Action Needed - Please RSVP by Thursday 8/27!

story thumbnail
August 31 Meeting: RSVP for our lunch meeting (pizza and cookies provided!) at the Ember Recovery Campus (32385 580th Ave, Cambridge, IA) using this link: https://forms.gle/odhzmpkrRmtt5w8v9
 
Please take a few moments to complete our Fall Planning Survey. Your input is essential as we organize our upcoming meetings, volunteer events, and fundraising initiatives.
Here is a quick overview of what the form covers:
 
  • Miracle League Volunteers: Sign up to be a buddy for games at Innis Grove Miracle League Field (Saturdays in August and September).
  • ISU Home Football Concession Stand: Volunteer to help raise funds for our Tanzania Water Projects and Community Grant Program at ISU home football games.
  • United Way Day of Caring (Sept 11): RSVP for the lunch and large-scale kit-building project at the ISU Alumni Center.
  • Rotary Committees: Select the committee(s) you would like to serve on for this Rotary year.

Please complete the form using this link: Fall Planning Survey
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to "Service Above Self"!
Action Needed - Please RSVP by Thursday 8/27! Tammy Koolbeck 2026-08-19 05:00:00Z 0

Ada Hayden Golf Cart Tours

story thumbnail

Volunteer Opportunity: Golf Cart Drivers Needed for 2026 Ada Hayden Golf Car Tours! We are looking for experienced golf cart drivers to assist with the upcoming 2026 Ada Hayden Golf Car Tours! These 90-minute tours are free for participants and designed specifically for the mobility-impaired, featuring commentary and Q&A from local experts via a system.

Dates & Shifts Available
* Dates: Wednesday, September 16th and Thursday, September 17th
* Shift Times: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

How to Sign Up: To register as a driver or ask questions, please contact Jim Patton at 712-830-3736.

Ada Hayden Golf Cart Tours Allyson Walter 2026-08-18 05:00:00Z 0

Welcoming Our Newest Members!

story thumbnail

On July 20th, President Tammy Koolbeck and Past President Kent Frankenfeld officially welcomed four outstanding new members to the Ames Rotary family. Please take a moment to greet them at our next meeting and learn more about the incredible experience and dedication they bring to our club:

Tom Snyder
Tom was born and raised in Spencer, Iowa, and earned his Civil Engineering degree from Iowa State University in 1978. He spent the majority of his career serving as a county engineer in Osceola County and was an active member of the Sibley Rotary Club for 25 years. Tom and his wife, Jan, moved to Ames two years ago to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In his free time, Tom enjoys reading, coin collecting, running, biking, traveling, cheering on ISU Athletics, and tending to his lawn and garden.

Steven Lawrence
A lifelong Ames resident, Steven serves as the Marketing Director at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA). He holds degrees in Marketing and Sports Management from Wartburg College, where he played baseball for the Knights. Deeply committed to community leadership, Steven serves on the boards of Friendship Ark, the Story County Community Foundation, and the Gilbert Tiger Gridiron Club, and is a graduate of Leadership Ames Class 36 (as well as a 2023 AREA "4 Under 40" honoree). In his free time, Steven enjoys golfing, traveling, commentating for Gilbert High School football, cheering on the Chiefs, Royals, and Cyclones, and spending time with his wife, Alissa, and daughter, Brooklyn.

Jennifer Hanson
Jennifer is the new Development and Communications Director at Food at First. A former Boone Rotarian, she previously served as the Executive Director of the Boone County Chamber of Commerce and has a rich background in nonprofit leadership and children/family ministry. Jennifer is a proud mom of four girls and is passionate about building community connections that make a lasting impact. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Ames Rotary family!

Amy Lang
Amy moved to Ames in 2023 to serve as Vice President of Business Services for MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union, helping empower local businesses with strategic financial guidance. Active in civic service, Amy is the Board President of Advanced Cap Access, Board Treasurer for The Ames Foundation, and a dedicated financial literacy advocate who frequently volunteers in elementary classrooms. Outside of her professional and community work, Amy is an accomplished runner (having completed 5 marathons), an avid biker, and loves spending time with her family and two cats.

Welcoming Our Newest Members! Allyson Walter 2026-08-11 05:00:00Z 0

“Before It Becomes More" campaign.

story thumbnail

On August 31st, the club will be meeting at Ember's Recovery Campus. Rotarian Andrew Allen will give us a tour and talk about the facility.

This podcast from the Ames Regional Economic Alliance came out on August 9th and features Andrew and NASCAR racer Carson Ware. 

On AREA Podcast episode #027, we’re joined by NASCAR driver Carson Ware and Andrew Allen, President & CEO of YSS, as they share the story behind the “Before It Becomes More” campaign. They discuss Ware’s journey through addiction and recovery, the importance of reducing stigma, and how he's using his NASCAR platform to encourage others to seek help.

Enjoy it prior to our visit and learn more about the "Before It Becomes More" campaign, Ember Recovery, and YSS.
 

“Before It Becomes More" campaign. Allyson Walter 2026-08-11 05:00:00Z 0

Volunteer! Fall Miracle League

story thumbnail

The Fall 2026 Miracle League season is here, and the Rotary Club of Ames needs your help to make it a home run for our players.

We are looking for "buddies" to assist players on the field, cheer from the sidelines, and ensure everyone has a blast. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or a first-timer, your energy makes all the difference.

How to Get Involved

  • Who: Rotarians, friends, and family are all welcome! It's a great way to spend a Saturday morning giving back.

  • Where: Join us at the Miracle League Field in Inis Grove Park.

  • Game Dates: August 22 - September 26 (no games on Saturday, Sept. 5)

  • Action: To commit to a date (or three!), please email rotaryclubofames@gmail.com.

  • Impact: You aren't just helping with a game; you're helping provide an organized league experience for children and adults with disabilities.

Let's show our community what "People of Action" look like in the dugout. See you at the park!

Volunteer! Fall Miracle League Allyson Walter 2026-08-04 05:00:00Z 0

Volunteer! United Way of Story County's Day of Caring 

story thumbnail

Ready to be People of Action in our community? ⚙️🤝

Join Rotarians and fellow community members for the United Way of Story County's Day of Caring on Friday, September 11!

This impactful day of service offers multiple ways to get involved:

  • 🥪 Afternoon: Head over to the ISU Alumni Center for lunch and join fellow Rotarians in a collaborative, large-scale kit-building project.

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Engagement: Bring the family for kid-friendly afternoon activities, including packing snack kits and planting flowers for our homebound neighbors.

Every project completed and kit assembled builds momentum for Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being in Story County.

Let's show up, make meaningful connections, and serve our community together!

👉 Sign up to volunteer today and make a difference on September 11! 

 

Volunteer! United Way of Story County's Day of Caring  Allyson Walter 2026-08-04 05:00:00Z 0

AHM's 2026 Fundraising Gala

story thumbnail

Hats Off to History!
Ames History Museum invites you to join us for a fun evening featuring dinner and drinks, a silent auction, a raffle, and awards. 

Wear a fancy, fun, or unique hat!

Friday, August 28, 2026
Social Hour 5:00 pm
Dinner 6:15 pm
Awards & Auction 7:15 pm

All proceeds from the event benefit the Ames History Museum's mission!

More information at AmesHistory.org/Gala

AHM's 2026 Fundraising Gala Allyson Walter 2026-07-30 05:00:00Z 0
Call for volunteers: Octagon Art Festival Sept 27 Allyson Walter 2026-07-22 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of Ames Awards $20,000 in Community Grants Allyson Walter 2026-06-24 05:00:00Z 0