Answering the “what is Rotary” question would take thousands of words and many photos but answering “what is Whitehall Bexley Rotary Club?” is easier.

We are a service organization that gives back to our community. Have you seen the climbing wall at the Whitehall YMCA? We sponsored that. Are you aware of the Bexley high student who is currently in Taiwan on the Rotary Youth Exchange Program? We sponsored that. Our college-bound kids from Bexley, Whitehall-Yearling, St. Charles, CSG, Bishop Hartley, Eastmoor Academy, Walnut Ridge, Africentric HS who’ve applied for scholarships? We award $20,000 in scholarships each year. We pack food boxes for Center of Hope, help make blankets for foster kids, participate in the “Socktober” new socks drive for those who have none. Each year we give back about $40,000 to our communities along with hours of happy sweat equity. Some recent organizations that we’ve helped fund are Heart of Ohio Family Health in Whitehall, The Whitehall YMCA and Move to PROSPER – a three year program that gives young families a “leg up” in getting into a safer neighborhood.

Well, then who are we, you ask? We are long-term members and brand-new ones. We are veterans, business owners, librarians, council members, hourly employees, retirees and folks in all walks of life. Our Bexley superintendent Jason Fine is a long-time Rotarian, and the mayors of both Bexley and Whitehall are honorary members. By the time you read this, we will have inducted Bexley Police Chief Gary Lewis and the parents of the Rotary Youth Exchange student in Taiwan, because they believe in that program so much.

We meet the first and second Friday of each month at MCL Restaurant and Bakery at 5240 E. Main St. And to mix things up a bit, we get together for a casual, evening social at various locations. We’d love to have you visit any of those events. All are welcome.

To confirm a location or if you have questions, please email us at info@whitehallbexleyrotary.com.