Lebanon Illinois Rotary

09/07/2026

This spring, our club enjoyed a presentation about the GOYA Ministries, shared by Kelly Wilhelm. Her brother-in-law, Dan Wilhelm of Lebanon and his wife Chris are members of GOYA and are currently working in Magadi, Kenya.

GOYA Ministries has done amazing work in rescuing, housing and educating thousands of children since it's inception in 2006 by Chad Parker after he took a trip to Kenya and witnessed extreme poverty in the Mitumba slum. This ministry also has many of the same goals as Rotary International, including basic education and literacy, protecting the environment, health and disease prevention, and growing economies.

We are pleased to hear that their recent trip to Kenya resulted in a successful dental clinic and advancements in the agricultural program that helps feed and support the children. The well that was successfully dug a couple of years ago is also doing fantastic, providing over 1,000 children, teachers, and workers with fresh water, with plenty for the livestock and enough to share with area goat herders, tribesmen, and wildlife.

Chad Parker and his wife Roxanna, founders of GOYA, are members of the Bloomington Il Sunrise Club. We hope you enjoy the photos from their recent trip!

09/07/2026

08/24/2026

60 days until World Polio Day! Rotary International has led a historic global effort to eradicate polio for over 45 years. As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) launched in 1988, Rotary has helped reduce worldwide polio cases by 99.9%, protecting nearly 3 billion children across 122 countries.

08/22/2026

Two members of our Rotary Club and one future member joined with the Garden Club of Lebanon and Lebanon Illinois Lions Club members as we all helped with the mini Garden in downtown Lebanon in conjunction with McKendree's Into The Streets volunteer program.

This is what community is all about: pitching in and showing community members that we all care and work together to make a great little town.

08/11/2026

Thank you to all who attended!

08/05/2026

✨ August is Membership Month! ✨
People join Rotary for many reasons, but they stay because of the connections they build, the service they share, and the difference they make together.

This month, we're celebrating YOU, the members whose service, leadership, and commitment make Rotary what it is 💛

What's one Rotary experience you're grateful to have been part of?

Tell us why you're proud to be a Rotary member or what is your favorite Rotary-funded community project?

07/29/2026

In July, the Lebanon Rotary Club honored outgoing president Carl Thomas Berry, who led our club this year with great energy and enthusiasm. In addition, he brings an amazing level of creativity to the Interact Club and RYLA events he organizes. He will be continuing to work with the youth who belong to the Interact Club at the high school in Lebanon a long-time Interact leader Jeff Thornton .

We also welcomed our new district 6510 Governor, Libby Quinlan, of O'Fallon. We were honored to have him in attendance, share his vision for the growth rotary, and to have him swear in our new Lebanon Rotary Club president, Kelly Wilhelm.

We also thank Adam Evans, and the Lantern BLE restaurant for the use of his restaurant for our meetings and for the fantastic food that he always prepares.

07/28/2026

Wow, how the summer has flown! We have been busy serving our community via the Grab N Go lunch program and getting to say hello to some great kids every Monday. Best wishes to all the Lebanon and Summerfield parents as you prepare for the new school year!

07/28/2026

Lebanon High School has hosted our local Rotary club to sponsor an Interact Club for many years now, resulting in the members having many fun leadership activities, receiving scholarships, and having great references to put on college and job applications. Rotary International

What are the benefits?

Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:

Take action to make a difference in your school and community
Discover new cultures and promote international understanding
Become a leader in your school and community
Have fun and make new friends from around the world
What’s involved?

Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.

Celebrate the global impact of Interact by getting involved in:

World Interact Week
Interact Video Awards
Rotary Youth Day at the United Nations
Global Youth Service Day

How do I join?

Check with your school or contact a local Rotary club to find out if there’s an Interact club in your area. Contact us via our page or message Jeff Thornton .

Interact clubs empower youth ages 12–18 to develop leadership skills and make a difference through community and international service projects.

05/21/2026

Lebanon Illinois Rotary will be putting stickers on donated (used or new) books for Free Little Libraries in the area. We could use some help.
Thursday, May 21, 6:00 PM
St Paul's United Church of Christ, Lebanon
We have the stickers.
We have some books. More would be welcome.

Visit with us tonight!