Rhinebeck Rotary Club: Supporting Community Through Service and Fellowship

The Rhinebeck Rotary Club, an integral thread in the fabric of its community, continues to foster service and fellowship under the dynamic leadership of President Erica Murphy. With a focus on local impact and global understanding, the club has lined up a variety of projects and events to engage and uplift those in need.

One of the central upcoming events is the 35th Annual Golf Classic, set to take place on Wednesday, September 17th. It's to be hosted at the Red Hook Golf Club, with registration beginning at 9:30 AM and the event starting at 10:00 AM. Murphy encourages community participation, saying, “We encourage everyone to join us at the Golf Classic, it’s gonna be a great day… and share some prizes.” This event is an opportunity for golfers and non-golfers to come together, enjoy fellowship, and raise funds for the club's initiatives.

Following closely is another key event, "Light the Village," scheduled for Thursday, October 16th at Fosters. This joint initiative with the Rotary Clubs of Rhinebeck, Red Hook, and Hyde Park aims to support breast cancer awareness. “We want to do a fundraiser for you, for this foundation,” Murphy shares regarding the motivation behind the event, which supports breast cancer care at Northern Dutchess Hospital.

Beyond these events, the Rhinebeck Rotary Club maintains a busy calendar, reflecting its commitment to continuous service. They host monthly gatherings called “Canapés in Conversation,” aimed at fostering community dialogue and raising funds for various local charities. Murphy elaborates, “Every month...we either have fellowship just straight… or we sponsor a local charity.”

Internationally, the club supports the Interact Club’s spring break project in Guatemala, building on its successful history of service trips to Costa Rica. These ventures involve local high school students in projects that benefit communities in need, offering them valuable lessons in service and broadening their global perspective.

Locally, the Rhinebeck Rotary Club runs a winter coat drive and a spring bike collection. These efforts are spearheaded to ensure that those less fortunate in the community have what they need during the harsh winters and enjoy mobility throughout the year.

For those interested in learning more about the Rhinebeck Rotary Club and possibly joining, meetings take place every Monday at 12:15 PM at the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck. Additional details about their activities and community projects can be found on their website by googling "Rhinebeck Rotary Club."

Under Erica Murphy's leadership, the Rhinebeck Rotary Club exemplifies the spirit of “service above self,” uniting its members and the community around causes that matter. For more information on their activities or to become a Rotarian, visit rotary.org or reach out to Erica Murphy via email at EricaMurphy2015@gmail.com.

Listen to the full interview: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/hujMhT3fOXb