Sunrise Rotary Club of Gainesville

Home
United States
Gainesville, FL
Sunrise Rotary Club of Gainesville

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Welcome! We meet Thursdays, 7:00 am, at the Hilton UF Hotel Conference Center, 1714 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607. Go Gators!

We are all big fans of the University of Florida. We are part of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.

10/09/2026

Last Thursday, Sunrise Rotarians heard from Jonelle Toothman, CEO and co-founder of Nextgen Biologics, which is based in Alachua. Nextgen Biologics has developed a skin wound product called Neomatrix that causes less scaring. Other products are in process including skin care.

The product uses the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), an aquatic salamander, which is renowned for its remarkable regenerative capabilities, enabling it to regrow limbs, heart, and even portions of the brain throughout its life. Unlike humans, axolotls regenerate skin wounds without forming fibrotic tissue, restoring fully functional skin complete with glands, pigmentation, and normal structure.

09/25/2026

The UF EyeOpener Discovery Breakfast was held yesterday morning at the same time as Sunrise Rotary’s weekly meeting. Thanks to Sunrise member and UF Assistant Vice President for Community Relations, Karen Thomas, we joined the UF breakfast with front-row tables.

UF President Stuart Bell was the speaker and informed us about the local, state and international impact of UF not only in economic terms, but also on the contributions of student graduates, research and innovation through sponsored research, technology sponsored programs and innovation jobs driven from all disciplines. Dr. Bell is new to UF, learning as much as he can quickly about the organization and is launching a strategic planning process.

09/18/2026

District 6970 Governor Bo Norton spoke to Sunrise Rotary at this week’s Thursday morning meeting. President-elect Paul Schneider was the host.

Governor Norton pointed out the ways that Sunrise Rotary had contributed to the Gainesville community over the years and told us we were a fun and generous club. We agree!

He covered a number of Rotary traditions, including the origin of the Four-Way Test, End Polio Now and Paul Harris Fellows.

Governor Norton also pointed out that the current Rotary International President from Nigeria is the first RI President to start in Rotary in a Rotaract Club. This was fitting since we had two Rotaractors from Santa Fe College attending the meeting.

09/14/2026

Santa Fe College’s Freedom to Learn program will hold "Freedom to Learn Film Festival: A Premier Event” on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The program will be held from 7 - 8 PM at the Lyceum on the Northwest Campus.

The evening is centered on two short films that explore the transformative power of education, healing and second chances.

The Silent (R)evolution: Freedom from the Inside Out tells the story of Julius Irving, whose unexpected courtroom experience becomes the catalyst for a deeply personal journey of accountability, healing, and transformation. As he navigates a system often focused on punishment rather than restoration, Julius discovers that true freedom is built through education, mentorship, and community.
Uncarcerated challenges us to imagine a different response to mental health crises by asking a powerful question: What if we treated mental health as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice issue? The film invites audiences to consider how compassion, care, and community-based solutions can create pathways to healthier individuals and stronger communities.
Following the screenings, viewers are encouraged to stay for a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring the filmmakers and SF students reflecting on the films' themes. Together, they will explore the impact of education, rehabilitation, peer mentorship, and community support in creating opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and reducing future system involvement.

The program includes a welcome from Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie and closing remarks from Shelby Mikkelson, Freedom to Learn Specialist.

Tickets may be purchased at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/freedomtolearn/event/f2lfilmfestival2026/

100% of revenue from ticket sales will be used for Freedom to Learn student scholarships.

08/23/2026

Dorothy Zimmerman, beloved member of Sunrise Rotary Club died peacefully at home on August 16, 2026. She was a longtime UF communications leader, having worked for over three decades, first at Florida Sea Grant and then the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. A Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created to benefit future students at both organizations.

The Memorial Scholarship Fund can be found at this link: https://giving.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/030493-the-dorothy-l-zimmerman-memorial-scholarship/ The goal is to reach $50,000 which will create an endowment to serve as a legacy for Dorothy.

The memorial page for Dorothy is at this link: https://bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu/in-memoriam-dorothy-l-zimmerman/. It also includes a link to the obituary and the scholarship fund.

The obituary can be viewed here: Dorothy Louise Zimmerman - Crevasse's Simple Cremation

08/13/2026

Starting off the school year by dropping off supplies!

We were excited to deliver supplies from Sunrise Rotary of Gainesville to Idylwild Elementary. Thank you for helping make sure our students and teachers have what they need for a great start to the school year.

We appreciate your continued support of Alachua County Public Schools

If you or your business would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you.

08/03/2026

Sunrise Rotarians had a great week since last Thursday. On Saturday, five members attended the District 6970 Rotary Learning Institute at Santa Fe College in Gainesville. Kista, Chuck, Darleen and Holly were learning or leading during the event. Dan was meeting about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.

Last Thursday was the third and final week of the school supply drive, led by Kathy. Enough supplies to fill Kathy’s car were donated and will be used by teachers and students as they begin the new school year. Also in the photo are Bill and President Bill.

07/14/2026

Has your Rotary club banner been unfurled on the top of Thorongla Pass in Nepal? The banner for Gainesville Sunrise Rotary has!

On May 21st, Surise member KC Cole and wife Hera, summitted the Thorongla Pass in Nepal and captured these photos with the Gainesville Sunrise Rotary Flag. This was the pinnacle of their 18-day journey to complete the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek; approximately 130 miles of trekking starting in the town of Dharapani and ending in the town of Ulleri. Highlights from the trip included stays in the towns of Chame, Ngawal, Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Pedi, Muktinath, Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani, and Ghorepani with a final hike to P**n Hill with a majestic view of the Himalayas.

This was a major accomplishment for these Rotary flat landers that took nearly a year of planning and physical preparation. They completed this trek with eight other friends (from Gainesville, FL) as part of a small expedition including five porters and three guide from the Nepal Hiking Team who were absolutely amazing.

Hera and KC left Nepal with a great appreciation for the people of Nepal and their spirit of giving and kindness.

07/08/2026

In February, 26 friends went on a Viking Ocean Cruise “In Search of the Northern Lights.” Five were past presidents of Sunrise Rotary and were all Gators. They are featured in the Summer 2026 issue Gators Going Global section of “Florida Gator,” the alumni magazine of the University of Florida.

06/30/2026

Last Thursday evening was the Transition Dinner for the Sunrise Rotary Club of Gainesville. Once some of us navigated our way from The Gatherings at Arbor Greens Apartments to the Arbor Greens Clubhouse, a good time was had by all. Immediate past president Bobbie Robinson gave a heartwarming talk about her experiences as our club president and an eye-opening summary of the great things we accomplished for our community over the past year.

Thank you, Bobbie for your efforts and leadership!

Address

1714 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL
32607

Opening Hours

7am - 8am

Telephone

+3523775901

Website

http://gainesvillesunriserotary.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sunrise Rotary Club of Gainesville posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Sunrise Rotary Club of Gainesville:

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Gainesville?