Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club

09/08/2026

"Let's grow Rotary together!"

09/06/2026

Food insecurity in Montgomery County demands sustained action—and strong partnerships.

The Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club is building on its work with Upcounty Hub and So What Else to support local hunger-relief efforts and strengthen collaboration around food access, fundraising, transportation, and volunteer service.

In April 2026( https://lnkd.in/en4-Mmkv), we welcomed Grace Rivera-Oven, Founder and CEO of The UpCounty Hub, to one of our Club meetings and presented support for the organization’s food-assistance program.

On June 11, 2026 (https://lnkd.in/eBAc2dJQ) we hosted David Silbert , Executive Director of w So What Else, who shared the organization’s work addressing food insecurity and other community needs. We also helped promote So What Else’s “Nourish & Flourish” event on June 27, 2026, supporting greater awareness of local food rescue and hunger-relief efforts.

Our commitment is growing, and so is our vision: to bring together nonprofits, businesses, foundations, donors, and community leaders around practical, sustainable solutions to food insecurity.
There is more to do—and more partners to bring to the table.

09/06/2026

Helping local students build brighter futures! 🎓💙

Fellowship and educational opportunity came together at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club’s September 3, 2026 meeting, when we welcomed Javiera “Javi” Alarcon, Annual Fund Manager at Montgomery College.

Her presentation, “Reviving Our Legacy: Montgomery College & Potomac-Bethesda Rotary,” celebrated our shared history and explored an opportunity to renew our impact.

Since our partnership began in 1988, the club has supported 24 student scholarship recipients through $27,822 in historical giving.

Javi proposed reviving the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Scholarship with a $25,000 total commitment, beginning with $5,000 and continuing with annual $5,000 contributions. The proposed scholarship would exclusively support students with demonstrated financial need.

Why does this matter? Tuition and fees for a full-time, in-county Montgomery College student taking 30 credits total $5,394 for 2026–2027. A $5,000 scholarship could cover nearly that entire amount—reducing financial pressure and helping a student focus on learning.

Her presentation also highlighted $7,500 recently secured from Rotary District 7620, offering further momentum for student support.

Thank you, Javi, for an inspiring conversation about how community partnerships can open doors through education!

07/23/2026

07/23/2026

🎉 Happy Charter Night to the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club! 🎉

On July 16, 2026, we celebrated 46 years of Service Above Self, marking our club's charter on August 4, 1980.

It was an evening filled with gratitude, fellowship, and reflection as we honored the Rotarians who came before us, observed a moment of silence for members of blessed memory, and celebrated the friendships and service that continue to define our club.

We also looked ahead with renewed purpose—committing ourselves to growing our membership, expanding our fundraising efforts, strengthening our social media engagement, and increasing participation in Rotary District Grants so we can serve our community even more effectively.

The beautiful collection of Rotary banners and pennants from clubs across the United States and around the world was a wonderful reminder that Rotary truly connects communities across cultures and continents.

Thank you to every member—past and present—who has helped make the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club a place where service, fellowship, and leadership thrive.

💙💛 Here's to the next chapter of making a difference together!

06/25/2026

💙 Join Us in Fighting Food Insecurity!

The Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club recently had the pleasure of hosting David Silbert, Executive Director of So What Else, who shared the incredible work his organization is doing to fight hunger and support families across our community.

Now you have an opportunity to get involved!

We encourage our members, friends, and neighbors to support "Nourish & Flourish: An Inside Look at So What Else" on Saturday, June 27 by volunteering, sponsoring, or donating.

As a club committed to Service Above Self, we look forward to partnering with So What Else to help address food insecurity in Montgomery County and make an even greater impact together.

📍 So What Else Food Rescue Bank
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM (Volunteer shifts available 7:00 AM–3:00 PM)

Together, we can make a difference—one family, one meal, and one act of service at a time.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day from the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club!

Today, we celebrate fathers, grandfathers, mentors, guardians, and all father figures whose love, wisdom, guidance, and quiet sacrifices help strengthen families and build better communities.

Your example of service, leadership, compassion, and commitment inspires us. Thank you for all you do—seen and unseen.

Happy Father’s Day!

06/13/2026

📸 Meeting Highlights | June 11, 2026

The Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club was delighted to host David Silbert, Executive Director of So What Else, who shared the inspiring story of how the nonprofit is helping families and communities through food assistance, educational programs, and volunteer-driven initiatives.

His presentation reminded us that small acts of kindness, multiplied through community partnerships, can have a lasting impact on countless lives.

Thank you, David, for the important work you and the So What Else team do every day and for encouraging us to continue making a difference through service.

💙💛 Service Above Self

06/11/2026

📚 Meeting Highlights | May 7, 2026

The Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club was honored to host Peter C. Cohen, who spoke about his book, In Supreme Court's Own Words: Principles for Checking Presidential Power & Preserving the Republic.

Members enjoyed a fascinating discussion about the role of the Supreme Court, the balance of powers, and the constitutional principles that help preserve our democratic system. It was an excellent opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

We also enjoyed welcoming guests and celebrating the growing energy and fellowship within our club, including the participation of Steven Hwang, our newly appointed Newsletter Editor.

Thank you to Peter for an enlightening presentation and to everyone who joined us for another memorable Rotary meeting.

💙💛 Service Above Self

06/02/2026

The Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club was pleased to host Lieutenant Governor Ronnie Davis, who shared valuable fundraising strategies to help nonprofits expand their reach, engage supporters, and increase community impact.

We also celebrated Steven Hwang on his appointment as the Club's Newsletter Editor. Congratulations, Steven, and thank you for stepping into this important role!

💙💛 Service Above Self