today’s needs. Following their informative and moving presentation to the Club, members voted to make securing a new home for the Shelterhouse the next Club project. Member Hal Creal and his wife, Lillian, stepped forward and donated a large, historic Coldwater home to the effort. The home was named in honor of Hal’s mother Naomi Davis. Under the campaign theme, Because Home Should be a Safe Place, members again donated thousands of hours and raised more than $100,000 in cash; goods and services to renovate the Naomi Davis Home for use multiple families and Shelterhouse staff. In 1998 Sunrise Rotary assisted with the construction of Kids Kingdom – a community playground for the Coldwater area. With Howard Parsons serving on the Kids Kingdom planning committee he recruited members to donate numerous hours and services to assemble the playground during the construction week. Sunrise Rotary was also recognized for making the largest financial contribution from a service club to support the project. Sunrise Rotary members have also assisted the Habitat for Humanity organization. Under the leadership of Bruce Young several members have joined forces to form a volunteer roofing crew and have shingled several Habitat for Humanity homes. In 2001 Sunrise Rotary members explored the possibility of partnering with the Coldwater-Quincy American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to construct a pavilion for the growing soccer program. Jim Wodyka, also a member of the AYSO spearheaded the efforts to work with the two boards to pursue leasing land from Coldwater Township to locate the soccer fields and future pavilion. In 2002 plans were developed for the construction of the pavilion and members began actively developing fundraising plans to financially support this project. Hal and Lillian Creal once again stepped forward to financially support this project and pledged to match all donations up to $300,000.00. In 2003 work was done on the grounds to accommodate the parking and the layout of the playing fields. Construction of the Creal Soccer Pavilion occurred in 2004. The pavilion includes a community room, a concession, and patio and picnic area and restroom facilities. Members once again made commitments of financial support and labor to assist with the completion of the pavilion. Community member and friend of Rotary, Glen Fry was instrumental in organizing the construction of the facility. In 2006 Jon Harpst was instrumental in establishing what was to become an annual golf outing, raising approximately $20,000 each year toward major club projects. Also in 2006 Hal and Lillian Creal began what is to be an annual contribution to the Club to make it possible for the outgoing president to present a Paul Harris Award to someone of their choice who has contributed to Rotary. Chuck Lillis presented the first award to Jim Fry. Early in 2007 the club partnered with the United Methodist Men and Rotary International to provide bio-sand filters to residents of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. So far approximately $13,000 has been raised toward this pure water project. In May of 2007 the club decided that our next major project would be the improvement of facilities at Coldwater High School’s Lowe Baseball Field, the Sandy Koufax Baseball Field near Heritage Park and the girls’ softball complex across from Parkhurst Park. It is planned to add covered stadium seating, restrooms, concession stands and press boxes at each location. Fundraising began when nearly $22,000 was raised in June at the 2007 golf outing at Blackberry Patch Golf Club. Additionally the Hal and Lillian Creal Service Above Self Award was initiated for anyone donating $500 to the Sunrise Rotary Foundation. In the first year two awards were given, with a number of pledges received. We anticipate over time this effort will be like the Paul Harris Award, except it will allow us to continue our efforts for our own community. When Chuck Lillis was President he approached the Noon Rotary President Dave Stattler about such a project. Following his presidency Chuck formed a steering committee from both clubs, to investigate the possibility of bringing 4th of July fire works back to Coldwater. With the help of an anonymous donor, both clubs joined to bring about the 4th of July fire Works program that has, in the years following, brought joy and enthusiasm to the community. Hopefully other combined projects will follow.

Hello, September!🍁🧡🍂
09/01/2026

Hello, September!🍁🧡🍂

~Rest in Peace, Dolly.~🕊 💙
08/25/2026

~Rest in Peace, Dolly.~🕊 💙

Recently, the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary was thrilled to host special guest speakers Julie Elmore and Conrado Cam...
08/25/2026

Recently, the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary was thrilled to host special guest speakers Julie Elmore and Conrado Campos from the Cereal City Sunrise Rotary!

Julie and Conrado shared the inspiring story behind their club’s book, Ben's Diabetes Journey. Written to support children navigating a new diagnosis, the book follows a young boy as he learns to manage his diabetes daily at school. It beautifully explains to classmates why Ben needs medication and routine blood checks, encouraging peers to step up and become supportive "DiaBuddies." Above all, it delivers a powerful message: Ben is a normal kid who deserves to be treated just like everyone else.

Through Cereal City Sunrise Rotary’s wonderful initiative, the book has already been distributed to multiple schools across Calhoun County and is available in both English and Spanish.

Want to support this great cause or get a copy for your school, family, or library?

Email the Cereal City Sunrise Rotary at: [email protected]

Thank you, Julie and Conrado, for visiting us and for making such a positive difference for youth in our communities! 💙⚙️

🙌 💪

Join us in celebrating two outstanding members of the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary! Kim Hemker and Frank Walsh have...
08/10/2026

Join us in celebrating two outstanding members of the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary! Kim Hemker and Frank Walsh have both achieved their Paul Harris Fellow +2 awards!

Achieving the PHF+2 milestone represents a sustained, deeply personal commitment to Rotary International’s core motto, Service Above Self. Through their generous ongoing contributions to The Rotary Foundation, Kim and Frank directly support vital initiatives—from promoting peace and eradicating disease to supporting local education and community development both in Branch County and around the world.

Thank you, Kim and Frank, for your leadership, generosity, and steadfast dedication to making a difference.

Please drop a comment or give a shout-out below to congratulate Kim and Frank on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🎉

08/08/2026
Sturgis Rotary is hosting a fundraiser! Take a look at some of the wonderful items that are available to bid on.Support ...
08/06/2026

Sturgis Rotary is hosting a fundraiser! Take a look at some of the wonderful items that are available to bid on.

Support Rotary's Higher Education Scholarship by Buying Vacation Getaways, MI Golf Packages, Michigan Swag, Food and Art!

AUCTION LIVE NOW through 9/15/26 noon!

TO VIEW ITEMS AND BID NOW, click here: https://new.biddingowl.com/2026RotaryMeritScholarship

To simply make a direct donation to our Rotary scholarship fund, click here: https://form.jotform.com/SturgisFoundation/sturgis-rotary-scholarship

AMAZING vacation getaways include: NASCAR, golf in Ireland, Banff, Costa Rica, TN whiskey tours, dove hunting in South America, NCAA Final Four, Germany's Christmas markets, Italy's Lake Como, Jackson Hole skiing, Napa Valley wine tours and more!

Local MI items include: 4 U of M vs. WMU football tickets on the 44-yard line, Jim Harbaugh signed U of M Wolverine National Championship helmet and football, Tom Izzo signed basketball, multiple low cost golf packages across SW MI, original art, local restaurant gift cards, auto service and more!

100% of each winning bid goes directly to Rotary's scholarship fund. Your purchase will support higher education scholarships in perpetuity!

-Shifting into High Gear: Growing Our Impact in Coldwater-August is “Membership and New Club Development Month” across t...
08/02/2026

-Shifting into High Gear: Growing Our Impact in Coldwater-

August is “Membership and New Club Development Month” across the Rotary world!

For our Coldwater Township Rotary Club, this is the perfect time to look forward. We want to grow our ranks and discover new ways to serve the Branch county area. To make a lasting impact, we need two things: your unique perspectives and passionate new members.

Here is how we can work together to expand our reach and spark fresh ideas:

3 Ways to Grow Our Membership:

• Bring a Friend to our Breakfast or Lunch Meeting: Invite a coworker, neighbor, or local business owner to a meeting so they can experience our fellowship firsthand.
• Highlight Service, Not Just Meetings: People want to make a difference. Invite prospects directly to our next hands-on community service project.
• Represent Diverse Voices: Let’s actively reach out to young professionals, educators, and community leaders who bring new energy to Coldwater.

Opening the Dialogue: What’s Next for Coldwater?

We want to hear from every current member. Our community’s needs change, and our projects should change with them.

Let’s start a conversation about new initiatives:

• What gaps do you see? Are there local youth, senior, or park projects in the Coldwater area that need our backing?
• Share your passion: If you have an idea for a fundraiser or service project, speak up at our next meeting or drop a note to the board.
• Think outside the box: No idea is too big or too small. Let’s collaborate to turn fresh concepts into community action.

Let’s connect! Comment below with one local cause you think our club should tackle next, or tag a friend who would make a fantastic Rotarian.

🌎 💛 🙌

Hello, August! 💛
08/01/2026

Hello, August! 💛

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Rotary District 6360 Governor, Tim Lee, to our weekly morning meeting! It was a f...
07/16/2026

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Rotary District 6360 Governor, Tim Lee, to our weekly morning meeting! It was a fantastic morning filled with celebration, community updates, and a shared vision for the year ahead.

The absolute highlight of the morning was celebrating one of our very own! District Governor Tim had the honor of presenting Kendra Danielsen with her Paul Harris +8 award.

This incredible milestone represents her deep, continued support of the Rotary Foundation and her dedication to making the world a better place. Thank you, Kendra, for your outstanding commitment and for truly embodying "Service Above Self"! Please join us in congratulating her in the comments! 👏

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, Tim shared his inspiring vision, hopes, and plans for District 6360 under his leadership. He didn't leave us empty-handed—he also issued an exciting challenge to our members: to think outside the box and find new, creative ways to donate to the Rotary Foundation.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Tim for joining us, sharing his passion, and energizing our club. We are incredibly excited to work alongside him to make a lasting impact in the upcoming year! ⚙️💙

For the members of the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary, "Service Above Self" is not just a motto—it is a daily commitm...
07/16/2026

For the members of the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary, "Service Above Self" is not just a motto—it is a daily commitment. Through strategic financial investments and an unwavering dedication to hands-on service, the club has become a cornerstone of support for youth, arts, education, and families across Branch County.

In the past year, the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary has poured over $97,000 in funding into vital local initiatives, paired with an astonishing 3,000+ hours of volunteer time generously given by its members.

From local classrooms to global initiatives, here is a look at how Sunrise Rotary is making a lasting difference.

A major focus of the club's mission is empowering youth, and supporting education. Sunrise Rotary continuously invests in the future of local students through:

-High School Scholarships: Providing financial pathways for students pursuing higher education.
-Backpack Buddies: Ensuring local children have access to nutritious food over the weekends.
-Youth in Government & Coldwater High School Interact: Fostering leadership, civic responsibility, and early dedication to community service among young people.
-Kellogg Community College: Enhancing the Grahl Center’s campus gardens with the sponsorship of a beautiful new garden bench.

Enriching Culture, Arts, and Community Wellness

A vibrant community requires strong cultural and emotional support systems. Sunrise Rotary proudly champions local arts and recreation by assisting with funding for:

-Tibbits Opera House: Supporting the historic Summer Theater program to keep the arts alive and accessible.
-The Children’s Museum: Sponsoring interactive, educational events for local families.
-Community Events: Fueling local spirit and health through the Cultural Jubilee, Kimball Summer Camp, Interact ABC Challenge and Run Branch County.
-Coldwater Community Center at the Beech House-Helping to fund renovation projects to assist with preserving this historical landmark.

Standing with Neighbors in Need

When community members face hardships, Sunrise Rotary steps up. The club provides critical funding and boots-on-the-ground volunteer power to local advocacy and relief organizations, including:

-Branch Area Food Pantry: Combating food insecurity through both financial backing and physical volunteer hours.
-Branch County Coalition Against Domestic And Sexual Violence: Actively supporting fundraising events to ensure safety and resources for survivors.
-Pines Behavioral Health: Sponsoring a special movie day to honor and provide a day of relaxation for local veterans and their families.
-Union City Tornado Relief—Assisting with both financial and clean-up assistance after the area was hit by a spring tornado.

Looking Forward: Local and Global Horizons

True to the spirit of Rotary International, the Sunrise club looks both at immediate local needs and the world at large. Locally, the club is currently fundraising for the highly anticipated Jim Stout Bandshell Project, an initiative set to bring the community together through music and outdoor gatherings. Meanwhile, on the Rotary international stage, club members recently voted to fund the purchase of bicycles for school children in Malawi, bridging the gap to education for students a world away.

A Legacy of Dedication

Whether they are painting, organizing fundraisers, packing food bags, or funding the next great community landmark, the members of the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary are deeply proud of their impact. Every dollar raised, and every volunteer hour spent is a testament to what we can achieve when we put our community first. We are proud to be Rotarians, and we look forward to continuing to live out 'Service Above Self' for many years to come.

To learn more about the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary, or to find out how you can get involved in their upcoming projects, visit coldwatersunriserotary.com.


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Coldwater, MI
49036

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