Rotary Club of Kansas City Plaza

05/01/2026

World Immunization Week just wrapped up, and we’re proud to celebrate our impact through the Purple Pinkie Donuts fundraiser! 💜🍩 Through generous matching from Rotary districts and the Gates Foundation, every dollar raised becomes $7.50 toward polio eradication.

At an estimated cost of about $3 to vaccinate a child, each box of Purple Pinkie Donuts purchased during this event helps provide vaccines for approximately 60 children.

So, what’s a Purple Pinkie Donut? In countries where polio is still a threat, children under five receive oral vaccines twice a year. After vaccination, their pinkie nail is marked with purple ink to show they’ve been vaccinated. The donut’s purple frosting symbolizes that same mark—a small but powerful sign of progress toward ending polio.

We’re grateful to partner with Dunkin' for this annual fundraiser and proud to share that the KC Plaza Rotary Club's impact of over $11,000 toward polio eradication.

04/27/2026

For 25 years, Rotary District 6040 has come together to make a tangible difference through Shoes for Orphan Souls. This initiative provides new shoes to orphaned and vulnerable children around the world and in our local communities.

This year, our district goal was to collect 25,000 pairs in honor of our 25th anniversary, and thanks to the incredible generosity of Rotarians, we surpassed it with more than 29,000 pairs collected.

The photos capture one of the highlights of this effort—a district-wide “shoes caravan,” where Rotarians came together to collect and transport donations from across our clubs. It was an incredible show of collaboration and commitment.

Each pair represents more than just shoes—it’s comfort, dignity, and care for a child who needs it. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone year so meaningful.

04/26/2026

04/22/2026

In honor of Earth Day, members of the KC Plaza Rotary Club teamed up with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Urban Ranger Corps for a Swope Park cleanup. Together, we rolled up our sleeves to help keep one of Kansas City’s most treasured green spaces accessible and welcoming for the community.

Photo Credit: Merrell Bennekin

02/19/2026

For our meeting last week (2/13) we changed up our usual meeting space to explore the current featured exhibit "Everyday Democracy: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County" at the Johnson County Museum.

Everyday Democracy: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County
Now-January 9, 2027

"Democracy isn’t only written in founding documents or decided at the ballot box — it’s lived every day. For 250 years, people in Johnson County have claimed, challenged, and redefined the ideals of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Everyday Democracy explores how ordinary people shape democracy through their choices, voices, and communities — and asks what role each of us will play in its future."

www.JCPRD.com/museum

01/11/2026

On January 6th, club members & guests volunteered their time at Harvesters assembling bags of carrots.

We are excitedly awaiting the final count of how many 50 pound bags we helped put together!

12/29/2025

In addition to our service events, members of one of our social clubs, Whiskey Club, gathered over 500 items to be donated to a local Employee Food Bank!

12/28/2025

On 12/16 club members helped with food prep as well as served 250 guests at the Nourish KC Community Kitchen.

For 35 years, Nourish KC has been a cornerstone of Kansas City, working to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition. Their mission is about building connections, fostering hope, and driving meaningful change through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and the efforts of dedicated volunteers.

12/27/2025

On 12/10, The KC Plaza Women of Rotary Elves including organizer Kathy Hogarty, Frances Reddis, Susan Wylie and Denise Holt and Sue Frank from Project Homeless Connect delivered 18 sacks of goodies to the St. Michaels’ Veteran’s Center women veterans.

The lasagna dinner was the headliner at the Christmas party followed closely by Olive Garden breadsticks and mini bundt cakes. Frances led the Bingo game with Susan calling out the numbers until three prize winners emerged. A good time was had by all.

12/27/2025

Our Rotarians have been busy spreading holiday cheer through service, here is our recap.
12/4, We brought "Cocoa, Crafts, and Cheer" to residents at the Rose Brooks Center with ornament and stocking decorating, kids crafts, a “photo booth,” and of course a hot cocoa station.

12/12/2025

Club Member Mo Azeem is in Pakistan, where he is operating MinorCare Academy for children in underserved parts of the community.