Effingham Illinois Sunrise Rotary

06/19/2026

Sunrise Rotarians Becky Brown and Holly Bray hit the airwaves today to spread the word about the upcoming Let Freedom Ring Cookout!

Join us on the Courthouse Lawn in downtown Effingham on July 3 from 11 AM – 1 PM for great food, community spirit, and a patriotic celebration as we kick off Independence Day festivities together. 🇺🇸

We can't wait to see you there!

06/18/2026

When disaster strikes, our community steps up.

The recent tornadoes have impacted families and communities across Effingham County, and recovery efforts are just beginning. The Southeastern Illinois Disaster Relief Fund has been established to provide support and resources to those affected by the storms.

As Rotarians, we believe in helping our neighbors and strengthening the communities we call home. If you're able, please consider making a donation to support recovery efforts and help those affected rebuild.

Together, our community can make a difference.

The Effingham County Chamber, Meteorologist Jacob Dickey, and the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation are working together to support communities across southeastern Illinois as they begin the difficult process of recovery following the tornadoes that impacted our region.

In times like these, we are reminded of the strength, resilience, and generosity that define our communities. To help support those affected, the Southeastern Illinois Disaster Relief Fund has been established.

All funds raised will remain in southeastern Illinois and be directed toward local recovery efforts, helping provide resources and assistance to individuals, families, and communities impacted by the storms.

If you would like to support these efforts, you may donate by scanning the QR code below or visiting:

https://4agc.com/donate/seildisasterrelief

Every gift makes a difference. Together, we can help our neighbors recover, rebuild, and move forward.

06/18/2026

OFFICE CHALLENGE

We challenge local businesses to bring their staff downtown for lunch on July 3rd! Because if you are working that close to a holiday, you need some fun in your life!

Bonus points for patriotic outfits. 👀

Tag your coworkers below who need to attend.

06/18/2026

Effingham Sunrise Rotary recently welcomed Dr. Navi, an Effingham High School graduate and Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician, who shared his passion for preventive healthcare and personalized patient care.

Dr. Navi discussed the importance of early detection, routine screenings, and proactive health management to help patients stay healthier longer. His practice offers a variety of services including preventive care, concierge medicine, hormone replacement therapy, testosterone replacement therapy, and personalized weight management programs.

📸 Pictured: Bill Totten, Sunrise Rotary President-Elect; Dr. Navi Arora; Jay Wallace, Program Chair

06/17/2026

Friday Night Plans? We've got you covered.

Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic, load up the golf cart, and head downtown this Friday evening for a FREE showing of The Goonies on the Old Courthouse Lawn!

Experience Downtown Effingham is bringing one of the most beloved adventure movies of all time to the heart of our community. Whether you're introducing your kids to this classic for the first time or reliving your own childhood memories, it's the perfect way to spend a summer evening in downtown Effingham.

📅 Friday, June 19
🕣 Movie starts at 8:30 PM
📍 Old Courthouse Lawn
🎟️ Free Admission, Concessions available for sale!

A big thank you to the Downtown Effingham Business Group, The Heart of Effingham, Visit Effingham, Effingham New Car Dealers, and more for helping create fun, family-friendly experiences right here in our community!

06/15/2026

WOW - A fun Rotary fact shared by our friends at the Effingham Noon Rotary Club. Who would have thought?!

Fun Fact! An early Rotary International project was the installation of public toilets! Additionally, early Effingham Noon Rotary Club meetings were held in the bathroom at the First National Bank building in Effingham! Must have been a very nice bathroom!

06/15/2026

Your lunch plans for July 3rd have officially been made.

Could you:
❌ Sit inside and eat leftovers
OR
✅ Eat a porkburger downtown while listening to live music and celebrating America’s 250th birthday?

Easy decision. 😂

06/14/2026

HAVE YOU ORDERED YOUR USA 250 SHIRT YET?

The countdown to July 3 is on, and there’s still time to grab one!

Show your American pride while helping support a great community event benefiting the Turkey Drop for Veterans. Whether you're enjoying lunch on the Courthouse Lawn, listening to live music from Lady Liberty, or spending the holiday weekend with family and friends, this shirt is the perfect way to celebrate America's 250th Birthday.

Order yours today:
https://effinghamsunriserotary.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Who already has theirs ordered? Let us know in the comments.

06/13/2026

🎶 LIVE MUSIC ALERT 🎶

We’re excited to welcome “Lady Liberty” to Downtown Effingham for the USA 250 Let Freedom Ring Cookout!

Nothing says patriotic summer afternoon like live music on the courthouse lawn. 🇺🇸☀️

Grab your lawn chair and come hang out with us July 3rd from 11AM–1PM!

06/12/2026

🍫 Sweet success starts with a little inspiration... and a lot of chocolate!

This week, Chris and Andrew Mathews of Blackbird Chocolate Company shared the story behind their growing business. What started with a chocolate farm tour while living in Vietnam eventually led them to training at a chocolate academy in Chicago and launching Blackbird Chocolate Co. in 2023.

Today, the husband-and-wife team crafts beautiful bon bons by hand, combining seasonal flavors, artistic designs, colored cocoa butter, and perfectly tempered chocolate to create edible works of art.

The next time you enjoy one of their chocolates, remember there's a whole lot of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion packed into every bite.

You can find Blackbird Chocolate Co. products locally at Firefly Grill, the Charleston House in Charleston, local events throughout the area, or online through their website and page.

Pictured below: Bill Totten, Sunrise Rotary President-Elect; Chris & Andrea Mathews; Holly Bray, Program Chair