Community Spotlight: Kingston North Kitsap Rotary

Rotary clubs worldwide inspire innovative approaches to community service, and our Kingston North Kitsap Rotary is no exception. They’ve found creative ways to support our community during the pandemic. This local group pioneers new initiatives to support businesses, fundraise for local organizations, and preserve Kitsap’s history. Read on to find out how you can support their efforts. 

Rotary’s Motto in Action

This group’s motto is at the forefront of everything they do, stating that they “take on challenges in our community and beyond.” Kingston North Kitsap Rotary supports vocational experience, service, and leadership. They also engage youth through Interact Club, which involves 12 – 18-year-olds in local and international projects that promote Service Above Self. Our local Rotarians have led a variety of projects from raising $15,000 for Kingston’s Coffee Oasis to installing benches at the Village Green Community Center‘s park. Additionally, they engage in international service projects, including a literacy project in Cambodia and Laos.

“Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club are people of action. We are neighbors and friends who come together to have fun, enjoy fellowship and provide leadership on important community projects, activities, and events,” says Doug Hallock, a Kingston Rotary board member and Foundation Chair. Doug is also a former Rotary President and a Windermere Kingston Managing Broker who has been affiliated with Rotary since 1983.

Swing For Rotary & Kingston Order Bombers

Most known for their Swing For Rotary event, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary raises funds annually through a golf tournament. This fundraiser benefits Food for Kids, Kingston High School scholarships, North Kitsap’s schools, Senior Meals, Coffee Oasis, community projects and events, and international projects.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented 2020’s annual Swing for Rotary event. However, it is scheduled this year for June 18, 2021, and you can register now.

Rotarians have also been helping local businesses affected by the pandemic. KOB, also known as Kingston Order Bombers, is a group created by the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club. Essentially, they partner with restaurants from Hansville to Suquamish, Port Gamble to Kingston. Through this partnership, a group of caring community members supports a business by ordering take-out or making reservations. If you want to participate, email KingstonOrderBombers@gmail.com for more information.

Photos from Rotary Kingston North Kitsap.

Saving Scout Hall

Kingston North Kitsap Rotary is proudly restoring Scout Hall, a piece of Kingston’s history. Structurally, it was not enduring the test of time. Many Kingston residents have fond memories of Scout Hall. It was a hub for young boy scouts to learn essential leadership and life skills. Rather than have it torn down, our local Rotarians stepped in to restore the building. Additionally, they chartered a chapter of Boy Scouts so the program could continue.

“Without a doubt, Kingston Rotary Club is vital to this community! Their latest project to save the Scout Hall was monumental!” says Jet Woelke, Managing Broker. “Scout Hall desperately needed a new roof and structural repairs because it was on the brink of collapsing. If not for the Rotary Club, it would have been demolished. A part of Kingston’s history would be gone!” 

Donate During Kitsap Great Give or Get Involved

From joining the Kingston Order Bombers’ efforts to participating as a golfer in Swing For Rotary, there are many ways to contribute to Kingston North Kitsap Rotary’s work. Right now, you can donate to Kingston North Kitsap Rotary through Kitsap Great Give. This annual event helps hundreds of nonprofits. This year, early giving goes from April 1 – 19 with the big Great Give day happening on April 20, 2021. Local sponsors boost donations, so your donation means even more. You can also give back by becoming a member. It’s a great way for established professionals to make an impact.